Choosing the right real estate course is an important decision if you’re planning to start or progress a career in the property industry. With different qualifications, entry pathways and study options available across Australia, it can be difficult to know which course is right for you.
The right choice depends on several factors, including your career goals, the state or territory where you want to work, the type of real estate role you are interested in, the course requirements and how you prefer to study
This guide explains how to choose the right real estate course, including what to look for when comparing training providers, qualifications, course content, study options, support and costs.
Understand Your Career Goals
Before comparing real estate courses, consider what you want to do in the industry and where you intend to work.
Real estate entry requirements vary between Australian states and territories, so the training you need will depend on your intended role and location.
For example, someone looking to enter residential sales may need a different pathway from someone interested in property management, while the entry requirements can also differ between Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
If you’re unsure where to start, explore REAA’s Entry-Level Real Estate Registration pathways to compare the options available for different states.
Your career goals can also influence whether you need an entry-level pathway, a Certificate IV qualification or further training to progress towards a more advanced role.
If you’re still researching the industry, our guide on How To Become A Real Estate Agent can help you understand the broader steps involved in starting a real estate career.
Check the Qualification and Training Provider
Choosing a real estate course is not only about price or convenience. If you need nationally recognised training, it’s important to check the training product and the organisation delivering it.
Training.gov.au is Australia’s national training register. You can use it to check information about nationally recognised training products and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
An RTO must be authorised to deliver the nationally recognised training products within its approved scope of registration.
You should also check whether the training meets the registration, licensing or eligibility requirements that apply in the state or territory where you intend to work.
This distinction is important because completing a qualification does not necessarily mean you can immediately perform every type of real estate activity. State and territory requirements can apply in addition to completing your training.
Before enrolling, check:
- Whether the provider is a Registered Training Organisation
- The provider’s registration details
- The qualification or training product being offered
- Whether the provider is authorised to deliver that training product
- Whether the course meets the relevant state or territory requirements
- What you receive when you successfully complete the course
Taking a few minutes to verify these details can help you make a more informed decision about your training.
Review the Course Content and Curriculum
Once you’ve confirmed that the course is appropriate for your intended pathway, look closely at what you will actually learn.
A suitable real estate course should provide training relevant to the qualification or pathway you are undertaking. Depending on the course, this may include areas such as:
- Real estate legislation and regulatory requirements
- Contracts and transactions
- Communication
- Professional conduct and ethics
- Sales
- Property management
- Marketing
- Client and stakeholder relationships
- Risk management
- Industry procedures
Don’t choose a course based only on the number of units or the length of the course. Consider whether the learning content is relevant to the type of work you want to undertake.
If you’re considering online real estate courses, review how the course content is delivered, how assessments are completed and what support is available throughout your studies.
Consider the Mode of Learning
Think about how you learn best and how much flexibility you need.
Online study can be useful for students balancing work, family or other commitments. Classroom-based learning may suit students who prefer scheduled sessions, face-to-face interaction and a more traditional learning environment.
If you choose an online real estate course, don’t look only at whether you can study from home. Check how the provider handles:
- Learning materials
- Trainer and assessor support
- Assessments
- Feedback
- Student communication
- Practical activities or role plays, where applicable
- Course progression
- Technical support
An online course should still provide a clear learning structure and appropriate support throughout your studies.
Compare Course Duration and Cost
Course duration and cost can vary depending on the qualification, number of units, delivery model and training provider.
When comparing real estate courses, look beyond the advertised price. Check what is included, such as:
- Learning materials
- Assessment support
- Trainer or tutor support
- Student resources
- Additional services
- Applicable fees
You should also consider the amount of time you realistically have available for study.
A flexible course may be more suitable if you need to balance training with employment, family responsibilities or other commitments.
The cheapest course is not necessarily the most suitable option. Likewise, a more expensive course is not automatically better.
The goal is to find a course that provides the training, support and flexibility you need while meeting the requirements of your intended career pathway.
If you’re comparing course duration as part of your decision, you may also find our guide How Long Does It Take to Get Qualified for Real Estate in Australia? useful.
Research the Training Provider’s Reputation
Course content is important, but so is the organisation delivering the training.
Before enrolling, research the provider and consider:
- Student reviews and testimonials
- The provider’s history
- Student support
- Communication
- Course information and transparency
- Accessibility of learning resources
- How clearly the provider explains its enrolment and assessment processes
Reviews can provide useful insight into the student experience, but remember that individual experiences can vary.
It’s also worth contacting the provider directly with questions before enrolling. The way a provider responds to your questions can give you an indication of the level of support you can expect.
Check the Support and Learning Resources
Student support can make a significant difference to your experience, particularly if you’re studying online.
Before choosing a course, find out what support is available and how you can contact trainers or assessors when you need assistance.
Depending on the provider, support and resources may include:
- Trainer or assessor assistance
- Learning materials
- Assessment guidance
- Feedback
- Student portals
- Downloadable resources
- Frequently asked questions
- Technical support
Don’t assume that every online course provides the same level of support. Ask questions before enrolling if the information isn’t clearly explained on the provider’s website.
Consider Flexibility and Continuing Education
If you’re working while studying, flexibility can be an important consideration.
Find out whether you can study at times that suit your schedule and whether the course has a defined enrolment period or other completion requirements.
You should also consider what your training needs may look like after completing your initial qualification.
Real estate professionals may need to undertake additional training or continuing professional development depending on their role and the requirements that apply in their state or territory.
Choosing a provider that offers a range of relevant training options may make it easier to continue developing your skills as your career progresses.
Watch Out for Red Flags
Not all courses and training providers offer the same experience. Before enrolling, be cautious if you come across:
- Unclear or misleading claims about accreditation or recognition
- Promises of instant certification
- Lack of clear course information
- Unclear pricing or unexpected additional costs
- Limited information about the training provider
- No clear explanation of assessment requirements
- Poor or limited student support
- Pressure to enrol without giving you enough time to review the course
A professional-looking website does not automatically mean a course is suitable for your needs.
Take the time to verify the provider, qualification and course information before making a payment or enrolling.
How to Make the Final Decision
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, compare the courses side by side.
Consider:
- Career pathway: Does the course match the role you want to pursue?
- State or territory: Does the training meet the requirements relevant to where you intend to work?
- Recognition: Is the training nationally recognised where applicable?
- Provider: Is the organisation an appropriately registered RTO?
- Course content: Does the training cover the knowledge and skills you need?
- Study format: Does the delivery method suit your learning style and schedule?
- Support: Will you have access to appropriate student and assessment support?
- Duration: Can you realistically complete the course within the required timeframe?
- Cost: Is the total cost clear and reasonable for what is included?
Ask yourself:
Does this course meet my career goals?
Does it provide the training pathway I need for the state or territory where I want to work?
Does the study format fit my circumstances?
Do I understand what is included in the course and what will be expected of me?
If you’re still unsure which pathway is right for you, start by identifying the entry requirements for the state where you intend to work. You can then compare courses based on the qualification, delivery method, support, cost and timeframe.
Why Choosing the Right Real Estate Course Matters
Your training is an important foundation for entering the real estate industry.
The right course should not simply provide a certificate at the end of your studies. It should help you develop the knowledge and skills relevant to your intended pathway and prepare you to meet the requirements that apply to your role.
It’s also important to remember that training is only one part of building a career in real estate. Communication, professionalism, organisation, ethical conduct, technology skills and practical experience can all contribute to your ongoing development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a real estate course?
Look for a course that matches your intended role and the requirements of the state or territory where you plan to work. Check the training provider’s registration, the qualification or training product being offered, course content, study format, student support, assessment requirements, duration and total cost.
How do I know if a real estate course is nationally recognised?
If you’re looking for nationally recognised training, check the training product and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) on training.gov.au, Australia’s national training register. You should also confirm that the RTO is authorised to deliver the specific training product.
Is an online real estate course a good option?
Online study can be suitable for students who need flexibility around work, family or other commitments. Before enrolling, check how the provider delivers learning materials, assessments, trainer support and any practical or role-play requirements.
How long does a real estate course take?
The timeframe depends on the qualification, state or territory, course structure and how much time you can dedicate to study. Some courses have defined enrolment periods, while flexible delivery may allow students to progress according to their circumstances.
For more information, read How Long Does It Take to Get Qualified for Real Estate in Australia?
Does completing a real estate course allow me to work immediately?
Not necessarily. Completing training is one part of the process. Depending on your state or territory and intended role, you may also need to meet registration, licensing, employment or other eligibility requirements before performing certain real estate activities.
How much does a real estate course cost?
The cost varies depending on the qualification, provider, number of units and services included. Compare the total cost rather than looking only at the advertised course price.
Are real estate courses difficult?
The level of difficulty varies between courses and individual students. Completing a course requires students to understand the required content and demonstrate competency through the assessment process. Consider the amount of study time and support available before enrolling.
Can I study real estate while working?
Many online real estate courses provide flexibility for students who are working or have other commitments. Check the provider’s study structure, enrolment timeframe and assessment requirements to determine whether the course fits your schedule.
Do real estate course requirements vary between states?
Yes. Real estate licensing, registration and eligibility requirements can differ between Australian states and territories. Before enrolling, make sure the training pathway you choose is appropriate for the state and role you are targeting.
Ready to Choose Your Real Estate Course?
Choosing the right training pathway is an important first step towards building a career in real estate.
REAA offers real estate training pathways for students looking to enter and progress within the industry. Explore our entry-level real estate courses to find a pathway relevant to the state or territory where you plan to work.
EXPLORE ENTRY-LEVEL REAL ESTATE COURSES →
If you’re not sure which pathway is right for you, contact REAA on (07) 3105 6780 to discuss your options.