BCREAs New Professional Development Program

Early January, BCREA excitedly announced the rollout out of its new Professional Development Program. Helping to enhance REALTOR® professionalism while offering more ‘diverse’ learning opportunities, the new program transitioned from a points-based system to a requirement that learners complete a set number of learning hours. As completion of the new PDP program is necessary for renewing one’s licence, it’s important you understand the new requirements.

Here’s a brief recap of BCREA’s new Professional Development Program.

The Old PDP System

With the previous PDP requirements, members of BCREA were required to complete 18 points within three categories (A, B, and C) within every two-year licensing cycle. Included in the 18-points could be courses meant to satisfy requirements specific to the Real Estate Council.

The New PDP System

Requiring learners to complete 18-hours rather than 18 points, members must complete 12 ‘accredited’ hours plus 6 ‘self-directed’ hours within each two-year licensing cycle. Where council courses like Legal Update (still mandatory through REC) used to count toward one’s BCREA education requirements, the new program won’t include them.

Current Courses Still Required by Council but Not Acknowledge for PDP Hours

** Rule Changes: Agency and Disclosure

** Legal Update

** Anti-Money Laundering in Real Estate

6 Self-Directed Hours

Perhaps the most anticipated component of the education program is the ability to complete and submit Self-Directed Hours. Intended for learning that’s beyond the board and BCREA, Self-Directed Hours can be learning tailored for your real estate interests and needs. Of course, to be approved by BCREA, your Self-Directed Hours must meet the following criteria:

** It’s learning that will enhance your professional practice.

** It’s learning that’s verifiable and auditable by your board, meaning you’ll have proof of completion.

** Be a minimum of one hour in length.

Self Directed Learning Examples

** Conferences

** Panels

** Webinars

** Workshops

** In-Person Learning

** Online Learning

Topics That May Count

** Social media

** Technology tools

** Public speaking

** Environmental due diligence

** Managing teams

** Financial planning

** Time management

** Landscaping

** Drone operation

** Real safety

** Home staging

** Leadership

** Languages

** Short-term rentals

** Real estate investing

** Business development

12 Accredited Hours

Though most learners might be excited to earn self-directed hours, it’s permissible to fulfill all learning through accredited learning. Learning that’s accredited by your local board or by BCREA is consider to be ‘accredited’. Use this link to see accredited learning opportunities.

The Bottom Line

Still required are courses mandatory through the Real Estate Council. In addition, BCREA’s new program required 18-hours, which may be all accredited hours or may include a maximum of 6 self-directed hours.