The Real Estate Institutes across Australia, with the backing of the national body, the Real Estate Institute of Australia, are in the process of establishing a branded accreditation scheme for the real estate profession right across the nation.

The aim of the scheme is to publicly recognise those industry professionals with high standards and a history of achievement. In doing so those individuals qualifying for Specialist Accreditation will have a marketing advantage on which they can capitalise.

The scheme builds on the certificates of Associate (AREI) and Fellow (FREI) of the Real Estate Institute of Australia issued since the early 1960s as an enduring acclamation of talent, dedicated service to the profession and their continuous involvement with Real Estate Institutes at State and Territory level.

Unlike the AREIs and the FREIs, which will continue to be awarded, the specialist accreditation scheme will recognise professionalism in the area of the professional’s specialised activity. REISA’s Certified Practicing Member will also continue and be a fundamental part of the nationally recognised Specialist Accreditation scheme.

Post-nominals, or the letters placed after a person's name, to indicate Specialist Accreditation will be available in the following categories: auctioneer, buyer’s agent, business broker, commercial and industrial agent, owner’s corporation manager, property manager, rural agent, sales agent, and valuer.

Real estate professionals who are members of their state REI with a minimum of 5 years of suitable experience and, where applicable, are current with their CPD points (and in South Australia, that being the requirements of the Certified Practising Membership)  in the calendar year that they choose to nominate, may apply for Specialist Accredited status.

After completion of an application which will partially demonstrate experience and expertise, the applicant will also undertake a written or oral exam or similar.

If a member would like to apply for Specialist Accreditation in more than one area of expertise, they must demonstrate that they have been working in each area for a minimum of 5 years and satisfactorily pass each requirement for that specialty.

We expect that REISA will be rolling out the scheme later this year, along with the other REIs in other States and Territories. Many of the REISA Consultative Committees have been consulted and strongly support this very important initiative to improve the level of professionalism within real estate profession. Further, this matter was also strongly supported at REISA’s recent Strategic Planning Day held in March that included Board members and Consultative Committee Chairs.

As we get closer to the formal launch, we will be writing to you again with further details.