The obligatory qualifications for estate agents which became law in July 2008 will, by the end of 2011, transform South African agents from being "mere salespeople" to true professionals with respected qualifications, says Ivan Neethling, chairman of the Western Cape Institute of Estate Agents.

Neethling was involved in compiling the new educational requirements and is also a director of the Property Chamber Board of the Services Seta.

He says agents who are intimidated by the apparent stringency and high standards of the new legislation, can take heart that significant recognition is given to existing educational qualifications and experience.

"Prior experience and academic qualifications will significantly reduce the need for complete retraining because the Recognition of Prior Learning system makes it possible for experienced agents to be declared competent immediately, provided they are willing to fill in certain gaps where necessary, by studying subjects in which they have no practical experience. They will be required to write a final summative examination. 

"But agents with five or more years experience who have had Fidelity Fund Certificates for that time, are exempt from this."

Neethling says all principals will also have to qualify in terms of the new educational standards and the course material for the relevant qualification (NQF5) is being finalised this year. This qualification will oblige principals who are not fully competent in all the covered to "fill the gaps".

Principals who have held their positions for 10 years or more are entitled to enrol for the NQF7 qualification and will receive the designation of Chartered Practitioner in Real Estate. This qualification will recognise the contribution made by them to the property sector.

Newcomers to the industry will, for the first time, be comprehensively trained, says Neethling, and will have to register with the Estate Agency Affairs Board as an intern and with SSETA for 12-month learnerships. The agency itself will have to register each learnership with the SSETA. Where these agencies are SSETA levy paying members, learners will qualify for stipends of R1 200 a month from the SSETA.

Neethling says the EAAB and SSETA believe the new requirements will eliminate the fly-by-night operators and will improve the professionalism of the industry.

"The new qualifications will ensure the sector attracts a far better type of agent and principal," says Neethling.

Weekend Property Supplement (Saturday Argus)