The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is warning not all real estate courses are created equal and is commending a crackdown on poor quality training providers.

Registered training organisations (RTOs) have been put on notice by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), alerting its audits could confirm concerning reports that some students and professionals are not being properly enrolled, trained and assessed.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella stressed the importance of high-quality education for real estate professionals, and highlighted the risks associated with substandard courses.

“When you consider the incredibly important work that real estate professionals perform, and the fast-paced and complex legislative environment they operate within, this is not a sector where we can allow educational standards to slip,” Ms Mercorella said.

“The REIQ is in a unique position as both the state’s leading training organisation and peak professional body, and so we are acutely aware of the importance of a quality education and the detrimental impacts of tick and flick courses.

“A quality education not only delivers competent professionals, but leads to satisfied employers, legally compliant businesses and greater consumer protection and confidence.

“When we hear reports of RTOs operating like diploma factories with low cost, unduly short, race-to-the-finish courses, it’s highly concerning to us as a peak body striving to raise the professional standards and reputation of the industry.

“These cheap, quick courses unravel the trust and integrity of real estate professionals, but it’s the students, their employers and everyday consumers who ultimately pay the price.

“We urge students aspiring to enter or upgrade in the industry to choose carefully and wisely when selecting their training provider and always prioritise quality.

“Similarly, for Principals, it’s crucial to recruit graduates from reputable training providers to reduce demand on your onboarding resources and help safeguard your brand and business.”

Ms Mercorella said the REIQ had a long history of championing quality training in the real estate industry and advocating for ongoing education and professional development.

“It’s crucial we get the threshold requirements right for entry into the industry, but ongoing education and professional development is also essential,” she said.

“We’re incredibly proud that after a decade of advocacy from the REIQ, the Queensland Government has committed to delivering a continuing professional development regime.

“The REIQ's commitment to high-quality education is further demonstrated through our work with the vocational education and training (VET) sector and real estate regulators to enhance and maintain educational standards.

“We congratulate ASQA for this move to clean up the deficient education providers in the sector and look forward to the outcomes of their investigation.”

ASQA’s audits may lead to providers being de-registered and will investigate reports of poor practices from RTOs offering:

• Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice,
• Diploma of Property (Agency Management), and
• Certificate IV in Strata Community Management.

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