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Starting a Career in Real Estate: What You Need, What It Costs, & Where to Begin (SA 2025)

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Many people want to get into Real Estate, but don’t always know what to expect. The information out there can feel overwhelming. The truth is — the process is straightforward when you understand it. So we’ve simplified everything below, and for those who prefer pictures we have designed this infographic to help you see exactly what you need, when you need it.

For our learners, this is what you can expect, as of 2025.11.24.

Description CostValidityWho am I paying?
FFC R22953-yearsPPRA
Practical ModulesR11506-monthsPropAcademy
NQF4 Legacy R11 5006-monthsPropAcademy
PDE4R12106-weeksPropAcademy
 R14204 exam dates per annumPPRA

What is an FFC?

This is a legal certificate issued by the PPRA that allows you to operate lawfully in real estate. It is a criminal offence to practise in real estate without it. You cannot register as an agent unless you are employed by an agency.

From Candidate to Property Practitioner

This process includes Practical Modules, NQF4 in Real Estate and then PDE4. Below we briefly touch on each step.

What are the Practical Modules?

They are activities you need to complete to prove to the PPRA that you can perform day-to-day functions of an estate agent. You cannot complete these unless you have a valid FFC. You don’t need to take this course if you have been marked competent against your Internship, or if you are completing the Occupational Certificate, 118714.

Which NQF4 do I need to choose?

Currently, you can do the NQF4 Legacy 59097 qualification. If you have experience and qualify, you can do this qualification in an RPL version.

Can I be exempt from NQF4/5?

If you qualify, then you can apply for exemption. You will still need to complete all the other educational requirements set out by the PPRA.

When can I write the PDE4?

This exam is set four times per annum by the PPRA. You can register for this exam once you are competent in your Internship and NQF4.

Tell me more about the PDE?

You register for this exam on your PPRA portal. It will refer to a seat number; this is nothing to worry about and should be ignored. The PDE is written from the comfort of your home. In the morning you will download your paper off the PPRA home page, it will be in Word. You will type your answers into the grey shaded areas, and PDF the document once completed. Your PropAcademy Material will be saved on your laptop for you to access during this exam. You will then email this back to the PPRA as per their instructions, they will advise you of email address and deadline time. You will then wait for your results.

Can I also study my NQF5?

If you have your NQF4 in real estate, then you can complete your NQF5. It is as simple as that.

Is anyone able to write the PDE5?

Anyone who qualifies for the PDE5 can write this exam. You can either maintain your status as non-principal, or you can upgrade to Principal Status. You are not forced to upgrade.

From Practitioner to Principal Agent

You can now upgrade to Principal Status.

Finding the Right Internship in an Estate Agency

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Now that you have decided that real estate is something that you want to pursue, you will need to become qualified. Not only will you have to achieve certain qualifications to begin your education as a real estate agent, you will also be following online training as well as completing an internship.

Find the Right Internship in an Estate Agency

An internship is a process of learning while you are working. You will find a real estate agency that will take you on as an intern and then work under the mentorship of an agent with at least three years experience and recognized as an official mentor by the EAAB (Estate Agency Affairs Board).

Fidelity Fund Certificate

You will be licensed to operate as an intern with a Fidelity Fund Certificate.
The great thing about the intern programme in the real estate industry of South Africa is that it gives the aspirant immediate hands on experience. You get to jump right in feet first. Interns can get down to work immediately. You can begin to show clients property, create and execute marketing strategies, and as soon as you have the hang of it you can, through your mentor, even advise clients on legal matters, costing and price negotiation. Of course you will also be learning to keep up with all the administration that is expected of a real estate agent.

In total over the entire year the intern will probably log up to 1500 hours in formal training. The bulk of these hours can be clocked while at work, but interns will also be expected to study and do courses in conjunction to the practical side. Most interns will opt for the online training for estate agents. This allows you the flexibility to study at your leisure and fit your courses and classes into your schedule. After this internship period, you will complete your NQF level 4 portfolio of evidence and be found competent by Services SETA. Then you will be required to pass the EAAB’s examinations (the EAAB”S Professional Designation Examination), PDE level 4, and if you are aspiring to become a principal (to own your own business) the NQF level 5 and PDE level 5.

You can, however, also apply to earn credits for previous education and ‘prior learning’. This means that you can gain credit for diplomas or national certificates that hold in other fields sectors that could pertain to real estate. Inquiries about exemption status can be directed to PropAcademy who assist you in completing the required EAAB documentation.

One thing that you will need to be aware of as an intern is that you must always make the client or customer aware that you are in fact an intern. This must be transparent at all times. Failure to do so can result in disaster!

When asking the seasoned and successful agents in the field today how to go about finding the right internship, the answer is pretty much the same across the board. Find a mentor who embodies the ethical standards and code of conduct expected from a well qualified estate agent and then cultivate your own set of standards. You can’t go wrong.