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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements

2024-2025 CPD Training Sessions
 

Information from Department Of Fair Trading 1/7/24

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Key information

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  • In the 2024-25 CPD year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025), holders of just one category of class 1 or 2 licence must complete a minimum of 5 hours CPD training, including 4 compulsory topics set for their licence type.

  • Failure to comply with your CPD requirements may result in the suspension or cancellation of your licence or certificate.

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Your 2024 – 2025 CPD requirements​

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The CPD year for all licence and certificate holders starts on 1 July each year and ends on 30 June the following year.

Licensed agents must complete 5 hours of training on compulsory topics relevant to the class of licence you hold each CPD year. Those 5 hours of training must include at least 4 compulsory topics relevant to your area of practice. This is an increase from 4 hours of compulsory topics required in the 2023 - 2024 year.

You are no longer required to complete electives or business skills topics, provided the compulsory topics are delivered in an interactive environment (in-person classroom or interactive webinar).

Compulsory topics must be delivered by a training provider approved by the Strata and Property Services Commissioner. The list of approved providers is available below.

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Compulsory topics must be delivered in:

  • a face-to-face interactive training environment (maximum 40 attendees), or

  • an interactive webinar (maximum 25 attendees), and

  • include an assessment activity.

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If you are unable to complete 5 hours of CPD training in an interactive environment, you may complete a minimum of 10 hours of CPD by online module as an alternative. This must include all compulsory topics relevant to your licence category, plus your choice of other training to make up a total of 10 hours. Licensees-in-charge must have all CPD training detailed in the training plan for the agency, and this may be made up of topics most relevant to you.

Below is a list of suggested topics for training providers to deliver to any licensee who wants or needs to do more than the 5 hours of compulsory topics.

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Class 1 Agent - Real Estate, Strata Management or dual licence holders

 

A Class 1 Agent in Real Estate, Strata Management or a dual Real Estate/Stock and Station licence holder must complete a minimum of 5 hours of compulsory face-to-face or online interactive CPD each year, including a minimum of 4 compulsory topics in each licence category held.

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If you cannot complete your compulsory CPD in a face-to-face or online interactive environment, you must instead complete 10 hours of CPD by online module. This must include all compulsory topics relevant to your licence category, plus your choice of other training to make up a total of 10 hours.

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If you hold a class 1 licence for both real estate and strata, you need to complete:

  • a baseline minimum of 5 hours with 4 compulsory CPD topics for the first licence, and

  • at least 4 compulsory topics from the other licence category.

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Compulsory CPD topics that are the same for both categories only need to be completed once, and completion counts towards your compulsory topics for both licence categories.

However, practical scenarios described in the learning outcomes for compulsory topics can differ even if the topic overall looks the same. In this case, CPD providers delivering training to holders of more than one type of licence (for example, real estate and strata) must ensure both scenarios are covered in the course.

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If you hold a class 1 dual licence in real estate and stock and station, you need to complete:

  • a baseline minimum of 5 hours with 4 compulsory CPD topics for the first licence, and

  • at least 4 compulsory topics from the other licence category.

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Compulsory CPD topics that are the same for both categories only need to be completed once, and completion counts towards your compulsory topics for both licence categories.

Practical scenarios described in the learning outcomes for compulsory topics can differ even if the topic overall looks the same. In this case, CPD providers delivering training to holders of more than one type of licence must ensure both scenarios are covered in the course.

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For example, an agent completes the compulsory CPD topic about Supervision Guidelines. The topic is applicable to both licence categories – strata and real estate. The agent only needs to complete the topic once and it is counted towards the compulsory hours for both licence categories, however the scenarios for both licence types must be covered.

A licensee who holds more than one licence category might end up doing 7 topics across 9 hours, depending on the degree of overlap of topics and the way the approved training provider delivers the topics.

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A Class 2 Agent in Real Estate or Strata Management must complete a minimum of 5 hours of compulsory face-to-face or online interactive CPD each year, including a minimum of 4 topics in each licence category.

If you cannot complete your compulsory CPD in a face-to-face or online interactive environment, you must instead complete 10 hours of CPD by online module. This must include all compulsory topics relevant to your licence category, plus your choice of other training to make up a total of 10 hours.

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Class 2 Agent - Real Estate, Strata Management or dual licence holders

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If you hold a class 2 licence for both real estate and strata, you need to complete:

  • a baseline minimum of 5 hours with 4 compulsory CPD topics for the first licence, and

  • at least 4 compulsory topics from the other licence category.

​

Compulsory CPD topics that are the same for both categories only need to be completed once, and completion counts towards your compulsory topics for both licence categories.

Practical scenarios described in the learning outcomes for compulsory topics can differ even if the topic overall looks the same. In this case, CPD providers delivering training to holders of more than one type of licence must ensure both scenarios are covered in the course.

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If you hold a class 2 dual licence in real estate and stock and station, you need to complete:

  • a baseline minimum of 5 hours with 4 compulsory CPD topics for the first licence, and

  • at least 4 compulsory topics from the other licence category.

​

Compulsory CPD topics that are the same for both categories only need to be completed once, and completion counts towards your compulsory topics for both licence categories.

Practical scenarios described in the learning outcomes for compulsory topics can differ even if the topic overall looks the same. In this case, CPD providers delivering training to holders of more than one type of licence must ensure both scenarios are covered in the course.

For example, an agent completes the compulsory CPD topic about Supervision Guidelines. The topic is applicable to both licence categories – strata and real estate. The agent only needs to complete the topic once and it is counted towards the compulsory hours for both licence categories, however scenarios for both licence types must be covered.

A licensee who holds more than one licence category might end up doing 7 topics across 9 hours, depending on the degree of overlap of topics and the way the approved training provider delivers the topics.

CPD Calendar Year has changed

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The CPD year for all licence and certificate holders starts on 1 July each year and ends on 30 June the following year.

We have once again been approved as a training provider for CPD 2024-2025.

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Please email or call to discuss this years CPD requirements

Alicia Borg 0411590785 or admin@realestateacademyoflearning.net

Assistant Agent-Real Estate

Certificate of registration holders as an assistant real estate agent must complete at least 3 units each CPD year from a valid Certificate IV qualification that is required for the issue of a Class 2 Agent licence in Real Estate (with or without restrictions).

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Assistant agents can complete any of the units from their Certificate IV qualification.

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Carry over of CPD from past years

The new CPD arrangements do not provide for the carry-over of CPD from one year to the next for most licences, except Assistant Agents.

As Assistant Agents must complete units from their related Certificate IV qualification, units completed since the certificate holder’s last renewal can be carried forward.

Training Plan for All Employed Agents

All agencies licensed under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 are required to prepare and maintain an annual training plan for their agency, which connects the performance goals of the whole agencies with the training needs of all agents employed there. Nominated Licensees in Charge are responsible for the development and implementation of the training plan, as well as reviewing and updating it annually.

Advertising Guidelines

Summary of Advertising Guidelines for Real Estate Photographs


Real estate agents must ensure that photographs used in advertising campaigns accurately represent the property and do not mislead potential buyers. Consumers rely on online and print advertisements for property information, and unclear or misleading images can create false impressions.
For instance, if an advertisement features a beach view, it should be clear whether the view is from the property or just a nearby location. Without proper labeling, such images may mislead consumers.


Legal Requirements


Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

  • Section 18: Prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in trade or commerce.

  • Section 30: Specifically applies to real estate sales, prohibiting false or misleading representations about:

  • Land ownership and interest

  • Price

  • Location

  • Characteristics

  • Permitted uses

  • Facilities associated with the land


Penalties

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  • Individuals: Up to $220,000

  • Companies: Up to $1.1 million

  • Property and Stock Agents Act 2002 (Section 53)

  • Consumers can claim damages or compensation for misrepresentation, even without an agency agreement.

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False, Misleading, or Deceptive Advertising in Real Estate


A representation is false or misleading if it creates a reasonable but incorrect belief about a property’s characteristics, location, or features. Misleading advertising can also occur through omission or silence.


Key Requirements for Agents

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  • All claims in advertisements, including photographs, must be accurate and not create false impressions.

  • Images of views, local facilities, and surroundings must not mislead buyers.

 

Examples of Misleading Advertising

 

  • A water view or scenery placed next to a house photo, making it unclear if the view is from the house.

  • Cafes/shops advertised as "minutes away" without specifying the actual distance.

  • Outdated property photos that no longer represent the current condition.

  • A park/river view advertised as "opposite home" when the view is not visible from the property.

  • A beach photo labeled "90 seconds walk to water’s edge, not actual view," needing more clarification.

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Prohibited Modifications

 

  • Digitally altering images to remove undesirable features or enhance aesthetics.

  • Changing the property’s appearance by adding or removing elements.

  • Zooming in on views to make them appear closer than they actually are.

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Legal Implications


Misleading photographic advertising may breach:

 

  • Property and Stock Agents Act 2002

  • Fair Trading Act 1987

  • Australian Consumer Law


Agents must ensure advertising materials accurately reflect the property to avoid legal consequences and maintain consumer trust.


The Use of Labelling to Clarify Meaning in Real Estate Advertising


To prevent consumer doubt, property advertisements should use accurate labelling on photographs when necessary.
Acceptable Practices for Photographic Advertisements

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  • No label required for photographs taken on the property being sold (e.g., views from the property).

  • Use 'location shot' for photographs of nearby features (e.g., parks, beaches, shopping areas) not visible from the property.

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Note: The term 'location shot' should only refer to immediate surrounding areas, not distant landmarks.


Best Practices for Property Descriptions


Use specific distances instead of vague terms:

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  • "2 km to beach" (better than "close to beach")

  • "Village shops within 3 km" (better than "within walking distance of shops")


Legal Responsibilities

 

  • Agents must provide accurate property representations and cannot shift responsibility to buyers to verify claims.

  • Misleading statements about location may breach consumer laws, including the Trade Practices Act 1974.

  • Agents are liable for their representations in property advertisements.


By ensuring clarity and accuracy in advertisements, agents can maintain compliance and consumer trust.

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