Requirements for Real Estate Practice
Complete guide to the requirements for practicing real estate in the Philippines. education, licensure exam, PRC registration, and renewal requirements under RA 9646.
Qualifications for the Licensure Exam
“In order to be admitted to the licensure examination for real estate service, a candidate shall, at the time of filing his/her application, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she possesses the following qualifications: (a) A citizen of the Philippines; (b) A holder of a relevant bachelor's degree from a state university or college, or other educational institution duly recognized by the CHED: Provided, That as soon as a course leading to a Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Service is implemented by the CHED, the Board shall make this course a requirement for taking the licensure examination; and (c) Of good moral character, and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.”
What This Means
To take the PRC licensure exam, you need three things: Filipino citizenship, a relevant bachelor's degree from a CHED-recognized institution, and good moral character. The law says "relevant bachelor's degree". in practice, the Board accepts any bachelor's degree supplemented with real estate subjects. Once CHED implements a BS Real Estate Service degree, that will become the required course.
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must hold a relevant bachelor's degree from a CHED-recognized school
- Must be of good moral character (no conviction for crimes of moral turpitude)
- For consultant exam: additional 10 years experience as broker/assessor/appraiser required
- The Board may require a BS Real Estate Service degree once CHED implements it
Real-World Scenario
Patricia has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from a CHED-recognized university. She wants to become a licensed real estate broker. She is unsure if her non-real-estate degree qualifies her.
Can Patricia take the PRC broker exam with her Communication degree?
The PRC Licensure Examination
“In order that a candidate may be deemed to have successfully passed the examination, he/she must have obtained an average of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in all subjects, with no rating below fifty percent (50%) in any subject.”
What This Means
The passing standard is strict: you need at least 75% overall average AND no single subject below 50%. This means you can't just ace some subjects and fail others. you must be competent across all areas. PRC gives the exam at least once a year (Section 12), with separate exams for brokers, appraisers, and consultants.
- Passing score: at least 75% general average
- No subject may fall below 50%
- Exam given at least once per year (typically twice. March and October)
- Separate exams for brokers, appraisers, and consultants
- Salespersons do NOT take a licensure exam. they are accredited by the Board
Real-World Scenario
Jun takes the PRC broker exam and gets an overall average of 78%. However, he scored 48% in the Real Estate Mathematics subject.
Did Jun pass the exam?
Registration and License Renewal
“A professional identification card bearing the registration number, date of issuance and expiry date, duly signed by the chairperson of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every registrant upon payment of the required fees. The professional identification card shall be renewed every three (3) years and upon satisfying the requirements of the Board such as, but not limited to, attendance in the CPE program.”
What This Means
After passing the exam, you receive a certificate of registration (permanent, unless revoked) and a professional ID card (renewed every 3 years). The ID renewal requires CPE compliance and payment of fees. Without a valid, current ID card, you cannot legally practice. Brokers and private appraisers must also post a professional indemnity bond.
- Certificate of registration: remains valid until revoked or suspended
- Professional ID card: renewed every 3 years
- Renewal requires CPE program attendance and payment of fees
- Brokers/private appraisers must also post a bond of at least P20,000 (Section 26)
- Must take an oath before practicing (Section 25)
Real-World Scenario
Broker Reyes's professional ID card expired last month. She has a property transaction about to close. the buyer is ready to sign. She plans to renew "next week" but wants to close the deal now.
Can Broker Reyes proceed with the transaction?
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need for the PRC real estate broker exam?
Section 14(b) requires "a relevant bachelor's degree from a state university or college, or other educational institution duly recognized by the CHED." In practice, any bachelor's degree is accepted when supplemented with the required real estate subjects.
What is the passing score for the PRC Real Estate Broker exam?
Under Section 15, you need an average of at least 75% in all subjects, with no single subject rating below 50%.
How often must a real estate license be renewed in the Philippines?
The professional identification card must be renewed every 3 years (Section 17). Renewal requires satisfying CPE requirements and paying the prescribed fees.