Any person or business engaged in the sale of real estate for others in Nova Scotia. This includes persons representing either the buyers or the sellers.

Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission

General Information - info@nsrec.ns.ca
Licensing Information - licensing@nsrec.ns.ca
Complaints - compliance@nsrec.ns.ca

An application form can be obtained from the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission. When completed, it is submitted to the Commission, along with the applicable fees (payable to the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission).  The application process includes background checks, examinations and licensing fees.

Applicants for a Salesperson's Licence must:

1. Successfully complete the Salesperson's licensing course;
2. Successfully pass the Salesperson's examination (pass mark is 70%);
3. Submit an individual application form, signed by a Broker Representative;
4. Submit a copy of their Birth Certificate and Driver's Licence; and
5. Submit the licensing, background check fees and recovery fund fees.

Applicants for a Broker's Licence must:

1. Have 3years experience as a salesperson;
2. Successfully complete the Broker/Manager licensing course;
3. Successfully pass the Broker's examination (pass mark is 70%);
4. Submit completed broker and brokerage application forms;
5. Submit the licensing and recovery fund fees;
6. Submit confirmation from a deposit-taking institution in Nova Scotia that an interest bearing trust account has been opened; and
7. Submit a photo or sketch of the For Sale sign.
8. Submit a copy of Registry of Joint Stock Certificate.

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the licence will be sent to the applicant by mail.

1. For a company licence: Approximately 21 days, provided that all the items which must accompany the application have been received.
   
   
2. For a salesperson: A conditional licence is issued immediately to a person who presents a completed application in person at the Commission offices, subject to certain terms and conditions.

This licence is valid for up to one year, covering the period from July 1 of one year until June 30 of the next.  The Commission will send a renewal form to the licence holder before the licence expires.

Initial Application	Licence Fee	Recovery Fund
Broker	$300	$200
Managing Associate Broker	$275	$200
Salesperson/Associate Broker	$230	$100
Annual Application	Licence Fee	Recovery Fund
Broker/Managing Associate Broker	$205	$85
Salesperson/Associate Broker	$205	$50

Company Registration with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies

Solicitors selling real estate, as part of the duties of their practice, are exempt.

Who is regulated under this Act?

1. Real Estate Brokers - A person (Company), who, on behalf of another and for compensation, trades in real estate or holds itself out as doing so.
   
   
2. Managing Associate Broker or Salesperson/Associate Broker – A person employed, appointed or authorized by a real estate broker to trade in real estate.

What is regulated?

1. Real Estate Trading - this includes a disposition or acquisition of, or transaction in, real estate by sale, purchase, agreement for sale, exchange, option, lease, rental or otherwise; and any offer with respect to any of these items.
   
   
2. The level of expertise of brokers and salespeople.
   
   
3. The manner in which monies received by real estate brokers and salespeople are administered.
   
   
4. Business standards and code of conduct.

Real Estate Trading Act, 1996, Chapter 28