RECA Exam
RECA Pre-licensing Exam
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ExploreAbout this exam
The RECA Pre-licensing Exam is the assessment that stands between completing a recognized pre-licensing course and applying to be licensed in Alberta's regulated real estate industry. It is not open to the public: only learners whose course provider has marked them 'Ready for Exam' in myRECA can purchase a sitting, and learners must pass before the course expiration date shown in myRECA. Sittings are delivered by Pearson at test centres. From the date of eligibility, learners have three months to schedule and complete up to two attempts, at $235 per attempt, and a minimum score of 70% is required to pass. Fundamental exams include 120 questions; all other exams include 100. RECA does not publish a domain-by-domain outline on this page. Candidates are directed to the Resource Hub under Pre-licensing for the Exam Blueprints, Exam Weighted Charts, Exam Preparation Guide, Exam Abbreviations, Education Code of Conduct and Exam FAQs, which together define what is tested and how it is weighted. Because results are pass/fail and question-level feedback is never given, the most reliable preparation is blueprint-guided study followed by the optional online prep exam: $65 per attempt, up to three attempts, 90 minutes, 75 questions on the same platform, with a competency breakdown whether you pass or fail.
What you'll study
About RECA Exam preparation
How many questions are on the pre-licensing exam, and how long do I have?
Fundamental exams include 120 questions; all other exams include 100. RECA's exams page does not publish a time limit for pre-licensing exams, so confirm your sitting time on the booking confirmation you receive from Pearson after you schedule, and review the Exam Preparation Guide in the Resource Hub beforehand.
What score do I need to pass, and will I see my percentage?
A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. Results are reported as pass/fail, and exam score percentages are not provided, so you will not see a percentage even when you pass. If you do not pass, you receive a competency score report showing where your knowledge was weak.
How many attempts do I get and what does each one cost?
From the date of eligibility you have three months to schedule and complete up to two attempts, and the cost is $235 per attempt. Learners who do not pass the permitted rewrite must re-enrol in the course before attempting the exam again. Attempting to exceed the permitted number of attempts violates the Education Code of Conduct.
When am I allowed to purchase and book the exam?
Your course provider must first set you to 'Ready for Exam' in myRECA, and RECA then emails you the exam information. After that, log in to myRECA, open the Education tab and select 'Purchase Pre-licensing Exam'. You must pass before the course expiration date shown in myRECA - no exception.
Where is the exam written, and who handles my booking?
Pre-licensing exams are administered by Pearson at test centres. RECA cannot change your booking or provide refunds, so contact Pearson directly for scheduling changes. If you require accommodations, submit your request to Pearson and await approval before booking, as processing may take several business days.
Is the prep exam worth the money?
The prep exam costs $65 per attempt, allows up to three attempts, runs 90 minutes online with 75 questions, and uses the same platform as the pre-licensing exam. It does not provide answers. A competency breakdown is issued whether you pass or fail, which makes it a useful diagnostic before booking the real sitting.
What is the cooling-off policy?
A mandatory three-month cooling-off period applies after a learner writes the same exam four consecutive times. During that period you may not re-enrol in the same course or retake the exam, although enrolment in a different course is permitted. The policy supports additional preparation and protects exam validity and integrity.
Will I get feedback on the questions I got wrong?
No. RECA exams are not formative and do not include question-specific feedback. The only diagnostic available is a competency score report, and for pre-licensing exams that report is provided only when you do not pass. Write a prep exam if you want a competency breakdown regardless of outcome.
In what order should I study and prepare?
Start with the Exam Blueprints and Exam Weighted Charts in the Resource Hub so your study time matches how each competency is weighted. Then work through the Exam Preparation Guide and Exam Abbreviations, and finish with a prep exam to identify weak competencies before booking the real sitting.
Where do I find my score report afterwards?
Log in to myRECA, open the Education tab, and check Course History if you passed or used both attempts, or Enrolled Courses if one attempt remains. When redirected to Pearson's dashboard, select My Account and click to view score reports.