Finishing your Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management (BS REM) is just the start of your career journey. Now that you have a solid understanding of how the real estate industry works, the next step is to earn your license and start applying what you’ve learned!
This guide explains the steps to take after earning your degree, from applying for a real estate license in the Philippines to meeting the requirements for becoming a licensed broker.
Why Getting Licensed Matters
Your degree provides the knowledge to launch your career, but a license is what establishes you as a recognized professional. Under the Real Estate Service Act of 2009 (RA 9646), anyone who wants to practice as a real estate broker, appraiser, or consultant needs to be licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Getting licensed:
- Builds trust and credibility with clients. People prefer to work with professionals who are verified by the government.
- Lets you work legally. With it, you can now represent clients, sign contracts, and earn commissions.
- Opens more real estate career opportunities, whether in brokerage firms, property management companies, or even your own business.
If you’ve finished your BS REM degree, you already meet the educational requirement. The next step is completing the process for licensure.
How to Get a Real Estate License in the Philippines
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how you can become a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines after graduating:
1. Complete Your BS REM Degree
You’ll need an official transcript of records or diploma from a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-accredited school. The transcript should include the note “For Board Examination Purposes,” which the PRC requires when you apply for the exam.
2. Prepare the PRC Requirements
Before applying for the exam, gather all the necessary documents. These usually include:
- A filled-out application form from the PRC
- A recent passport-size photo
- An original and photocopy of your birth certificate (from PSA or NSO)
- Transcript of Records or diploma
- NBI clearance
- For married women, a marriage certificate
You can find the complete list on the PRC website. Make sure to double-check the deadlines for filing your application so you don’t miss the following exam schedule.
3. Take and Pass the Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination
The Real Estate Broker Licensure Exam is handled by the PRC’s Board of Real Estate Service. It covers topics such as real estate law, principles of property valuation, finance, brokerage practices, and property management.
Most graduates take a review course to prepare. Review centers can help you refresh what you learned in college, give you sample exams, and walk you through the process of taking the test.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive your license and can start working as a professional broker.
4. Register with Other Relevant Agencies
Depending on the kind of work you’ll do, you may also need to register with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), especially if you plan to sell subdivisions or condominium units.
5. Keep Learning and Renew Your License
Even after getting licensed, your learning doesn’t stop. You’ll need to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to renew your license and stay updated on new laws, trends, and practices.
Requirements for a Real Estate Broker License in the Philippines
To qualify for a broker license, you must meet the following PRC requirements:
Educational Requirement
- A bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Management (BS REM) from a CHED-accredited school.
- Your Transcript of Records must include a scanned photo and the remark “For Board Examination Purposes.”
Personal Requirements
- You must be a Filipino citizen.
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must be of good moral character and have no criminal record.
Documentary Requirements
When applying for the PRC exam, prepare:
- Duly accomplished application form
- Birth certificate (PSA/NSO)
- Transcript of Records or diploma
- NBI clearance
- Passport-sized photos with a name tag and a white background
- Marriage certificate (for married women)
- Any other documents required by the PRC
Examination Requirement
- You must take and pass the PRC Real Estate Broker Licensure Examination.
- The exam schedule, deadlines, and fees are posted on the PRC website.
Once you’ve passed, you’ll take your oath as a licensed broker and receive your PRC ID.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
1. Gather Your Documents Early
Some documents, like NBI clearance and transcripts, can take time to process. Start collecting them as soon as you finish your degree.
2. Stay Updated on Exam Schedules
The PRC updates its exam schedule on its official site and Facebook page. Keeping track of these dates helps you plan your review and submission timelines.
3. Join a Review Center
Even if you graduated recently, a review center can help you focus on the most important topics and give you practice exams that simulate the real test.
4. Network with Other Graduates and Professionals
Stay in touch with your former classmates, professors, and people already working in real estate. They can offer advice, share their experiences, and even help you find job opportunities once you’re a licensed real estate agent in the Philippines.
5. Be Ready for Professional Development
After you get your license, take part in on-site or online degree programs and workshops. These not only help you renew your license but also keep you informed about new market trends, policies, and technologies.
Final Thoughts
Finishing your BS REM degree is an exciting milestone, but getting your Philippine real estate license is what turns your education into a real career. The process may seem detailed, but with preparation and patience, you can achieve it.
Start by gathering your documents, keeping track of PRC announcements, and studying for the licensure exam. Once you’re licensed, you’ll have the credentials and confidence to take on new opportunities and grow in the real estate field.
No matter your background, it’s never too late for a career change to real estate management. OEd’s flexible bachelor’s degree programs for working adults let you study when it fits your schedule and prepare for a fulfilling future in real estate.