How to become a Real Estate Agent in South Africa
To become an Intern Real Estate Agent, you must complete the following:
- First you need to apply at an agency: research and find a real estate agency that best suits your personality, life goals and values to apply with.
- Then register with PPRA as an Intern Estate Agent: To become an Intern Estate Agent, you must register with the PPRA. You will need the following documents in order to register:
- Fully completed and signed application form;
- Certified copy of a valid I.D book;
- Certified copy of a valid passport if not a South African;
- A valid work permit if not a South African;
- Required payment or proof of payment of the prescribed fee;
- Letter of employment signed by the Principal of the firm confirming employment of the applicant
- You need to do a 12-month internship under a principal estate agent, or full status estate who has continuously held a valid fidelity fund certificate issued by the PPRA for a period of not less than three years. This compulsory internship has to take place in a continuous period of 12 months from the date of the first issued fidelity fund certificate. During this 12 months, the intern estate agent learns how to successfully operate in the industry.
- The intern estate agent must complete a logbook (also referred to as a ‘Portfolio of Evidence’) during these twelve months to show the various estate agent functions and activities performed by the intern estate agent.
- Within the first 12 months, the intern estate agent is required to complete the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC): Real Estate (NQF 4). This qualification is aimed at enhancing the provision of entry-level service within the property and real estate professions and to provide the intern with the broad knowledge, skills and values in order to succeed in the real estate industry. The NQF 4 needs to be obtained through an Accredited Provider recognised by the PPRA
Upgrade from an intern estate agent to a full status estate agent:
When you are ready to upgrade from an intern estate agent to a full status estate agent you must write the Professional Designation Examination (PDE). The pre-requisite for admission to the PDE is the successful completion of the internship, the logbook as well as said qualification, or proof that the agent has successfully be granted exemption against the equivalency matrix.