Students and registered training organisations (RTOs)

The qualifications required for a certificate of registration in real estate are changing

The current qualifications can only be used to apply for a certificate of registration as a real estate salesperson before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the following changes will start:

• ‘Real estate salespersons’ will be known as ‘assistant real estate agents’.
• Real estate agent functions will include:
  • real estate sale or leasing functions,
  • business agent functions, and
  • on-site residential property manager functions.
• Certificates of registration will be issued for a maximum term of four years and will not be renewable – within that period, certificate of registration holders must progress to a class 2 licence, or cease working as an assistant agent and wait 12 months before applying for a new certificate of registration.
• Holders of a certificate of registration as a real estate salesperson will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent that restricts the holder to exercise real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions only.
• The current qualifications for applying for a certificate of registration will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.
• To apply for a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent you must have satisfactorily completed all the following core units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

(a)  Prepare for professional practice in real estate (CPPREP4001)

(b)  Access and interpret ethical practice in real estate (CPPREP4002)

(c)  Access and interpret legislation in real estate (CPPREP4003)

(d)  Establish marketing and communication profiles in real estate (CPPREP4004)

(e)  Prepare to work with real estate trust accounts (CPPREP4005)

• As a general rule, certificate of registration holders cannot:
  • enter into an agency agreement or franchising agreement (other than an agreement relating to a livestock transaction for assistant stock and station agents)
  • authorise the withdrawal of money from a trust account
  • enter into a contract for the sale of land (only relevant to assistant real estate agents and assistant stock and station agents)
  • affix the seal of the owners corporation (only relevant to assistant strata managing agents)

What to consider if you are studying the current qualifications or have already enrolled

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a certificate of registration course, you may be issued with a certificate of registration provided you do all of the following before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

• successfully complete the current qualifications
• obtain a transcript from your training organisation demonstrating satisfactory completion of the current qualifications, and
• lodge your application for a certificate of registration, including the relevant application fee, with NSW Fair Trading.

If you are studying the current qualifications but are unable to meet these criteria by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, you must discuss your options with your registered training provider as you will no longer be able to apply for a certificate of registration with the current qualifications from 23 March 2020.

If you are studying the units that are currently required to apply for a certificate of registration in real estate, you need to consider the following question and any action you may need to take, given the changes from 23 March 2020:

Can you complete the current qualifications, receive a transcript and apply for the certificate of registration by the deadline of 5pm on 20 March 2020?

Yes, I can meet the deadline to apply.

• Your application will be assessed and, if granted, you will receive a certificate of registration as a real estate salesperson.
• On 23 March 2020, you will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent, with a restriction condition to carry out real estate sales or leasing functions and on-site residential property manager functions only.

No, I will not be able to meet the deadline to apply.

• You must discuss your study options with your training provider.
• The current qualifications will not be accepted from 23 March 2020.

You could also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020, outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV students wanting to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'. You may also want to look at the general changes to certificates of registration under the real estate and property services reforms starting on 23 March 2020.

What to consider if you have not enrolled yet

If you have not enrolled yet, you are encouraged to enrol directly into Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) and complete the new qualifications. This will ensure that you have the required qualifications for a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent from 23 March 2020.

If you choose to do the current qualifications and are able to successfully apply for a certificate of registration as a real estate salesperson by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, from 23 March 2020 you will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent that restricts the holder to carrying out real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions only.

Alternatively, a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent issued from 23 March 2020 based on the new qualifications will not have that restriction condition and the holder may exercise all real estate agent functions that are allowed under a certificate of registration.

You could also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020, outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV students wanting to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'.

Pathway options for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence

Applying for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence under current qualifications

If you hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent and complete the current qualifications to apply for a real estate agent’s licence, you may be able to qualify for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence restricted to real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions. To be eligible, you must have completed at least 1 unit of the qualifications required by clause 7 or clause 9 of the Current Qualifications Order before 23 March 2020. Any class 2 real estate agent’s licence issued to you will have a condition that restricts you to real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions.

Applying for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence under new qualifications

Otherwise, if you want to be able to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence without that restriction condition, you will need to satisfactorily complete all the following units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

• 5 core units
• 5 units from Group A – Residential Property Sales
• 5 units from Group B – Residential Property Management
• 3 elective units.

From 23 March 2020, class 2 licence applicants will also need to demonstrate that they have held a relevant certificate of registration for at least 12 months and completed work experience requirements as prescribed in the new Qualifications Order over a period of 12 months.

The qualifications required for a certificate of registration in business broking are changing

The current qualifications can only be used to apply for a certificate of registration as a business salesperson on or before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the following changes will start:

• Real estate agent functions will include:
  • real estate sale or leasing functions,
  • business agent functions, and
  • on-site residential property manager functions
• Certificates of registration will be issued for a maximum term of four years and will not be renewable – within that period, certificate of registration holders must progress to a class 2 licence, or cease working as an assistant agent and wait 12 months before applying for a new certificate of registration.
• Holders of a certificate of registration as a business salesperson will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent that restricts the holder to exercise business agent functions only.
• There will no longer be separate certificates of registration or licences issued for business salespersons or agents. The relevant certificate of registration for people wanting to work in business broking will be a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent and the relevant licence will be a real estate agent’s licence.
• The current qualifications for a certificate of registration will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.
• To apply for a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent you must have satisfactorily completed all of the following core units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

(a)  Prepare for professional practice in real estate (CPPREP4001)

(b)  Access and interpret ethical practice in real estate (CPPREP4002)

(c)  Access and interpret legislation in real estate (CPPREP4003)

(d)  Establish marketing and communication profiles in real estate (CPPREP4004)

(e)  Prepare to work with real estate trust accounts (CPPREP4005)

What to consider if you are studying the current qualifications or have already enrolled?

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a certificate of registration course, you may be issued with a certificate of registration provided you do all of the following by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020:

• successfully complete the current qualifications
• obtain a transcript from your training organisation demonstrating satisfactory completion of the current qualifications, and
• lodge your application for a certificate of registration, including the relevant application fee, with NSW Fair Trading.

If you are studying the current qualifications but are unable to meet these criteria by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, you must discuss your options with your registered training provider as you will no longer be able to apply for a certificate of registration with the current qualifications from 23 March 2020.

If you are studying the units that are currently required to apply for a certificate of registration as a business salesperson, you need to consider the following question and any action you may need to take, given the changes from 23 March 2020:

Can you complete the current qualifications, receive a transcript and apply for the certificate of registration by the deadline of 5pm on 20 March 2020?

Yes, I can meet the deadline to apply.

• Your application will be assessed and, if granted, you will receive a certificate of registration as a business salesperson.
• On 23 March 2020, you will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent, with a restriction condition to carry out business agent functions only.

No, I will not be able to meet the deadline to apply.

• You must discuss your study options with your training provider.
• The current qualifications will not be accepted from 23 March 2020.

You could also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020, outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'. You may also want to look at the general changes to certificates of registration under the real estate and property services reforms starting on 23 March 2020.

What to consider if you have not enrolled yet

If you have not enrolled yet, you are encouraged to enrol directly into Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) and complete the new qualifications. This will ensure that you have the required qualifications for a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent from 23 March 2020.

If you choose to do the current qualifications and are able to successfully apply for a certificate of registration as a business salesperson by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, from 23 March 2020 you will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent that restricts the holder to carrying out business agent functions only.

Alternatively, a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent issued from 23 March 2020 based on the new qualifications will not have that restriction condition and the holder may exercise all real estate agent functions that are allowed under a certificate of registration.

You could also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020, outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'.

Pathway options for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020

Applying for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence under current qualifications

If you hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent and complete the current qualifications for applying for a business agent’s licence, you may be able to qualify for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence restricted to business agent functions. To be eligible, you must have completed at least 1 unit of the qualifications required by clause 13 of the current Qualifications Order before 23 March 2020, and any class 2 real estate agent’s licence issued to you will have a condition that restricts you to business agent functions..

Applying for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence under new qualifications

Otherwise, if you want to be able to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence without that restriction condition, you will need to satisfactorily complete all of the following units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

• 5 core units
• 5 units from Group A – Residential Property Sales
• 5 units from Group B – Residential Property Management
• 3 elective units.

From 23 March 2020, class 2 licence applicants will also have to demonstrate that they have held a relevant certificate of registration for at least 12 months and completed work experience requirements as prescribed in the new Qualifications Order over a period of 12 months.

The qualifications required for a certificate of registration in on-site residential property management are changing

The current qualifications can be used to apply for a certificate of registration as a registered on-site residential property manager before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the following changes will start:

• Real estate agent functions will include:
  • real estate sale or leasing functions,
  • business agent functions, and
  • on-site residential property manager functions
• Certificates of registration will be issued for a maximum term of four years and will not be renewable – within that period, certificate of registration holders must progress to a class 2 licence, or cease working as an assistant agent and wait 12 months before applying for a new certificate of registration.
• Holders of a certificate of registration as a registered on-site residential property manager will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent that restricts the holder to exercise on-site residential property manager functions only.
• There will no longer be separate certificates of registration or licences issued for on-site residential property managers. The relevant certificate of registration for people wanting to work in on-site residential property management will be a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent and the relevant licence will be a real estate agent’s licence.
• The current qualifications for a certificate of registration will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.

There will be an alternative licence pathway available for those wanting to do on-site residential property management only. This new licence pathway will not require the applicant to have held a certificate of registration to apply for a class 1 real estate agent’s licence that restricts the holder to carry out on-site residential property manager functions only. You are advised to consider all of the pathways that will be available from 23 March 2020 when deciding which qualifications you want to pursue. These pathways are explained under the heading 'Pathway options to apply for a class 1 or class 2 real estate agent’s licence for those doing, or who want to do, on-site residential property management from 23 March 2020'.

What to consider if you are studying the current qualifications or have already enrolled

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a certificate of registration course, you may be issued with a certificate of registration provided you do all of the following by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020:

• successfully complete the current qualifications
• obtain a transcript from your training organisation demonstrating satisfactory completion of the current qualifications, and
• lodge your application for a certificate of registration, including the relevant application fee, with NSW Fair Trading.

If you are studying the current qualifications but are unable to meet these criteria by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, you must discuss your options with your registered training provider as you will no longer be able to apply for a certificate of registration with the current qualifications from 23 March 2020.

If you are studying the units that are currently required to apply for a certificate of registration as a registered on-site residential property manager, you need to consider the following question and any action you may need to take, given the changes from 23 March 2020:

Can you complete the current qualifications, receive a transcript and apply for the certificate of registration by the deadline of 5pm on 20 March 2020?

Yes, I can meet the deadline to apply.

• Your application will be assessed and, if granted, you will receive a certificate of registration as a registered on-site residential property manager.
• On 23 March 2020, you will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent, with a restriction condition to carry out on-site residential property manager functions only.

No, I will not be able to meet the deadline to apply.

• You must discuss your study options with your training provider.
• The current qualifications will not be accepted from 23 March 2020.

You could also consider:

• the pathway options for a class 1 real estate agent’s licence outlined under the heading ‘Pathway options to apply for a class 1 or class 2 real estate agent’s licence for those doing, or who want to do, on-site residential property management from 23 March 2020’
• the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020 outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'.
• the general changes to certificates of registration under the real estate and property services reforms starting on 23 March 2020.

What to consider if you have not enrolled yet

If you have not enrolled yet, you are encouraged to enrol directly into Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) and complete the new qualifications because this will ensure that you have the required qualifications for a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent or a class 1 real estate agent’s licence restricted to on-site residential property manager functions from 23 March 2020.

If you choose to do the current qualifications and are able to successfully apply for a certificate of registration as a registered on-site residential property manager by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, from 23 March 2020 you will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent that restricts the holder to exercise on-site residential property manager functions only.

Alternatively, a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent issued from 23 March 2020 on the basis of the new qualifications will not have that restriction condition and the holder may exercise all real estate agent functions that are allowed under a certificate of registration.

You could also consider:

• the pathway options for a class 1 real estate agent’s licence outlined in the section under ‘Pathway options to apply for a class 1 or class 2 real estate agent’s licence for those doing, or who want to do, on-site residential property management from 23 March 2020’.
• the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence from 23 March 2020 outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'.
• the changes to certificates of registration generally from 23 March 2020 outlined in the real estate and property services reforms information on the Fair Trading web site.

Pathway options to apply for a class 1 or class 2 real estate agent’s licence for those doing, or who want to do, on-site residential property management from 23 March 2020

Applying for a class 1 real estate agent’s licence restricted to on-site residential property manager functions

From 23 March 2020, to apply for a class 1 real estate agent’s licence restricted to on-site residential property manager functions, an applicant will have to demonstrate either:

• satisfactory completion of all the following units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:
  • 5 core units
  • 5 units from Group A – Residential Property Sales
  • 5 units from Group B – Residential Property Management
  • 3 elective units, or
• satisfactory completion of the qualifications required by clause 17 of the current Qualifications Order with at least 1 unit of those qualifications being completed before 23 March 2020.

There will also be a pathway available from 23 March 2020 by which the holder of a class 1 real estate agent’s licence with a restriction condition (such as the one referred to in the above paragraph) may apply for a class 1 real estate agent’s licence without that restriction if they have:

• held a class 1 real estate agent’s licence with a restriction condition within 12 months before applying for the new licence, and
• satisfactorily completed the prescribed class 1 work experience requirements set out in the new qualifications over a 2 year period, and
• satisfactorily completed all the following units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419):
  • 5 core units
  • 5 units from Group A – Residential Property Sales
  • 5 units from Group B – Residential Property Management
  • 3 elective units.

For those people who do not want to go straight to an application for a class 1 licence via these pathways, they will need to firstly obtain a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent. From 23 March 2020, to apply for a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent you must have satisfactorily completed all the following core units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

(a)  Prepare for professional practice in real estate (CPPREP4001)

(b)  Access and interpret ethical practice in real estate (CPPREP4002)

(c)  Access and interpret legislation in real estate (CPPREP4003)

(d)  Establish marketing and communication profiles in real estate (CPPREP4004)

(e)  Prepare to work with real estate trust accounts (CPPREP4005)

Applying for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence under current qualifications

If you hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent and complete the current qualifications for an on-site residential property manager’s licence, you may be able to qualify for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence restricted to on-site residential property manager functions only. To be eligible, you must have completed at least 1 unit of the qualifications required by clause 17 of the current Qualifications Order before 23 March 2020.

Applying for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence under new qualifications

If you want to be able to apply for a class 2 real estate agent’s licence without that restriction condition, you will need to satisfactorily complete all the following units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

• 5 core units
• 5 units from Group A – Residential Property Sales
• 5 units from Group B – Residential Property Management
• 3 elective units

Class 2 licence applicants will also have to demonstrate that they have held a relevant certificate of registration for at least 12 months and completed work experience requirements as prescribed in the new Qualifications Order over a period of 12 months.

The qualifications required for a certificate of registration in stock and station are changing

The current qualifications can only be used to apply for a certificate of registration as a stock and station salesperson on or before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the following changes will start:

• ‘Stock and station salespersons’ will be known as ‘assistant stock and station agents’.
• Certificates of registration will be issued for a maximum term of four years and will not be renewable – within that period, certificate of registration holders must progress to a class 2 licence, or cease working as an assistant agent and wait 12 months before applying for a new certificate of registration.
• Holders of a certificate of registration as a stock and station salesperson will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent.
• The current qualifications for a certificate of registration will not be accepted and the new qualifications for certificates of registration will be required.
• To apply for a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent you must have satisfactorily completed all of the following core units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

(a)  Prepare for professional practice in real estate (CPPREP4001)

(b)  Access and interpret ethical practice in real estate (CPPREP4002)

(c)  Access and interpret legislation in real estate (CPPREP4003)

(d)  Establish marketing and communication profiles in real estate (CPPREP4004)

(e)  Prepare to work with real estate trust accounts (CPPREP4005)

What to consider if you are studying the current qualifications or have already enrolled

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a certificate of registration course, you may be issued with a certificate of registration provided you do all of the following by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020:

• successfully complete the current qualifications
• obtain a transcript from your training organisation demonstrating satisfactory completion of the current qualifications, and
• lodge your application for a certificate of registration, including the relevant application fee, with NSW Fair Trading.

If you are studying the current qualifications but are unable to meet these criteria by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, you must discuss your options with your registered training provider as you will no longer be able to apply for a certificate of registration with the current qualifications from 23 March 2020.

If you are studying the units that are currently required to apply for a certificate of registration in stock and station, you need to consider the following question and any action you may need to take, given the changes from 23 March 2020:

Can you complete the current qualifications, receive a transcript and apply for the certificate of registration by the deadline of 5pm on 20 March 2020?

Yes, I can meet the deadline to apply.

• Your application will be assessed and, if granted, you will receive a certificate of registration as a stock and station salesperson.
• On 23 March 2020, you will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent.

No, I will not be able to meet the deadline to apply.

• You must discuss your study options with your training provider.
• The current qualifications will not be accepted from 23 March 2020.

You could also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence from 23 March 2020, outlined below under the heading Prospective or current Certificate IV students wanting to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration.

What to consider if you have not enrolled yet

If you have not enrolled yet, you are encouraged to enrol directly into Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) and complete the new qualifications. This will ensure that you have the required qualifications for a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent from 23 March 2020.

If you choose to do the current qualifications and are able to successfully apply for a certificate of registration as a stock and station salesperson by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, then from 23 March 2020 you will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent.

You should also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence from 23 March 2020 outlined under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration' and the general changes to certificates of registration outlined here.

Pathway options for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence from 23 March 2020

Applying for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence under current qualifications

If you hold a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent and complete the current qualifications for applying for a stock and station agent’s licence, you may be able to qualify for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence. To be eligible, you must have completed at least 1 unit of the qualifications required by clause 11 of the current Qualifications Order before 23 March 2020.

Applying for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence under new qualifications

Otherwise, if you want to be able to apply for a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence, you will need to satisfactorily complete all of the following units of Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:

• 5 core units
• 8 units from Group K – Stock and Station (Station)
• 4 units from Group J – Stock and Station (Stock)
• 1 elective unit.

Applying for a dual class 2 real estate and stock and station agent’s licence

From 23 March 2020, there will also be available a dual class 2 real estate agent and stock and station agent licence. Certificate of registration holders who wish to apply for this dual licence must have:

• held a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent or a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent for at least 12 months, and
• completed, and kept a record of, prescribed work experience requirements over a 12-month period, and
• satisfactorily completed all of the following units from Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) with a registered training organisation:
  • the following 5 core units:
    • Prepare for professional practice in real estate (CPPREP4001)
    • Access and interpret ethical practice in real estate (CPPREP4002)
    • Access and interpret legislation in real estate (CPPREP4003)
    • Establish marketing and communication profiles in real estate (CPPREP4004)
    • Prepare to work with real estate trust accounts (CPPREP4005)
  • the following 4 units from Group B – Residential Property Management:
    • Establish landlord relationships (CPPREP4121)
    • Manage tenant relationships (CPPREP4122)
    • Manage tenancy (CPPREP4123)
    • End tenancy (CPPREP4124)
  • the following 4 units from Group J – Stock and Station (Stock):
    • Confirm and market livestock for sale (CPPREP4301)
    • Prepare livestock for sale (CPPREP4302)
    • Establish vendor and buyer relationships in livestock sale (CPPREP4303)
    • Complete the sale process – livestock (CPPREP4304), and
  • the following 5 units from Group K – Stock and Station (Station):
    • Sell property (CPPREP4105)
    • Transact in trust accounts (CPPREP4125)
    • Develop and maintain rural property market knowledge and intelligence (CPPREP5311)
    • Appraise property for sale or lease (CPPREP4101)
    • Market property (CPPREP4102)

The qualifications required for a certificate of registration in strata or community management are changing

The current qualifications can only be used to apply for a certificate of registration as a registered strata manager or a registered community manager on or before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the following changes will start:

• ‘Registered strata managers’ and ‘registered community managers’ will be known as ‘assistant strata managing agents’.
• Certificates of registration will be issued for a maximum term of four years and will not be renewable – within that period, certificate of registration holders must progress to a class 2 licence, or cease working as an assistant agent and wait 12 months before applying for a new certificate of registration.
• Holders of a certificate of registration as a registered strata manager or a registered community manager will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent.
• The current qualifications for a certificate of registration will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.
• To apply for a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent you must have satisfactorily completed all of the following units of Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP40516) with a registered training organisation:

(a)  Work in the property industry (CPPDSM3016)

(b)  Implement customer service strategies in the property industry (CPPDSM4048)

(c)  Communicate effectively to support customer service in real estate (CPPREP3002) or Communicate with clients in the property industry (CPPDSM3019)

(d)  Identify and analyse risks and opportunities in the property industry (CPPDSM4028)

(e)  Work in the strata community management sector (CPPDSM3017)

(f)   Monitor a safe workplace in the property industry (CPPDSM4057)

(g)  Manage conflicts and disputes in the property industry (CPPDSM4056)

What to consider if you are studying the current qualifications or have already enrolled

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a certificate of registration course, you may be issued with a certificate of registration provided you do all of the following by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020:

• successfully complete the current qualifications, and
• obtain a transcript from your training organisation demonstrating successful completion of the current qualifications, and
• lodge your application for a certificate of registration, including the relevant application fee, with NSW Fair Trading.

If you are studying the current qualifications but are unable to meet these criteria by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, you must discuss your options with your registered training provider as you will no longer be able to apply for a certificate of registration with the current qualifications from 23 March 2020.

If you are studying the units that are currently required to apply for a certificate of registration as a registered strata manager or a registered community manager, you need to consider the following question and any action you may need to take, given the changes from 23 March 2020:

Can you complete the current qualifications, receive a transcript and apply for the certificate of registration by the deadline of 5pm on 20 March 2020?

Yes, I can meet the deadline to apply.

• Your application will be assessed and, if granted, you will receive a certificate of registration as a registered strata manager or a registered community manager.
• On 23 March 2020, you will be automatically taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent.

No, I will not be able to meet the deadline to apply.

• You must discuss your study options with your training provider.
• The current qualifications will not be accepted from 23 March 2020.

You should also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence from 23 March 2020 outlined below under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration' and the general changes to certificates of registration.

What to consider if you have not enrolled yet

If you have not enrolled yet, you are encouraged to enroll directly into Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP40516) and complete the new qualifications. This will ensure that you have the required qualifications for a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent from 23 March 2020.

If you choose to do the current qualifications and are able to successfully apply for a certificate of registration as a registered strata manager or a registered community manager by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, from 23 March 2020 you will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent.

You should also consider the pathway options that will be available for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence from 23 March 2020 outlined under the heading 'Prospective or current Cert IV student who wants to apply for a licence and already has a certificate of registration'. You may also want to look at the general changes to certificates of registration under the real estate and property services reforms starting on 23 March 2020.

Pathway options for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence from 23 March 2020

Applying for a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence under current qualifications

If you hold a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent and complete the current qualifications for a strata managing agent’s licence, you may be able to qualify for a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence. To be eligible, you must have completed at least 1 unit of the qualifications required by clause 15(3)(a) of the current Qualifications Order before 23 March 2020.

Applying for a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence under new qualifications

You will need to satisfactorily complete Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP40516) with a registered training organisation.

Class 2 licence applicants will also have to demonstrate that they have held a relevant certificate of registration for at least 12 months and completed work experience requirements as prescribed in the new Qualifications Order over a period of 12 months.

The qualification requirements for a licence are changing

The current qualifications can only be used to apply for a licence before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the following changes will start:

• There will be three licence categories - real estate agent, stock and station agent and strata managing agent. Business agents, buyer’s agents and on-site residential property managers will require a real estate agent’s licence.
• For each of these categories of licence, there will be two classes of licence – class 1 and class 2. You will need a class 1 licence and be nominated as a licensee in charge to authorise trust account withdrawals.
• The current qualifications for a licence will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.
• In general, you will need to have held a class 2 licence before you can apply for a class 1 licence, and you will need to have held a certificate of registration before you can apply for a class 2 licence. However, you should check the pathways in the new qualifications for the particular licence you want as there are some exceptions.
• A class 2 dual real estate agent and stock and station agent licence will also be available.
• Holders of a real estate agent’s licence (with or without a buyer’s agent restriction) or a business agent’s licence or an on-site residential property manager’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 real estate agent’s licence with a restriction condition as follows:
  • real estate agent licence holders will be restricted to real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions,
  • business agent licence holders will be restricted to business agent functions,
  • on-site residential property manager licence holders will be restricted to on-site residential property manager functions.
• Holders of a stock and station agent’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence.
• Holders of a strata managing agent’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence.
• Holders of a certificate of registration:
  • as a real estate salesperson, will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent subject to a restriction condition that the holder exercise real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions only,
  • as a business salesperson, will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent subject to a restriction condition that the holder exercise business agent functions only,
  • as a registered on-site residential property manager, will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant real estate agent subject to a restriction condition that the holder exercise on-site residential property manager functions only,
  • as a stock and station salesperson, will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant stock and station agent,
  • as a registered strata or community manager, will be taken to hold a certificate of registration as an assistant strata managing agent.

What to consider if you are studying the current qualifications or have already enrolled

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a Certificate IV course with the intention of applying for a licence under the current qualifications, you may be issued with a licence provided you do all of the following by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020:

• successfully complete the current qualifications, and
• obtain a transcript from your training organisation demonstrating successful completion of the current qualifications, and
• lodge your application for a licence, including the relevant application fee, with NSW Fair Trading.

If you will be unable to apply for a licence on the basis of the current qualifications by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020, you need to do the following now:

• consider the options for a licence under the new qualifications, which are summarised below, and
• discuss your options with your registered training provider.

You also need to make sure your certificate of registration will be current as at 23 March 2020. If your certificate of registration has expired and is within the permitted restoration period as at 23 March 2020, you will be granted an automatic four-year extension on your certificate on 23 March 2020.

Pathway options for certificate of registration holders to apply for a class 2 licence under the new qualifications

• If you intend to apply for a real estate agent’s licence, please read the information provided in the above section 'Certificate of registration in real estate’.
• If you intend to apply for a stock and station agent’s licence, please read the information provided in the above section 'Certificate of registration in stock and station’.
• If you intend to apply for a business agent’s licence, please read the information provided in the above section 'Certificate of registration in business broking’.
• If you intend to apply for an on-site residential property manager’s licence, please read the information provided in the above section 'Certificate of registration in on-site residential property management’.
• If you intend to apply for a strata managing agent’s licence, please read the information provided in the above section 'Certificate of registration in strata management’.

In summary:

• The qualification requirements for licences will change from 23 March 2020. If you have already enrolled in or commenced a Certificate IV course specified in the current qualifications, you should consider whether you can complete those qualifications and apply for a licence by 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.
• You may be able to rely on the Certificate IV course units specified in the current qualifications to apply for a licence from 23 March 2020 if you satisfactorily complete those qualifications and at least one unit of those qualifications was completed before 23 March 2020.  Any class 2 real estate agent’s licence issued on this basis will include a restriction condition.
• The current qualifications will not be accepted if you commence them after 23 March 2020 or do not complete at least 1 unit from them before that date.
• From 23 March 2020, class 2 licence applicants will also have to demonstrate that they have held a relevant certificate of registration for at least 12 months and completed work experience requirements as prescribed in the new Qualifications Order over a period of 12 months.

The qualification requirements for a licence are changing

The current qualifications can be used to apply for a licence before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the current qualifications for a licence will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.

Under the current qualifications, you do not need to hold, or have held, a certificate of registration to qualify for a licence. From 23 March 2020, this will change as holding a certificate of registration will generally be one of the requirements for a licence.

From 23 March 2020, to be able to apply for most licences you will need to:

• have held a certificate of registration for at least 12 months
• demonstrate satisfactory completion of the applicable Certificate IV units referred to in the new Qualifications Order, and
• demonstrate satisfactory completion of the prescribed work experience requirements referred to in the new Qualifications Order.

If you have enrolled in, or are part-way through, a Certificate IV course with the intention of applying for a licence under the current qualifications, you need to consider the following question and any action you may need to take, given the changes from 23 March 2020:

Can you complete the current qualifications, receive a transcript and apply for the certificate of registration by the deadline of 5pm on 20 March 2020?

Yes, I can meet the deadline to apply.

• Your application will be assessed and, if granted, you will receive the relevant licence under the current qualifications, but from 23 March 2020 the name of your licence may change and it may be restricted (see below).

No, I will not be able to meet the deadline to apply..

• The current qualifications will not be accepted from 23 March 2020. You need to consider your options under the current qualifications and the new qualifications now. For example, you may be able to apply for a certificate of registration before 23 March 2020.  You may also need to discuss your study options with your training provider.

From 23 March 2020:

• the holder of a real estate agent’s licence (including those with a condition that the holder act only as a buyer’s agent) will be taken to hold a class 2 real estate agent’s licence that restricts the holder to exercise real estate sale or leasing functions or on-site residential property manager functions only
• the holder of a business agent’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 real estate agent’s licence subject to a restriction condition that the holder exercise no real estate agent functions other than business agent functions
• the holder of an on-site residential property manager’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 real estate agent’s licence subject to a restriction condition that the holder exercise no real estate agent functions other than on-site residential property manager functions
• the holder of a stock and station agent’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 stock and station agent’s licence
• the holder of a strata managing agent’s licence will be taken to hold a class 2 strata managing agent’s licence.

The qualification requirements for certificates of registration and licences are changing.

The current qualifications can be used to apply for certificates of registration and licences on or before 5:00 pm, 20 March 2020.

From 23 March 2020, the current qualifications for applying for certificates of registration and licences will not be accepted and the new qualifications will be required.

Registered training organisations should familiarise themselves with the new qualifications and the different study pathways for each licence and certificate of registration category.