Which degree do you need?
Valuation is a degree-entry job. To get CPV, you need a course the Australian Property Institute (API) has accredited for that certification. The API's accredited course list includes the Bachelor of Property Economics at UTS and at QUT. It also includes Central Queensland University's Bachelor of Property with the Property Economics major. Some postgraduate courses qualify too, such as UTS's Master of Property Development, as long as you take the required valuation subjects.
Before you enrol, check the course is endorsed for CPV specifically. Many property degrees are accredited only for other API certifications, such as property practitioner or development. If you are in Victoria, Valuer-General Victoria runs a Trainee Valuer Scheme. Full-time students at RMIT, Deakin or the University of Melbourne study while working at least 15 weeks a year with the Valuer-General.
How the CPV pathway works
You apply for CPV together with API Associate Membership. To be eligible, you need an API CPV-accredited course and the API's Practical Valuation Training program. You must also meet the experience requirement. Valuer-General Victoria describes this as two years of full-time supervised work, followed by a panel interview with the API Board of Examiners. The application includes report samples for review and a professional interview.
There is also a residential-only option, CPV (Residential). It needs at least two years of residential valuation experience within the past four years. You submit an experience journal, three referee reports and three sample reports with field notes. The API says the process takes about three months, and the fee is $914 including GST. Lenders treat CPV as the standard requirement before they give a valuer work.
Residential versus commercial work
Most graduates start in residential valuation, much of it mortgage work for lenders. CPV (Residential) limits you to properties whose highest and best use is residential and which have only residential uses. Full CPV covers all real property, including offices, retail, industrial and development sites, where you will often value a property on the income it earns.
Valuers usually specialise over time. Common areas are commercial, residential, rural, plant and machinery, or a particular region. Government valuers do statutory work. At Valuer-General Victoria, trainees rotate through subdivision, CBD, compensation, and asset and municipal rating valuations.
What field inspections involve
A valuation is built on a site visit. You inspect the property, measure it, note its condition and improvements, and photograph it. Then you compare it with recent sales evidence. Your field notes form part of the record. The API asks CPV applicants to send field notes with their sample reports. In its interview, the Queensland Board expects you to explain your sales evidence and method.
Expect plenty of driving, sometimes over long regional distances. Victoria's trainee scheme asks for a current driver licence and a willingness to work in regional Victoria. Junior valuers can do several inspections a day, then write up the reports back at the desk.
Pay
AUD a year, before tax. These figures come from Australian Bureau of Statistics Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) data, moved to 2026 with a wage index. They cover valuers at every career stage, so graduates and trainees usually earn less. State figures are modelled, not official. Refer to the Property Valuation salary guide for figures from live adverts.
What you need
- Accredited degreeYou need an undergraduate or postgraduate property course that the API has endorsed for Certified Practising Valuer.
- Practical Valuation TrainingYou must complete the API's Practical Valuation Training program before you apply for CPV or CPV (Residential).
- Supervised experienceYou need about two years of supervised valuation work. For CPV (Residential), that means at least two years within the past four.
- Reports and interviewYou submit sample valuation reports, an experience journal and referee reports, then sit a professional interview.
- Driver licenceInspections mean driving to properties, and some employers, such as Valuer-General Victoria's trainee scheme, require a current licence.
- Ongoing CPDAPI Associate Members pay an annual fee and must keep meeting the API's continuing professional development policy.
State by state
| Queensland | You must be registered with the Valuers Registration Board of Queensland before you value property there. The standard route needs a recognised degree, at least two years of experience, four sample Queensland reports and an interview before the Board. |
|---|---|
| Queensland (CPV holders) | Holders of API CPV or RICS Chartered Valuation Surveyor status can use the Certificate of Competence pathway, which needs at least three years of experience. Fees until 30 June 2027 are $286.99 to apply, $82.37 for the certificate and a $286.99 roll fee. |
| Western Australia | You must hold a land valuer licence from Consumer Protection, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety. API Life Fellows, Fellows and Associates who hold CPV can apply under Category 1. |
| Western Australia (other routes) | Without CPV, you need a RICS membership or a degree prescribed under the Land Valuers Licensing Regulations 1979. You also need at least two years of experience immediately before applying and four years in total within the past ten. |
How to get there
- Year 1-3Enrol in a CPV-accredited degreeChoose a property economics or valuation degree that the API endorses for CPV.
- During studyGet early industry experienceWork part time or take a cadetship, such as Valuer-General Victoria's trainee scheme, while you study.
- Year 4-5Start as a graduate or trainee valuerDo inspections and draft reports under a certified valuer, and complete the API Practical Valuation Training.
- Around Year 6Apply for CPV or CPV (Residential)Submit your reports, experience journal and referees, then sit the interview. Allow about three months.
- After CPVRegister or license where requiredApply to the Queensland Board or for a WA land valuer licence if you work in those states.
- Year 7 onwardSpecialiseMove into commercial, rural, statutory or specialist retail work, or take on review and management roles.
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Questions people ask
Can you become a valuer without a degree?
Not on the main professional route. API CPV requires an accredited course, and Queensland and WA both require a recognised qualification or professional certification for registration or licensing.
How long does it take to become a Certified Practising Valuer?
Most people need a three-year degree plus about two years of supervised work. The API application itself takes around three months, including the interview.
What is the difference between CPV and CPV (Residential)?
CPV covers valuation of any real property. CPV (Residential) is limited to properties whose highest and best use is residential and which have only residential uses on them.
Do I need to register as a valuer in Queensland if I already have CPV?
Yes. Queensland registration is mandatory and separate from API membership. CPV holders can use the shorter Certificate of Competence pathway if they have at least three years of experience.
Do I need a licence to value property in Western Australia?
Yes. WA requires a land valuer licence. API Associates and Fellows with CPV can apply under Category 1, and applications typically take four to six weeks to process.
How much do property valuers earn?
Our modelled national median for valuation roles is $147,300 a year, based on ABS earnings data moved to 2026. Western Australia and the ACT model highest, and graduates start lower.
Sources
- Australian Property Institute: Certified Practising Valuer (CPV)
- Australian Property Institute: Certified Practising Valuer (Residential)
- Australian Property Institute: About Certified Practising Valuers
- Australian Property Institute: Accredited courses
- Valuers Registration Board of Queensland: Registration
- WA Government: Land valuer licence (new)
- Land Use Victoria: Apply for the trainee valuer scheme
