An investigation by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has highlighted concerns about inadequate training by some training providers for people starting a career in the real estate industry.
It found some graduates of the CPP41419: Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, CPP51122: Diploma of Property (Agency Management) or CPP40521: Certificate IV in Strata Community Management were not being properly enrolled, trained and assessed, or given sufficient information of their legal and licensing requirements prior to applying to the relevant state or territory licensing authority to become a licenced real estate agent.
REIWA CEO Cath Hart described the behaviour as disappointing and unfair to students.
"These training providers have left their clients ill-prepared for a real estate career, making it hard for them to find and retain employment and putting their registration at risk," she said.
"We are very pleased ASQA has identified this issue, taken action to remind those providers of their regulatory obligations and will conduct compliance audits where necessary."
Ms Hart said the investigation highlighted the need for people to choose their training provider carefully.
"You should be particularly wary of cheap online courses and providers promising to fast-track your qualification," she said.
"You want to be sure you're working with a reputable training provider that will ensure you have the appropriate skills and competencies to meet licensing requirements, and that you finish your course job-ready."
As the peak body for real estate in WA and an RTO (RTO 1927), REIWA is the benchmark for professional standards in the industry and is committed to ensuring students – and members – receive the highest quality training.
At REIWA you'll learn from agents active in the industry, get access to the same tools that REIWA members rely on for their day-to-day work (such as REI Forms, RP Data and police checks), and gain practical work experience at an award-winning simulated real estate agency.
You can also get ongoing assessment and support from a team of over 20 trainers, and network with agency owners and industry leaders at REIWA events.
Once you have completed your qualifications and embarked on your new vocation, REIWA Training offers a range of courses to help you further develop your career.
In total more than 60 courses are delivered face-to-face in Perth and regional centres across WA, as well as online and in-house at agencies.
