The deadline for the Services SETA NQF4 exam, for those agents who received their licences before 16 July 2008, has been extended until 2015.
Agents who qualified after this date (16 July 2008 to 31 December 2012) should have sorted out their NQF4 by the end of last year. While in theory the penalty for missing this deadline is a drop down to intern status, if you did not make the cut you are strongly advised to sort out your licence as soon as you possibly can to avoid the possibility of this happening to you.
Failure to do this could also hamper your chances of achieving Principal status as you need to obtain your Level 4 PDE within two years of receiving your NQF4 qualification.
Legal stuff
Jill Corfield of iSeleSele Property Academy says that recent years have seen an enormous amount of legislation being passed and it is vital to keep up with the new rules:
Consumer Protection Act
Rental Housing Act
FICA
National Credit Act
Amendments to the Sectional Title Act
FAIS
Also bear in mind that technology is playing an ever more important role in your profession. Agents who use technology are going to replace those who don’t – regardless of skills, experience and other factors. If you are not savvy consider doing a short course to up your proficiency, especially in the area of mobile technology as this is without doubt the way forward.
Remember that becoming a real estate agent is fast becoming a career of choice, and it is anticipated that all entrants to the industry are soon going to require a university degree. Participating in ongoing training is the only way to stay up to speed and ensure your top spot.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
It is also vital that you are up to date with your CPD status. This model is structured around six categories, each with a point allocation, and you need to obtain 60 points within a three-year period in order to retain your full status.
Should you fail to do this, you will not be able to receive an FFC for the following year. For more information, go here.
