How to Qualify as a Full Status or Principal Real Estate Agent
It is quite a daunting process understanding real estate education regulations in South Africa, and the set qualifying process. We are going to do our best to set this out for you in a way that you can easily understand the steps, and why they have been implemented.
Prior to 2008 estate agents were required to write an exam set by the EAAB, and that was it. The EAAB was formed to regulate the conduct of estate agents. The EAAB was established in 1976 in terms of the Estate Agency Affairs Act 112 of 1976 (‘the Act”), with the mandate to regulate and control certain activities of estate agents in the public interest.
The EAAB regulates the estate agency profession through ensuring that all persons carrying out the activities of an estate agent as a service to the public are registered with the EAAB. A Fidelity Fund Certificate, which is to be renewed each year is issued as evidence of such registration and confirmation that such person is legally entitled to carry out the activities of an estate agent.
South African Qualifying Association (SAQA) is the body that issues qualifying certificates from school to Doctorates. ServiceSETA (SSETA) falls under SAQA and controls the NQF4 and NQF5 real estate qualifications.
Here is a high-level overview of each step. Should you want additional or detailed information about any aspect of the process, simply click on the links provided.
The Qualifying Process – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preparing for the Journey
Before you can study to become a qualified estate agent, you must:
- Get a job as an intern estate agent with a registered Estate Agency
- Register as an Intern Estate Agent with the EAAB (Estate Agency Affairs Board)
- Receive your Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC).
Step 2: First Steps – Intern logbook
- Start your intern logbook. This must be completed in 12 months. Click here for details of how PropAcademy can help you to meet this deadline. If you miss the deadline, you may find yourself facing disqualification, having to start all over again.
- You can check your due date for submission of your logbook by logging in to the EAAB portal and clicking on “Qualification Status”.
Step 3: NQF4
To become a full status real estate agent, you must be competent in the outcomes-based NQF Level 4 Real Estate requirements as set out by the SSETA and be found competent in your PDE4 exam.
- Check whether you qualify for NQF4 exemption. Click here to check your qualification against the EAAB Matrix. If you think you qualify for exemption, apply for this (this can take two months).
- If you are not exempt, determine whether you need to complete:
- NQF4 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) course – a three-month course. Click here to check whether you qualify for the NQF4 RPL course. If you do, then register for this short course
- A 6-month NQF4 course, register here
If you are doing the NQF4 or the NQF4 RPL course, and cannot provide proof that you have passed Mathematics and a 2nd South African language at a Matric level, then you will need to purchase the relevant bridging courses through PropAcademy. The NQF Level 3 Functional Mathematics Course and/or the NQF Level 3 Literacy Course.
Step 4: Professional Designated Exam Level 4 (PDE4)
To become a Full Status estate agent, you must write and pass the EAAB’s PDE4 exam.
This is a 4-hour open book exam written through the EAAB. Check the next exam date by clicking here. Bookings for this exam open 6 weeks prior.
- As soon as you receive your NQF4 competency certificate from SSETA, book for your PDE4 exam with the EAAB.
- Brush up on the knowledge you will require to pass the exam, this course has maintained it’s 100% pass rate.
- Write and pass this exam.
- Go out and celebrate – you are now a Full Status Estate Agent!
Step 5: CPD Points
To maintain your status, you will need to earn CPD points. Click here for details about the CPD process and complete your non-verifiable CPD points online by registering here.
Step 6: Achieve Principal Status – NQF5
To become a Principal Property Practitioner, you must be found competent in NQF5 Real estate. You do not have to have written your PDE4 exam to begin your NQF5 studies, however this exam must be completed. To start your NQF5 studies you must have completed your NQF4.
- Check whether you qualify to be exempt from NQF5. Click here to check your qualification against the EAAB Matrix. If you think you qualify for exemption, apply for this (this can take two months).
- If you are not exempt, determine whether you need to complete:
- NQF5 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) course – a three-month course. Click here to check whether you qualify. If you do, then register for this short course
- A 6-month NQF5 course, register here
- Another celebration is called for – you are now a Principal Property Practitioner! Just one more step to go to maintain your status…
Step 7: Professional Designated Exam Level 5 (PDE5)
Your journey is coming to an end. Armed with your NQF5, you have just two years to write and pass your PDE5 to maintain your Principal Status. Bookings for this exam open 6 weeks prior.
- Check the next exam date by clicking here and book your seat through the EAAB.
- Brush up on all your real estate knowledge to sit for the four-hour PDE5 exam. Our 100% pass rate is still intact.
- Write and pass your PDE5 exam
- Your journey is complete
EAAB & ServicesSETA Qualification Process Infographic
To make it a little easier for you to keep track of the qualification process, we’ve put together this handy infographic which you are welcome to download, print and share.
Click the image above to download and save it to your computer or print it out so you can refer to it at any time.
The Qualifications Flow Chart | Who is PropAcademy? | How to Register for a Course | Enter the Lucky Draw
Hint: Read our blog – it contains interesting hints and tips. For more detailed information, download our eBook “Estate Agents Affairs Board (EAAB) & ServicesSETA (SSETA) Qualification Guide”.
We hope this makes the EAAB & ServiceSETA qualification process for real estate agents a little easier to follow, but if you have any questions, please post them in the comments below or contact us and we’ll gladly assist you on your path to becoming a qualified estate agent. And if you found this guide helpful, please like and share it with your friends and colleagues.
i need a full time training not on line. we are 2 our compay will pay fees and we shouls take leave to attend. What is your advise. We need to attend in Boksburg or Germiston if you have classes there
Hi Thokozile, thank you for your comment. That is perfect, we currently facilitate classes there. Please click on the contact us page and send us your info so we can plan your training.
Can i register during this lockdown and receive my books
Hi Cynthia, certainly! Please send us your details on the contact us tab above, and we will call you to assist with a course choice.
Please call me 0647782991
I know I have to do PDE 5 to become a principal agent. What other requirements are needed to form an estate agency?
Hi G Bruwer, thank you for writing to us. The steps on education are clearly indicated on our BLOG tab, view the article “How to Qualify as a Full Status or Principal Real Estate Agent”. PDE5 is only done once you are a registered Principal Agent. Once you are a Principal Agent, you may open your own firm. These steps are indicated on the BLOG tab, view the article “How to Start Your Own Estate Agency”.
I am an attorney and want to open my own estate agency company. How can i go about it?
Hi Mokgadi, you would need to go through the process of opening your own agency through the EAAB. Please send your query on the contact us page and we will send you the link.
Kindly email me and advise the fees ( and your special offer) for the NQF5 course. I am a full satus agent wishing to do NQF5 and then the Exam that follows.
Many thanks.
HI Mary-Louise, I have sent you the necessary information.
Hi, my name is Thabo. I’m one of the agents who wrote the eaab exam prior 2008. I practiced as a Principal Angent but stopped until now.
Which course will be needed to be accepted back in the industry and practice as Principal Agent?
Regards
Hi Thabo and thank you for your message. Please email me at [email protected] and let me know how many consecutive years prior to 2008 you held a FFC for, and in what status, ie Principal. Then I can let you know if you are exempt from your PDE5. It sounds like you may need to complete your NQF5 RPL but we will need to ask a few questions first! My cell is 0824146686
Hi Janet. Unfortunately my email could not be delivered to you. (Address not found)
I wrote and passed the board exam on the 18th March 1993 and practiced as a Principal Agent from the same year until 1994. I then discontinued until I resumed as Principal Agent again from the year 2005-2006. I do have copies of FFC for the years 2005-2006 but don’t have copies for 1993-1994.
Hope this will help you.
Regards
Hi Janet. Unfortunately my email could not be delivered to you. (Address not found)
I wrote and passed the board exam on the 18th March 1993 and practiced as a Principal Agent from the same year until 1994. I then discontinued until I resumed as Principal Agent again from the year 2005-2006. I do have copies of FFC for the years 2005-2006 but don’t have copies for 1993-1994.
Hope this will help you.
Regards
HI Thabo
With the above info, I would suggest that you complete NQF5 in RPL and then write your PDE5 exam. As an assessment centre we would like to chat to you before purchasing your course just to put you and ourselves at ease that you are in fact taking the correct course. Oh dear – I mis-spelt my email address above, apologies, it is [email protected]
Hey. I was wondering if you can help me with a few questions. I started as a intern real estate agent about 7 months ago, I’m half way through with my logbook. I was wondering can I start with my NQF 4 already and what does that require? If I’m done with my NQF 4 and logbook do I need to wait 12 months before I can write my PDE4? How long will it be after I qualify as a full estate agent before I can start with my NQF 5 and how long will it take and what do I need to do? How will it work if I want to start my own estate agency and what will be the cost involved.
Hi Isoray. Yes, you can start your NQF4. Requirements: Mentor to sign your submissions off, SA Matric certificate showing you have passed Maths and both SA Languages. You can write your PDE4 once you are competent in your Logbook (12-month internship) and your NQF4. Then you will be Full Status. To start your NQF5 you only need your NQF4 competency, this is not dependant on the PDE4. NQF4 & 5 are each 6-month courses. The costs of all courses are on our website under COURSES.
Do you offer nqf level 6 and 7?
Hi Cynthia, we are about to launch NQF6 Facilities Manager. If you subscribe to our updates on our website you will be notified.
Hi
I am the legal and compliamce officer at an existing estate agency firm and need to become the principle. I hold an NQF 8 (law degree). Can I be exempt from the PDE 5 exam and how long will it take the exemption? We quite urgently need our firms FFC for 2022.
Hi Justine
Please can I ask you to contact us on 0861112281 or pop an email to [email protected] so we can take you through the process. Thank you!!