The NSW Government has offered more than 14,000 assistant agents the chance to apply for an extension of their certificates of registration.

These agents, in real estate, stock and station and strata management, will get a further 12 months to complete their training and continue working while they finish their qualifications, ensuring residential tenants and landlords continue to receive vital property management services.

In March 2020, substantial reforms were introduced to the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002, placing almost 22,500 assistant agents on a four-year certificate due to expire on 22 March, 2024. 

They can now apply for a one-off extension from 1 March 2024 – 22 June 2024.

NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, John Minns said they remained committed to uplifting the professional standards of NSW property agents through qualifications, licensing and continuing professional development.

“This extension legislated by the NSW Government will give the industry the certainty it needs to keep assistant agents in work while they complete their licensing obligations,” Mr Minns said.

“It will also ensure vital property management services for millions of NSW tenants and their landlords continue to be delivered and the speed bump created by the transition of the large group of agents from March 2020 can be navigated smoothly.”

He said a large number of assistant real estate agents could be faced with being forced to exit the industry they have worked hard to gain qualifications for.

“We are offering this one-off certificate extension to keep assistant agent working and prevent disruption in the industry, while maintaining the professional pathway that sees all assistant agents fully qualified and licensed within four years,” Mr Minns said.

To apply for the extension, agents must be enrolled in either Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) or Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP40516 or CPP40521).

In NSW, assistant agents need a certificate of registration to start work. 

These are entry level positions to gain the experience and training required to apply for a class 2 agent’s licence.

Previously, assistant agents could not renew their certificates and would have to wait 12 months before re-applying for a new certificate.

Assistant agents who fail to meet the deadline and continue to work without a certificate could face on the spot fines of $1100 from NSW Fair Trading or court-issued fines of up to $11,000.

Licensees in charge and employers who oversee and manage assistant agents should help them to upskill before their certificates expire or apply for the 12-month extension. 

If they are caught employing someone without this registration, they could face the same maximum penalty of $11,000. 

Agents are also warned against cutting corners or considering short cuts to complete training by 22 March 2024.

For more information or to apply for an extension, click here.