NAVIGATING THE PATH TO BECOMING A PROPERTY PRACTITIONER: EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS UNVEILED

Embarking on a career as a property practitioner entails fulfilling specific educational requirements tailored to the nuances of each sector within the property industry. While these qualifications undergo consultation and finalisation with industry stakeholders, it’s essential to understand the existing educational framework, particularly in the estate agency sector.

As it stands, the estate agency sector operates under the ambit of the Standard of Training of Estate Agents Regulations, 2008, as delineated in Regulation 633 of the Estate Agency Affairs Act of 1976. For aspiring estate agents, the journey towards professional accreditation entails a structured process outlined in Regulation 2 of the Education regulations:

1. Seek Employment as a Candidate Estate Agent: Prospective estate agents must secure employment as a Candidate Estate Agent with an estate agency holding a valid Fidelity Fund Certificate.
2. Register as an Intern Estate Agent: Upon securing employment, candidates are required to register as Intern Estate Agents with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
3. Undergo Internship: Candidates serve as interns under the supervision of a principal or mentor for a duration of 12 months. Throughout this period, interns are mandated to maintain an intern logbook to document their learning and experiences.
4. Complete Further Education Training: Interns are obliged to complete the Further Education Training Certificate in Real Estate Level 4 during the internship period. Those with prior workplace experience and training may opt for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), while candidates with relevant tertiary qualifications may apply for educational equivalency exemptions.
5. Professional Designation Examination (PDE): Upon successful completion of the intern logbook and the NQF Level 4 qualification, candidate agents become eligible to write the Professional Designation Examination (PDE). Passing the PDE is a prerequisite for candidates to attain full status as agents.
6. Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Full-status agents are required to earn Continuous Professional Designation (CPD) points to maintain their status. The CPD cycle commences the year following the agent’s upgrade to full status.

It’s crucial to note that these requirements may undergo revisions following the phased implementation of Regulation 33 of the New Property Practitioners Regulations, 2022. Regulation 33.2.9.1 of the Property Practitioners Act stipulates exemptions for estate agents already registered as either non-principal or principal agents at the time of the Act’s enactment from the requirements of any new qualification standards under Regulation 33.2.1.

For non-estate agent property practitioners and newcomers, registration is based on existing qualification status until education regulations are finalised. Practitioners may register as principal or director practitioners, depending on their roles, or as non-principal or employee practitioners.

Understanding these educational requirements is crucial for navigating the diverse property industry landscape, ensuring compliance, and fostering professional development.

In essence, aspiring property practitioners must navigate educational requirements diligently, stay updated on regulatory changes, and commit to continuous learning for a successful career in the property industry.

This information was provided by our trainer partner, Meraki Property Solutions. Meraki Property Solutions is an accredited training provider with services SETA and QCTO, offering accredited and non-accredited training programs to estate agents under the existing and upcoming training regulations. For more information, email carmen@merakipropertysolutions.co.za.