There’s now more than one way to become a real estate agent in South Africa: the formal or traditional NQF 4 qualification pathway (if you are an existing candidate) or the new competency certification-based pathway (for existing and/or new entrants). For both, you need to join a registered real estate agency, register with the PPRA and hold a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC).
The formal route leads to the PPRE designation after completing the NQF Level 4 qualification and the PDE 4 exam. The competency certification-based pathway requires six practical modules under direct mentorship and the PPRA Closed-Book Exam, after which you can practice as a non-principal agent but without the PPRE designation.
Resilience, good interpersonal skills and willingness to go the extra mile. If this is you, then you just might be cut out for the life of a certified property practitioner. Being a real estate agent could be one of the most lucrative professions you can pursue. That being said, the job is not for everyone. It requires passion, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
For those who have what it takes, here are the steps to becoming an estate agent. In addition to the existing provisions of the Property Practitioners Act, the introduction of PPRA’s new competency certification-based pathway means that another of the onerous qualification roadblocks has been removed.
Becoming a real estate agent is far more achievable than ever before.
From 1 October 2026, new entrants with a National Senior Certificate (Matric), as well as candidate estate agents who have not yet completed the prescribed NQF Level 4 real estate qualification and hold a National Senior Certificate (Matric), can apply for the PPRA's new Professional Competency Certification.
Candidates who have already started their NQF Level 4 qualification can choose to complete it through the existing process, which includes the Industry Practical Modules/Logbooks (where applicable) and the open-book PDE4 exam.
Scenario A: New to Real Estate
If you are new entrant and meet the entry requirement (hold a National Senior Certificate/Matric), you will need to follow the PPRA’s new competency certification-based pathway. You will need to join a real estate agency, like REMAX, so a principal real estate broker/mentor can oversee your training.
The pathway requires you to complete 6 Industry Practical Modules under direct mentorship. Once the mentor has verified that you have completed the practical requirements and submitted the documentation to the PPRA, you will need to write and pass the PPRA Closed-Book Exam, which if offered four times a year.
Please note: You are able to register for the PPRA Closed-Book Exam before registering with a real estate agency.
It is advisable to register with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), which is the governing body that regulates the real estate industry. Once registered as a Candidate Property Practitioner, you will be issued with a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC), which needs to be renewed every 3 years.
Scenario B: Existing Candidate without NQF Level 4
A candidate estate agent who already holds a current FFC, but who does not have an Occupational Certificate (OC) NQF Level 4 qualification in Real Estate may either follow the formal qualification pathway or the competency certification-based pathway.
If you choose the NQF Level 4 route, you will need to complete the QCTO Occupational Certificate: Real Estate Agent (NQF Level 4) and pass the PDE 4.
If you choose the PPRA’s Professional Competency pathway, you do not need to complete the NQF Level 4 real estate qualification. Instead, you will need to complete the six prescribed practical training modules and pass the new PPRA Closed-Book Examination, which covers the same content as PDE 4.
If you currently hold a Candidate FFC but have not yet started either pathway, you will need to choose which route you want to follow and complete the requirements applicable to that route.
Scenario C: Existing Candidate that has started NQF Level 4
If you are an existing candidate who has already started the NQF Level 4, you will need to continue and complete NQF Level 4, in addition to the Industry Practical Modules/Logbook where applicable.
The formal qualification route involves registering with a Skills Development Provider (SDP) that has been recognised by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and that offers an Occupational Certificate (OC) NQF level 4 qualification in Real Estate.
Some institutions that can assist with the OC Real Estate include:
- Brain Trust Business Training
- Itakane Training Academy
- Isikolo School of Learning
- PropAcademy
- Charter Academy
- Business and Auction Academy
- Applecherry Real Estate Business Development and Training
To check if your chosen institution is a registered Skills Development Provider (SDP), you can look them up online.
While completing the first and second modules of the OC Real Estate, namely the ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Practical’ modules, you can apply to the PPRA for a Candidate FFC. Although you do not need an FFC to start these modules, by the time you reach the third “Workplace Evidence” module (typically 6 months into your OC Real Estate course), you must have an FFC and be registered with a real estate company.
You will then have 180 days (i.e. 6 months) in which to complete the third ‘Work Experience’ module under the mentorship of a qualified real estate agent at a real estate agency.
Once the ‘Work Experience’ module is complete, you will need to write an “External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)” which is essentially a 'closed-book exam’ which will be arranged by your chosen learning institution. If you pass this exam, you have completed your QCTO – OC qualification.
You will then need to submit certified proof of completion of the course to the PPRA so that you can write your final qualifying exam – the Professional Designation Exam (PDE 4).
Once you pass your PDE 4, you are then awarded a PPRE designation, which allows you to practice as a non-principal property practitioner.
There is one important difference between the two pathways
Candidates who complete the formal qualification pathway may be awarded the Professional Practitioner in Real Estate (PPRE) designation. If you follow the competency certification-based pathway, you can still register and practise as a non-principal property practitioner, but you will not be awarded the PPRE designation or be able to use “PPRE” after your name, because you do not hold the prescribed real estate qualification.
Once registered, the two pathways effectively merge: all property practitioners must meet the PPRA’s ongoing professional requirements, including applicable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Registering with the PPRA
Remember that regardless of the qualification pathway you choose, you will still need to register with the PPRA and apply for your FFC before you do your practical training (workplace component). Here is a checklist of documents that you will need when you register:
- Completed PPRA application form
- A dated, certified copy of your South African ID, no older than 6 months
- Letter of employment from a registered estate agency, signed by both you and the agency principal. This letter must include the following information:
- The agency’s PPRA F-number
- The principal’s name
- The principal’s 7-digit PPRA registration number
- Proof of payment of the applicable fees for both PPRA registration and the Fidelity Fund Certificate
Word to the wise: The PPRA’s registration guide says a fully compliant application may take up to 30 working days to process, so it’s worth getting your documentation right the first time.
Become an Estate Agent with REMAX
At REMAX, we strive to help people achieve their hopes and dreams. Because when you win, we win. We are the number one leading local brand and are unmatched globally. We would love for you to join the REMAX family. Find out why thousands of brokers and agents choose REMAX.
Each of our offices is an independent franchise, which means each has its own requirements for hiring agents. We would recommend getting in touch with your nearest REMAX office to find out more.
Alternatively, you can give our Regional Support Office a call on 021 700 2000, and our receptionist will put you in touch with your nearest REMAX Office to assist.
Why wait? Join the REMAX team today!
