New South Wales
Assistant agent (specified core units) → Class 2 → Class 1
New South Wales role guide →Official New South Wales requirements →Complete Guide — 2026
How to Get a Real Estate Licence in Australia
Choose your state and intended role before purchasing training. From the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice to state-specific requirements, costs, and timelines for NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, and SA.
Choose a state and role first
Full CPP41419 completion and individual units are different purchases. Entry registration and an agent or principal licence have different requirements. These five existing guides explain the routes; verify the exact current unit list with the regulator before enrolling.
Victoria
Agent’s representative → estate agent licence
Victoria role guide →Official Victoria requirements →Queensland
Salesperson registration (specified units) → agent licence
Queensland role guide →Official Queensland requirements →Western Australia
Sales representative registration → real estate and business agent
Western Australia role guide →Official Western Australia requirements →South Australia
Sales representative registration → land agent
South Australia role guide →Official South Australia requirements →Official role-directory references checked October 15, 2026. This is not a certification that every state rule or course is current.
Printable RTO comparison checklist
Compare two written quotes for the same state and role. Blank fields mean unknown, not free or included. Check registration and the exact qualification on the National Training Register. A registration listing alone does not establish that a course fits your licensing route.
Notes stay on this page until you leave or reload. Print or save a PDF to keep them. EstatePass does not rank these providers, award qualifications or guarantee employment.
Qualification Overview
CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
The Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice is the nationally recognised qualification for real estate agents across Australia. It is part of the CPP Property Services Training Package and replaces the previous CPP40307 Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate).
This qualification covers real estate practice. Permission to work, supervision and agency-principal requirements are separate state decisions; further qualifications or experience may be required.
Qualification Code
CPP41419
Qualification Name
Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
Training Package
CPP Property Services
Total Units
18 (5 core + 13 elective)
Duration
Set by your RTO
Delivery Mode
Online, face-to-face, or blended
Assessment
Competency-based (no single exam)
Step-by-Step Process
1
Choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
First identify your state, role and required units or qualification. Verify the training organization’s current registration and scope on the National Training Register. Compare written fees, delivery, assessment and support conditions; independent prep does not award competency.
2
Enrol and Begin Your Studies
Complete the enrolment process, which typically requires proof of identity, a Unique Student Identifier (USI), and Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. Most RTOs offer flexible start dates and self-paced learning options.
3
Complete the Units Required for Your Route
The full CPP41419 qualification has 18 units. Some entry roles require a specified subset instead; confirm your regulator’s exact unit list before buying a full course. Your RTO sets the competency assessment and evidence requirements.
4
Apply for Your State Licence
Confirm your selected state and role’s current application, education, experience and supporting-evidence requirements. A Certificate IV alone does not automatically satisfy every licensing pathway; use the corresponding state guide and official regulator.
5
Find an Employer or Start Your Agency
As a new licensee, most agents start by joining an established agency to gain practical experience. Some states require you to work under supervision for a specified period before you can operate independently.
6
Launch Your Real Estate Career
Begin your career in property sales, property management, or both. Maintain your licence through continuing professional development (CPD) and stay current with legislative changes in your state.
State-by-State Requirements
Each Australian state and territory has its own regulatory body and specific licensing requirements. While the Certificate IV is recognised nationally, the pathway to a full licence varies.
| NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | NSW Fair Trading | Consumer Affairs Victoria | Office of Fair Trading QLD | Consumer Protection (LGIRS) | CBS South Australia |
| Key legislation | Property & Stock Agents Act 2002 | Estate Agents Act 1980 | Property Occupations Act 2014 | Real Estate & Business Agents Act 1978 | Land Agents Act 1994 |
| Entry-level role | Certificate of Registration | Agent's Representative | Registration Certificate | Sales Representative | Sales Representative |
| Annual CPD | Yes (7 hours for real estate; year starts 1 July) | From 1 April 2027 | Yes (2 approved sessions) | Yes (5 points; year starts 1 April) | Not mandatory |
Education Requirements: 18 Units of Competency
The CPP41419 Certificate IV consists of 18 units of competency — 5 core units that all students must complete and 13 elective units, including every unit in two of the elective groups (for example sales or property management).
Core Units (5 required)
- CPPREP4001 Prepare for professional practice in real estate
- CPPREP4002 Access and interpret ethical practice in real estate
- CPPREP4003 Access and interpret legislation in real estate
- CPPREP4004 Establish marketing and communication profiles in real estate
- CPPREP4005 Prepare to work with real estate trust accounts
Example Elective Units (13 required, incl. two full groups)
- CPPREP4162 Conduct and complete sale by auction
- CPPREP4105 Sell property
- CPPREP4124 End tenancy
- CPPREP4123 Manage tenancy
- CPPREP4101 Appraise property for sale or lease
- CPPREP4121 Establish landlord relationships
Costs Breakdown
RTO quote
Certificate IV Course Fees
Varies by RTO, delivery mode, and whether you choose a full qualification or individual units. Government funding or payment plans may be available.
Regulator fee
Licence Application Fee
State-dependent. Covers initial licence application processing. Some states charge separate fees for registration and full licence.
Police check
National Police Check
Check your regulator’s screening process: it may obtain a criminal-history check itself. Do not purchase a separate check without confirming the accepted process.
Total cost: depends on your state, your RTO and whether you qualify for a government subsidy. Get written quotes from more than one RTO, and some employers sponsor training for new recruits.
Timeline
Step 1
Research & Enrolment
Compare RTOs, review fees and delivery modes, complete enrolment and LLN assessment.
Step 2
Core Units
Complete the 5 core units (CPPREP4001–CPPREP4005): professional practice, ethics, legislation, marketing and communication, and trust accounts.
Step 3
Elective Units
Complete 13 elective units, including every unit in two elective groups such as sales or property management.
Step 4
Qualification & Application
Obtain the qualification or unit evidence required for your selected role, then meet the regulator’s experience, identity, suitability and application conditions.
Step 5
Licence Approval & Employment
Wait for any required approval before carrying out regulated work. Training completion does not guarantee registration, employment or permission to operate an agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate licence in Australia?
It depends on the RTO, the delivery mode and how much time you can study; there is no set duration for the CPP41419 Certificate IV. In NSW you can start working sooner as an assistant agent: a Certificate of Registration needs only the five core units (CPPREP4001–4005), and a Class 2 licence needs the full Certificate IV plus 12 months as an assistant agent. Ask each RTO for its expected completion time and what happens if you need longer.
How much does it cost to become a real estate agent in Australia?
The main costs are the RTO course fee, the regulator's licence or registration fee, and a national police check. Course fees vary widely between RTOs and delivery modes, and some states subsidise the qualification, so compare written quotes. Licence fees are set by each state regulator and change from year to year; check the current fee on your regulator's website before applying.
Can I work in real estate before completing Certificate IV?
In some states, yes. In NSW, you can work as an assistant agent with a Certificate of Registration while completing your Certificate IV. In Victoria, you can work under supervision with an Agent's Representative authorisation. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state regulator.
Is the real estate licence valid across all Australian states?
Check the destination regulator’s current mutual-recognition or automatic-recognition arrangements for your existing licence, role and circumstances. A qualification alone does not establish permission to work interstate; application or notification and local conditions may apply.
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a real estate representative?
Entry roles generally work for or under a licensed agent. Independent operation and trust-account authority depend on the exact licence class and state. In NSW, for example, Class 2 is distinct from Class 1 and licensee-in-charge authority. Confirm the role before choosing training.
Explore More
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Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?
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