Resiliency, 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 the normal 9 to 5. For the select few who have what it takes, here are the steps to becoming an estate agent. And, thanks to the newly introduced Property Practitioners Act, becoming a real estate agent is becoming far more achievable, as many of the onerous qualification roadblocks will be reduced.

1. Apply to the Property Practitioner's Regulatory Authority

The first thing aspiring agents should note is that the Property Practitioners Act was launched on the first of February 2022 and it changes the process involved in becoming an agent. While many changes have been outlined in the Act, implementation guidelines are yet to be released. But, according to the act, it appears that the first step in the process once you’ve decided to become an Estate Agent is to apply to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority that replaces the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB). Until such time when the PPRA is fully running, new estate agents can still apply via the “MYEAAB” tab on the EAAB website.

To study a real estate course, applicants need to have passed matric. Below are a few examples of institutions where you can study Real Estate:

• South African Real Estate Academy.
• Prop Online Academy.
• The University of South Africa (UNISA)
• The University Of Pretoria (UP)
• The University of Witwatersrand (WITS)
• The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
• The University of Cape Town (UCT)
• iSikolo

2. Register and Write the Professional Designation Examination (PDE)

Some aspects of the PPRA have yet to be fully implememnted and trainee agents may still need to submit a 12 month logbook and write the NQF4 and PDE unless they are exempted. But, under the new Act, prospective agents will no longer be required to pass the NQF4 exams and will only need to write their Professional Designation Examination (PDE), which you can now do before joining an agency. To ensure greater access to the professional designation examinations, the Act states that the professional designation examinations will be capable of being written at least four times per annum at such intervals as are determined by the Authority. These exams may be written in any official language other than English and can also be completed orally.

3. Join a Real Estate Agency

Agents can choose to join a real estate agency either before or after successfully applying to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority, registering and writing the PDE. Choosing a real estate agency beforehand may prove helpful, as you can seek out guidance and mentorship from seasoned experts in the industry.

4. Complete Practical Training as a Candidate Estate Agent

The practical training course will constitute a minimum of six modules to be completed over a maximum period of six months. According to the Act: “The purpose and object of such practical training will be to equip non-principal property practitioners with the necessary practical skills required in order to enable them to operate in an efficient and appropriate manner as property practitioners in the relevant industry.”

After this, you will need another 6 months of supervision under a registered property practitioner before no restrictions apply. For further restrictions, see point 33.3 under chapter 7 of the PPA. Under the PPA, new agents will not need to keep a logbook & PoE, as was applicable under the previous act. Until further guidelines around PPA implementation are released, trainee real estate agents are advised to hold onto and maintain their logbooks & PoE, as this change may not be implemented immediately.

5. Earning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points

Once qualified, estate agents will need to earn annual CPD Points in order to keep renewing their Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC), which is a requirement in order to continue operating as a registered property practitioner. The good news is that under the new act, earning CPD points has become easier and more affordable.

Businesses are now allowed to develop and run their own CPD training and “shall be charged for by the Authority at the rate of R 500 per annum” subject to inflationary adjustments. Otherwise, the continuing professional development will be charged for by the Authority at a rate of R1500 per annum. All CPD training prepared by anyone other than the Authority itself will need to be in compliance with both the rolling three-year cycle requirements and the requirement that there be 12 modules and that a minimum of four modules must be completed during each year of such cycle.

Two requirements that will fall away with the new PP Act:

1. Complete NQF 4 FETC Real Estate Course 

This Qualification is for any individual who wishes to be involved in the property and real estate industry. The South African real estate industry falls under SSETA Trade and Industry. To be a full status real estate Property Practitioner, you must be found competent in the outcomes-based NQF Level 4 Real Estate course (which requires you to have passed grade 12). This qualification usually takes around 6 months to complete and it covers the following areas:

1. Estate Agency Affairs Act and Code of Conduct
2. Real estate product and services
3. Legal environment - acts
4. Legal environment - contracts
5. Financial process FICA/tax/accounting
6. South African money laundering legislation
7. Understanding of Mortgage Bond
8. Understanding of the Bond Registration Process
9. Marketing and selling/leasing
10. Estate agency management
11. Agency administration and systems
12. Paralegal environment

The PDE under the new PPA is likely to follow similar content.

2. Write and Pass Your PDE4

After you have completed the NQF 4 course, you then have to write and pass the Professional Designation Examination (PDE4) in order to become a professional real estate agent. Interns would have to pass this exam with a min of 65%. Once you have passed this exam, your status would then be updated to Professional Practitioner in Real Estate (PPRE), and you are finally allowed to operate independently.

Become an Estate Agent with RE/MAX

At RE/MAX, we strive to help people achieve their hopes, dreams and desires. 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 RE/MAX family. You can download the “Choose RE/MAX” Brochure and find out why thousands of brokers and agents before you choose RE/MAX.

What we look for in our agents:

1. Drive & Determination
2. Be Unique & Innovative
3. Exceed Expectations through Experience
4. Servant Leadership

Why wait? Join the RE/MAX team today!