To gain authority to work in the property industry anywhere in Australia, you are required to undertake some entry-level training. This training is only a small part of a full qualification. Each State and Territory are a little different in their requirements, and it is important that you complete the course that is relevant to the State or Territory where you are wanting to work – this means that you will learn the relevant legislation that is required to do the job.

Each State or Territory in Australia has a government regulatory body that manages the issue, renewal and monitoring process of authorities to work in the property industry. Once you have completed your required training program, you will need to make an application to the relevant government body in your State or Territory to receive approval to work in the property industry.

When you complete your training with ACOP, we will provide you with the details to make an application for the government body relevant to the State/Territory where you are wanting to work

Entry-Level Training Offered by ACOP

Once you have completed your training program for your entry level course, you need to make application to the relevant regulatory body in your State/Territory. As part of this application, you will need to upload copies of your Statement of Attainment and Certificate of Completion – so it is a good idea to have these scanned and saved in your computer prior to commencing your application process.

Most States and Territories have an online application process. Go to the website for the relevant regulatory body and search for the property application forms.

The regulatory bodies for each State/Territory are:

Unless you are planning to operate your own property office, or work as an independent contractor, there is mostly no requirement for you to hold a full licence. This means that you can hold a Certificate of Registration/Agents Authority and work under the supervision of a fully licensed agent.

Naturally, from a knowledge and skill perspective, there is most definitely a benefit to completing the additional training and making an application for a full licence in your respective State or Territory.

This requirement is different in NSW. As of 23rd March 2020, the legislation was amended and it is now a requirement that all agents are ultimately licensed. The requirement is that all persons who hold a Certificate of Registration will be required to undertake additional education and gain a full property licence within four years of commencing work in the industry. This is significant and proactive action by NSW Fair Trading to improve the professionalism and knowledge-base of the industry.

To work in the property industry, you require either a Certificate or Registration (entry level requirement) or a full licence. If you hold a Certificate of Registration, you are required to work under the supervision of a fully licensed agent. If you hold a full licence, you can choose to work independently, operate your own business or work for another licensed agent.

There are various ways of being employed in the property industry. You should refer to the Commonwealth Real Estate Industry Award 2015, which took effect within the industry throughout Australia on 2nd April 2018.

For information about being employed under the Award, refer to the Real Estate Employers Federation on www.reef.org.au

Different States and Territories have different categories of licence.

This process of transferring your Licence or Certificate from one State/Territory to another, or gaining an additional Licence/Certificate in another State/Territory, is referred to as “mutual recognition”. Under the Commonwealth Trans-tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997, most States and Territories will mutually recognise a regulatory licence/certificate from one State/Territory to another. Each State/Territory has its own requirements and criteria for this process.

The regulatory body in each State / Territory (listed above) has specific details about their mutual recognition requirements. We recommend that you contact the regulatory body for the State/ Territory which you intend to mutually recognise too.

In most States and Territories throughout Australia, you will be advised by the regulator approximately 4 to 5 weeks prior to your renewal date, that you are due for renewal. You will need to go to the online portal provided and renew your licence – this usually involves answering some questions, making a declaration that you have answered the questions truthfully, and pay your renewal fee.

If you do not receive a notification from your regulatory body, it is YOUR responsibility to contact them and organise for the renewal process to be undertaken.

You should use a calendar reminder to ensure that you do not forget to renew your licence or certificate, as without a current authority, you are acting in breach of the legislation in your specific State or Territory.