Upgrade to Real Estate License or Risk Industry Lockout.

13 July 2023

When landmark training reforms kicked off in March 2020, Certificate of Registration holders were put on notice. They have to upgrade their qualification to a Real Estate Licence within four years or risk losing their ability to practise in the industry.

Did you gain your Certificate of Registration prior to 23 March 2020? Are you still a Certificate holder and haven’t yet upgraded to a Real Estate Licence? If this is you, your time is running out.

“One of the central elements in the reform package that commenced in March 2020, was the requirement for all agents in the industry to upgrade their qualification from a Certificate of Registration to a Real Estate Licence,” REINSW Training Manager Aaron Barber said.

“For agents who gained their Certificate of Registration before the reforms commenced, the coming months are particularly significant. To continue to work in the industry, these agents must secure their Real Estate Licence before 22 March 2024, which is less than 12 months away. Agents who don’t will be locked out of the industry for 12 months.”

Upgrading your qualification is vital for your professional growth and long-term success in the real estate industry. By obtaining a Real Estate Licence, you not only comply with the reform requirements but also open doors to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. Don't let time slip away—take action now to secure your future in the industry.

Aaron explained that agents can no longer remain a Certificate holder for their entire career.

“While agents who obtained their Certificate of Registration after the commencement of the reforms still have time to upgrade, time is running out for those agents who are Certificate holders and have been in the industry for years,” he said.

“Securing your Real Estate Licence requires completion of the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, which comprises a range of compulsory and elective units of competency.”

For agents who gained their Certificate of Registration before the reforms commenced, the coming months are particularly significant. To continue to work in the industry, these agents must secure their Real Estate Licence before 22 March 2024, which is less than 12 months away. Agents who don’t will be locked out of the industry for 12 months.
– Aaron Barber, REINSW Training Manager

Recognising your experience and accelerating the process

While undertaking the units of competency to complete the Certificate IV and obtain your Real Estate Licence may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be.

“By participating in the REINSW Recognition of Prior Learning program, you can receive credit for the skills and knowledge that you’ve built up over the course of your career,” Aaron said. “We strongly believe that you shouldn’t have to spend time re-learning things you already know.

“So, if you already have experience in the real estate industry, it can be recognised via our Recognition of Prior Learning program to help you gain your Certificate IV and apply for a Real Estate Licence.

“By documenting your skills and knowledge, and providing evidence of the experience you’ve gained throughout your career, you can potentially reduce the amount of training you need to undertake to obtain your qualification and apply for a Real Estate Licence.”

Take Action Now to Secure Your Future

Aaron strongly encouraged long-time Certificate holders to take action now.

“Time is definitely running out and we don’t want to see agents locked out of the industry,” Aaron said. “Take the time to explore your options and, if you have questions, pick up the phone and talk to the REINSW Training Team – we’re always on hand to help.”

Don't wait until the last moment to upgrade your qualification. Procrastination can have serious consequences, potentially disrupting your career and limiting your professional growth. Instead, seize this opportunity to enhance your skills, broaden your knowledge, and open doors to new possibilities within the real estate industry.