For anyone serious about building a career in real estate, licensing is the unavoidable first step and one that still catches many newcomers out.
Incredibly, there is no national real estate licence in Australia. Instead, each state and territory has its own regulator, its own rules, and its own pathway into the profession.
While the broad structure is similar across the country, the details matter and understanding how registration differs from a full licence, and how long it really takes to progress, can save aspiring agents months of frustration and, in some cases, thousands of dollars.
Registration versus a full licence
Across Australia, real estate licensing generally operates at two levels.
The first is entry-level registration or licensing, which allows a person to work in real estate under the supervision of a fully licensed agent.
Titles vary by state, including assistant agent, agent’s representative and salesperson, but the function is the same.
The second is a full real estate licence, which allows an agent to operate independently, negotiate contracts, and in some cases manage or own an agency.
Importantly, completing a course does not automatically grant a licence.
Formal education supports an application, but experience and regulatory approval are equally required.
Training, timeframes and costs
Across most jurisdictions, the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) forms the foundation of real estate education.
It covers core competencies for sales and property management roles and is delivered through registered training organisations.
For higher licence levels, particularly those involving agency ownership or trust accounts, many states require or strongly recommend the Diploma of Property (Agency Management).
Timeframes vary. Some agents complete their study within months, while others take longer, depending on work commitments and assessment pacing.
Licence processing by regulators can also take several weeks.
Costs also differ by provider and state. In addition to course fees, each regulator sets its own application and renewal fees.
For example, Consumer Affairs Victoria lists an individual estate agent licence fee of $438.90 for the 2025 to 2026 period.
Common mistakes aspiring agents make
One of the most frequent errors is assuming a licence transfers automatically between states. While mutual recognition exists, agents must still apply and meet local requirements.
Another is underestimating experience requirements. In several states, time spent working under supervision is mandatory before advancing to a higher licence.
Delaying background checks can also stall applications. Criminal history and character assessments are standard across jurisdictions and should be organised early.
Why licensing matters
A real estate licence is not simply a formality. It is a legal authorisation designed to protect consumers and ensure agents are properly trained and accountable. With rules differing across the country, taking the time to understand the correct pathway from the outset saves time, money and unnecessary setbacks.
For aspiring agents, getting licensed properly is step one in a sustainable career in the industry.
State-by-state licensing requirements
New South Wales
In NSW, new entrants must first obtain a Certificate of Registration as an assistant agent and work under supervision. This registration must be held for at least 12 months before applying for a Class 2 real estate agent licence. Only after holding a Class 2 licence for a minimum of two years can an agent apply for a Class 1 licence, which allows them to be a licensee-in-charge and operate a trust account.
Regulator: NSW Fair Trading
Victoria
Victoria requires both education and experience. To become fully licensed as an estate agent, applicants must complete relevant units of the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) and have at least one year of full-time experience as an agent’s representative within the past three years.
Regulator: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Queensland
Queensland distinguishes between registration and licensing. Most agents begin by completing required Certificate IV units and applying for salesperson registration.
With further study and experience, they may apply for a full real estate agent licence, which allows broader authority and independent practice.
Regulator: Office of Fair Trading Queensland
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, aspiring agents must first obtain assistant agent registration through Access Canberra before progressing to higher licence levels.
Regulator: Access Canberra
South Australia
South Australia requires agents to register as a sales representative or property manager before advancing. To operate independently or run an agency, agents must qualify and register as a land agent, which involves higher-level study and experience.
Regulator: Consumer and Business Services
Western Australia
WA offers restricted registrations for sales and property management roles. These can be upgraded to unrestricted registration once the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice is completed. Agents wishing to run their own agency typically complete the Diploma of Property (Agency Management).
Regulator: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Tasmania
Tasmania requires applicants to hold the Diploma of Property Services (Agency Management) and meet experience thresholds before applying for a full licence. Fit and proper person checks also apply.
Regulator: Property Agents Board of Tasmania
https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
Northern Territory
The NT requires a licence to act as a real estate agent, with criminal history checks forming part of the application. Licences can be issued for periods of up to five years.
Regulator: NT Consumer Affairs
https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au
*You cannot obtain a real estate licence through any other industry body. They provide training only; licences are issued exclusively by state and territory regulators.
