If you’ve been contemplating a career as a real estate agent in Australia, there’s no better time to take action. With property values soaring and a strong demand from buyers, the real estate industry is ripe with opportunities.
However, before you can embark on this exciting career path, you’ll need to complete specific training and meet qualification requirements from a registered training organization. This is where REAA, the a leading provider of real estate courses in Australia, comes into play, making the process of becoming a real estate agent accessible and straightforward.
Before we delve into the state-specific requirements for becoming a real estate agent, let’s first explore what it’s truly like to work in this industry.
Understanding the Real Estate Industry: More Than Just Agents
In the real estate industry, not everyone is an agent. You can opt to undergo real estate training to become a property manager, a buyer’s advocate, an auctioneer, or a stock and station agent. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in assisting real estate agencies in managing properties on behalf of landlords, vendors, and those looking to buy, lease, or sell properties in Australia.
Being a real estate agent is a unique experience. The industry is dynamic and diverse, catering to a wide range of talents and personalities. It’s crucial to recognize this for two key reasons:
- Diversity of Roles: Real estate isn’t a one-dimensional field. There are ample opportunities to attain higher qualifications, explore different but related roles, or even establish your own agency.
- Career Growth: The real estate industry offers multiple avenues for growth and specialization. You can set your own career goals, build a client base, and enjoy the flexibility of working on your own terms.
As discussed in our blog post, “Is now a good time to become a Real Estate Agent in Australia” there are numerous compelling reasons to pursue a career in real estate. Hard work and dedication can lead to impressive incomes, but success often takes time and effort. Real estate agents can enjoy flexible hours, set their career objectives, and develop their client base while helping people achieve their real estate dreams.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Australia
To work as a real estate agent in Australia, you must first complete a real estate course. While the specific requirements may vary from state to state, all these courses lead to the same ultimate goal. Upon completing your chosen real estate course, you will need to apply to the relevant authority in your state or territory to obtain your real estate license.
Our blog post “Is now a good time to become a Real Estate Agent in Australia” provides sensible, straightforward guidance to assist you in breaking into the industry. One essential step for both yourself and potential employers is conducting research on the properties available in your area and evaluating how different agencies present their listings. This approach ensures your understanding of the real estate industry is grounded in facts and observations, rather than preconceived notions.
If you aspire to become a successful real estate agent, it’s time to immerse yourself in the industry. Engage with experienced agents, study real estate listings, attend open houses, participate in auctions, and explore interviews with top real estate agents online. The more you immerse yourself in the industry, the more confident you’ll be when completing your training and taking your first steps as a real estate agent.
Choosing the Right Course: Becoming a Real Estate Agent
To become a real estate agent in Australia, the training requirements can vary depending on your state or territory. It’s crucial to enroll in a course tailored to your location. For instance, if you complete your Real Estate Course in New South Wales (NSW) and register with NSW Fair Trading, your license will only allow you to sell real estate within NSW. If you plan to work in other states or territories, you’ll need to apply for a new license specific to that region.
Here is a list of real estate courses available in each Australian state or territory that qualify you for registration as a real estate agent. These courses are also covered in greater detail in the Entry Education blog:
Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent in NSW
To begin your real estate career in NSW, the first step is to complete an Assistant Agent course. This course includes five core units of study, and successful completion allows you to apply for a license to work as an assistant agent in NSW. Assistant agents perform various roles under a licensed real estate agent, including sales, property management, and marketing.
The next stage in your career is obtaining a Class 2 License in NSW, which requires you to complete the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CP41419). This course comprises 13 online units of study and qualifies you to work as a real estate agent in NSW. However, you won’t be able to run your own agency with a Class 2 License.
The ultimate step is achieving a Class 1 License in NSW, which necessitates the completion of a Diploma of Property (Agency Management) (CPP51122). This course includes 12 online units of study and qualifies you to work as a real estate principal or director. With a Class 1 License, you can establish your own real estate agency.
All these real estate courses in NSW are available through REAA.
Learn more about becoming a real estate agent in NSW.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in NSW
Once you’ve completed your real estate course in NSW, you can start working in the field. However, it’s essential to be aware of the government’s requirement for agents to engage in annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD year runs from March 23 to March 22 of the following year, and depending on your license or certificate type, there are compulsory topics, elective topics, and business skills topics to be covered. Each of these topics requires three hours of annual commitment, with CPD focused on measuring hours rather than points.
CPD presents an opportunity to stay updated with industry changes, expand your knowledge, and enhance your skills. For instance, the compulsory topic “COVID-Safe Business” is a pertinent and essential subject based on workplace health and safety guidelines from SafeWork Australia.
For more information on CPD real estate courses in NSW, visit our “Everything You Need to Know About CPD Courses” page.
Requirements to Become an Agent in Victoria
In Victoria, there are two primary roles in the real estate industry: an agent’s representative and a fully licensed real estate agent.
To begin working as a real estate agent or agent’s representative in VIC, you must complete a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419). This course consists of 18 online units of study. After completing it, you can apply for your license from the Business Licensing Authority in Victoria and work as a real estate agent.
A Diploma of Property Agency Management (CPP51122) is required for those who wish to work as a fully licensed real estate agent in Victoria, an agency manager or principal, or an agency director. This course involves 12 online units of study and should be taken after completing the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice.
Real estate courses in Victoria are offered through Entry Education.
Explore further details about becoming a real estate agent in VIC.
Requirements to Become an Agent in Queensland
If you’re looking to become a real estate agent in Queensland, you’ll need to complete the Real Estate Salesperson Registration QLD, an entry-level qualification.
This course encompasses 12 units of study, and once successfully completed, you can apply to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading for your Certificate of Registration QLD Real Estate. With this qualification, you can work as a real estate agent under the supervision of a licensed agent. However, you won’t be able to open your own agency with this certification.
To work as a fully licensed real estate agent in Queensland and have the freedom to operate as an independent contractor or start your own agency, you must complete the full licensing course, the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419). This comprehensive course involves 19 online units of study. Once you complete it, you can apply for your Full Real Estate License from the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland.
Real estate courses in Queensland can be found through Entry Education.
Learn more about becoming a real estate agent in QLD.
Becoming an Agent in Western Australia (WA)
In Western Australia, you can start your journey into the real estate industry with the Restricted Sales Registration WA course. This course consists of 13 online units of study, which you have 12 months to complete.
Upon completing this course, you’ll be qualified to work in residential, commercial, and rural sales across Perth and WA. However, you won’t be able to operate as an independent contractor or establish your own agency with this certification.
To work in both sales and property management in WA, you need to complete the Unrestricted Real Estate Registration course, also known as the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419). This full certificate includes 18 online units of study. After finishing this course, you can apply for registration with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) to work as a licensed real estate agent and property manager.
If your goal is to open your own agency, you’ll need to complete the Diploma of Property Agency Management WA (CPP51122). This course involves 12 online units of study and qualifies you to apply for a real estate license from the DMIRS. You can then proceed to launch your own real estate agency. If you’ve already completed the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, you may be eligible for credit transfer of some units towards the diploma.
Entry Education offers real estate courses in Western Australia.
Explore further details about becoming a real estate agent in WA.
How to Open Your Own Real Estate Agency in Australia
If your dream is to establish your own real estate agency, the current low-interest rates and the booming real estate industry create an excellent environment for this endeavor. However, to run a successful business, you need more than a thriving economy. In our blog post, “How to Open a Real Estate Agency in Australia,” we explore the essential factors to consider before you approach your bank manager.
Effective leaders are not typically born with all the skills and knowledge required for success. They learn from their experiences, formal education, and by observing successful individuals around them. Some of the key considerations when opening your own real estate agency are:
- Researching your competition
- Handling legal responsibilities
- Developing a strong brand and marketing strategy
- Acquiring IT skills to promote your agency
- Formulating a business plan
- Choosing the best real estate course
Don’t be hesitant to invest in courses and further education that teach you important personal and business skills. Many of the most successful businesspeople continue to invest in themselves to fill gaps in their knowledge and develop new skills.
In conclusion, the path to becoming a real estate agent in Australia involves meeting state-specific requirements, which include completing the appropriate real estate course and obtaining the necessary licenses. REAA offers a range of online courses that can guide you through this process, enabling you to launch a rewarding career in the real estate industry.
