What qualifications do I need to become a real estate agent?

Matric (Grade 12), the NQF4 Real Estate qualification, and a Fidelity Fund Certificate from the PPRA. No degree is needed.

What do I need for PPRA registration?

You need to be working at a registered estate agency, apply for a Fidelity Fund Certificate, work towards your NQF4 and PDE4, and have a clean record.

What subjects do I need to become an estate agent?

There are no special subjects. You need matric. Good English and Maths help, because you deal with prices and contracts.

Can I become an estate agent without matric?

Matric is the standard requirement, and most agencies need it. Some entry programmes accept Grade 11, but matric is strongly recommended.

Real estate requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

Matric (Grade 12)

Also good to have

English
Mathematics or Maths Literacy
A driver's licence

Ways to become a real estate agent

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

OccupationalNQF 4About 1 to 2 yearsBest way

Property practitioner (the estate agent route)

To get in: Matric (Grade 12), A job at a registered estate agency. No degree needed. You start as an intern under a principal.

You apply to the PPRA for a Fidelity Fund Certificate, do a 12-month internship (with a logbook), complete the NQF4 Real Estate qualification, and pass the PDE4 exam. You get your full Fidelity Fund Certificate and can sell and rent property on your own.

DegreeNQF 73 years

Property Studies or Real Estate degree

To get in: About 28 APS or more. English, Mathematics, A degree pass in matric. Optional. This is a broader route into the property field.

Some universities offer Property Studies or Real Estate degrees. You can go into property valuation, development, and management, not only selling. You still need a Fidelity Fund Certificate to sell property.

If you don’t get in yet

Getting started is less about marks and more about finding an agency and surviving the early commission-only months. Here is how to get in.

Join the PPRA 'One Learner' programme

The PPRA runs a youth programme that places you at an agency and funds your training. A good way in if you have no experience or money.

Start at a big agency's training programme

Big agencies take on new interns and train them. Apply to a few, both big brands and smaller local ones.

Plan for the early months

You earn only commission at first, which can take months. Have some savings or another income while you build your first sales.

How to sign up to work

You sign up with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

You must have a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC) from the PPRA to sell or rent property. You cannot trade without it.
You start as an intern (candidate) with a candidate FFC, under a principal.
You do a 12-month internship, keep a logbook, and complete the NQF4 qualification.
You pass the PDE4 exam to get your full FFC.
The FFC is valid for three years, and you renew it.