Education · 1 of 4

The path

No degree needed. A course, an exam, a brokerage to sponsor you, then years of building a name.

  1. 1

    High school

    Grade 12

    Math, business, English and any sales experience. You must be an adult to hold a licence.

  2. 2

    Licensing course

    Weeks to a few months

    In Ontario, the Level 1 mortgage agent course: about 40 hours online, a 50-question multiple-choice exam, 60% to pass. Other provinces have their own course.

  3. 3

    Get sponsored and licensed

    Weeks

    A licensed brokerage must take you on before the regulator issues your licence. Background and credit checks apply.

  4. 4

    Work as an agent

    2 to 3 years

    Find clients, gather documents, submit applications to lenders, get deals closed.

  5. 5

    Level 2 and broker licence

    After about 2 years

    More courses plus experience as an agent. A broker can run a brokerage and supervise agents.