Training and career in real estate

To access the real estate or mortgage broker’s exciting career, what training should be taken? Discover the requirements to practice real estate and mortgage brokerage and learn more about recognized mandatory basic training programs. By checking this section, you will also know what tools are available to you to practice the profession according to generally accepted practices.

Return of the mandatory basic training: Important information for candidates

In an effort to enhance brokers’ skills and address the concerns of real estate professionals, any candidate wishing to take the OACIQ certification exam as of September 1, 2013 must have previously taken and passed a basic training program recognized by the OACIQ.

Conditions of access to the profession

The competency frameworks are guides to help future brokers understand what competencies must be developed and mastered in order to act ethically and responsibly in their brokerage practice.

Educational institutions and training programs accredited by the OACIQ

The OACIQ provides the public and licence holders with the name of various educational institutions offering training programs in real estate brokerage.

Telephone information and solicitation services: Know how to use them legally

Before doing business with this type of company, it is important that real estate brokers and agents make sure they follow the rules regarding advertising, representations and the soliciting of clients.

Heavy fines for carrying out the activity of an agency and broker illegally

April 8, 2013 - 16:39

Carrying out the activity of a real estate or mortgage agency or broker illegally is a violation of the Real Estate Brokerage Act. 

Mortgage fraud and illegal brokerage

September 28, 2012 - 11:26

Sometimes a real estate or mortgage broker can be faced with an illegal brokerage situation as part of his brokerage transactions. In such situations, there are particularly activities relating to mortgage fraud, putting public protection at increased risk. Here are a few examples of illegal and fraudulent practices, brought to the attention of the Organization’s investigators in the course of their investigations.

Convictions for illegal practice

September 28, 2012 - 12:29

In Québec, any real estate brokerage transaction, for others and for remuneration, must be carried out by a real estate agency or broker, holding an OACIQ licence. Failure to comply with this rule constitutes a violation under the Real Estate Brokerage Act and exposes the offender to legal proceedings before the Court of Quebec.

The 2011-2012 issues regarding illegal practice

One of the OACIQ’s mandates is to conduct investigations and bring criminal charges, if any, against the non-licence holders who engage in acts that are reserved for brokers. In recent years, the assistance requests addressed to the OACIQ concerning illegal practice of real estate or mortgage brokerage have increased substantially.

Illegal practice

January 4, 2011 - 11:14

In Quebec, any real estate brokerage transaction, for compensation and for others, must be carried out by a duly certified real estate broker or agent, i.e. one who holds a certificate to practice issued by the ACAIQ.

Illegal practice

December 13, 2010 - 15:52

In Quebec, any real estate or mortgage brokerage transaction, for compensation and for others, must be carried out by a certified real estate or mortgage broker or agency, i.e. holding a valid licence issued by the OACIQ. A contravention of this rule constitutes a violation under the Real Estate Brokerage Act and exposes the violator to legal proceedings before the Court of Quebec.

A verbal agreement makes no difference

PRACTICE

From January to July 2004, Denis Talbot, a former real estate agent who had not renewed his certificate expired on December 31, 2003, performed various real estate brokerage acts by acting as intermediary in the sale of one of his friends’ property.

A suspended or revoked licence bars the holder from practicing

A real estate or mortgage broker whose licence is suspended or revoked is no longer authorized to practice his profession or carry out brokerage transactions. He must cease any real estate or mortgage brokerage-related activity.