Requirements
It is compulsory for all participants of the real estate industry, who intend on performing any of the functions of a real estate agent, to hold a Certificate of Registration. The Certificate of Registration is issued by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). When applying for this certificate, the OFT requires a statement of attainment from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) stating successful completion of the relevant Course in Property Practice.
All applicants for a certificate of registration must satisfy the Commissioner for Fair Trading that he/she:
- is at least 16 years of age
- is a fit and proper person to hold a certificate of registration
- has the qualifications required for the class of certificate of registration concerned
- is not a disqualified person.
Renewal of a certificate of registration under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 will be conditional on certificate holders undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year.
CPD has been introduced as a mechanism for professionalising the industry and promoting high standards. The requirements for CPD are aimed at maintaining public confidence by ensuring that industry participants are continually up-dating their skills. CPD provides industry participants, who have general competence, with the means for responding effectively to change, adopting new work practices and enriching their knowledge and skills. The aims of the CPD scheme are to:
- increase levels of consumer protection
- promote professionalism across the property agency industry
- improve the knowledge and skills of practitioners
- encourage high standards
- maintain public confidence.
For further information relating to legal requirements necessary to become a real estate agent please contact our office directly.