By Cath Dickinson
Are you a Certificate of Registration holder? Did you know that having a Certificate of Registration for your entire real estate career is no longer an option? Here’s how REINSW’s new Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course will help you make the required transition to a Class 2 Real Estate Licence.
One of the most significant changes in the recent industry reforms package, which commenced on 23 March 2020, is the requirement for all Certificate of Registration holders to upgrade their qualifications.
“There are many agents in the industry, some with decades of experience, who have never sought to gain their Real Estate Licence,” REINSW Training Manager Nerida Wood said. “They have remained Certificate of Registration holders since first entering the industry. But this is no longer an option.
“All Assistant Agents, as Certificate of Registration holders are now known, must transition to a Class 2 Real Estate Licence. As an Assistant Agent, you have four years to complete that transition from the date of your post-23 March 2020 registration renewal.
“Similarly, new entrants to the industry will have four years from the date they receive their Certificate of Registration to transition to a Class 2 Real Estate Licence.”
To enable agents to make this transition, REINSW has launched their new Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course.
“When you successfully complete this course, you’ll be able to apply to NSW Fair Trading for a Class 2 Real Estate Licence,” Nerida said.
Focus on quality
The Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification includes 18 units of competency.
“Assistant Agents must complete five core units, as well as 10 compulsory units,” Nerida explained. “These units are prescribed by NSW Fair Trading and are grouped into six ‘clusters’, which cover subject matter such as appraisals, sales, property management, trust accounting, marketing and more.
“A further three elective units must also be completed, allowing agents to choose to specialise in buyers’ agency, auctioneering or stock and station. Alternatively, they can also choose a general elective cluster focusing on the skills required to prepare and present information at the tribunal in a structured and professional way.”
Important to note, Nerida said, is that completing units from the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course will satisfy annual CPD requirements.
“During the period you are transitioning from Assistant Agent to a Class 2 Real Estate Licence, completing three units of competency each year from the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course will ensure that your CPD obligations are satisfied,” she said.
According to Nerida, given that upgrading to your licence is now a must, completing the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course with REINSW is really a case of when, not if.
“Yes, there are other training providers offering courses that will allow you to upgrade to your Licence, but these courses just can’t be compared to REINSW’s course,” she said.
“Our Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course is not the fastest to complete, nor is it the cheapest, but we have no desire for it to be either of those things.
“Our focus is on quality – quality course material, quality trainers, quality assessors and quality outcomes. We want every agent to get the most they possibly can from the course, which has been designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to operate at a professional level.
“REINSW is the leading provider of real estate training in New South Wales. We’ve been serving the industry for 110 years and represent more than 2000 member agencies across the state, with leading agencies putting their trust in us to provide training for their teams.
“Why would you choose a provider other than REINSW to provide the training and support you need to transition to your Class 2 Real Estate Licence?”
Lots of learning options
Nerida said that the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course recognises that every agent is different, with varying levels of skills and knowledge.
“That’s why REINSW has created a range of different learning pathways,” she explained. “Each pathway has been designed to ensure you get the most from your learning experience. Agents can learn in the classroom, complete training online or do a mixture of both to complete the units required to gain their qualification.”
Nerida said agents can also undertake Recognition of Prior Learning.
“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 attain your qualification to apply for a Class 2 Real Estate Licence.”
For those newer to the industry, undertaking a traineeship is also an option, Nerida explained, allowing you to gain valuable on-the-job experience.
Finding time to do training in an already busy work week can be difficult. That’s why REINSW is extending its training program, so the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Course is available at a range of suitable times.
“We understand that it can be hard for agents to attend training during business hours,” Nerida said. “Not everyone can take time off during the day to attend a face-to-face classroom session. So we’ll be running the courses agents need to attain their Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice in the evenings and on weekends.
“Importantly, we’ll also be offering ‘virtual’ classroom sessions via Zoom, so no matter where you are, you can join our classroom sessions. Regional agents, in particular, will benefit from this.”
Enrol today
Nerida said Assistant Agents need to understand the impact of the industry reforms and take action to start transitioning to a Class 2 Real Estate Licence.
“It’s vitally important for everyone in the industry to ensure they’re on track to comply with their obligation to upgrade their qualification,” she said. “It’s a must for all Assistant Agents, so why not get started now?
“REINSW is here to support you every step of the way.”
To view the training calendar, go to reinsw.com.au/training