English Language Proficiency Requirement

RECBC recognizes that strong language skills are essential for real estate professionals. In BC, all new licence applicants must demonstrate their English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening by taking the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP-General) test.

Proficiency Level

To qualify to write the real estate licensing examination, students must achieve a Level 7 or higher on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) of the CELPIP-General test.

Find out more about satisfying the English Language Proficiency requirement.

Exemptions

Students may qualify for an exemption to the language proficiency requirement by providing the UBC Sauder School of Business, Real Estate Division with proof that they:

  • have graduated with a bachelor degree or higher from a recognized university degree program at an accredited university, college or technical institute at which English is the primary language of instruction, or
  • are licensed in another jurisdiction in Canada and have satisfied that jurisdiction’s language requirements.

For more information about relocating from another jurisdiction in Canada, please see Relocating to BC.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I am required to re-take the licensing course. Will I have to re-take the CELPIP-General test?

    The CELPIP-General Test is valid for three years from the date the test was taken. If it has been more than three years since you took the CELPIP-General Test, you will need to take it again.

  • I have taken English courses, will they satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement?

    Unless you hold a bachelor degree or higher from an accredited university, college, or technical institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you will need to take the CELPIP-General test.

  • I have taken college courses, do they count?

    Unless you hold a bachelor degree or higher from an accredited university, college, or technical institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you will need to take the CELPIP-General test.

  • I was born in Canada and English is my first language, do I still need to take the CELPIP-General Test?

    Yes. Unless you hold a bachelor degree or higher from an accredited university, college, or technical institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you will be required to take the CELPIP-General test.

  • I have a diploma/certificate from a college, will it satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement?

    No. Unless you hold a bachelor degree or higher from an accredited university, college, or technical institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you will be required to take the CELPIP-General test.

  • Can I combine scores from two sittings of the CELPIP-General test to satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement?

    No. You must achieve a level 7 or higher on each component of the CELPIP-General test in one sitting. If you do not achieve a level 7 or higher on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking, listening), you must re-take the entire test.