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Updated Language Proficiency Requirements for New Licence Applicants Take Effect on September 1, 2017
Updated Language Proficiency Requirements for New Licence Applicants Take Effect on September 1, 2017
Effective September 1, 2017, new licensing course students and those licensing students who have not already satisfied the language proficiency requirements must meet a more comprehensive standard of English proficiency by demonstrating their competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Licensing course students must achieve a Level 7 or higher on the four components of the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program — General (CELPIP) test, or be exempted in one of the following ways:
- Graduation from a recognized university degree program at an accredited university, college of technical institute at which English is the primary language of instruction.
- Licensed in another jurisdiction in Canada and has satisfied that jurisdiction’s language requirements.
The English language proficiency requirement must be satisfied before students can register for the licensing exam.
English language proficiency is an essential skill for real estate practitioners. A real estate licensee’s ability to communicate verbally and in writing with consumers and other licensees is critical for the delivery of competent services. Many British Columbians speak languages other than English as their first language, and may choose to work with a real estate licensee with whom they can communicate in the language of their choice. However, real estate contracts and standard forms in British Columbia are in English. As part of the Council’s mandate to protect the public interest, it requires all first-time applicants to demonstrate this comprehensive proficiency in English.
Learn More
To find out more about the updated requirements, read the:
- News Bulletin: Council Updates Language Proficiency Requirements for New Licence Applicants
- How to Satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement
- Education Guidelines
If you have questions, please contact the Council’s education department at 604-683-9664, toll-free 1-877-683-9664, or by email at education@recbc.ca.
This information is provided to you by the Real Estate Council of British Columbia (RECBC).
Your feedback is always welcome and can be sent to info@recbc.ca.
