How CPD works across Australia
Every state and territory sets its own rules for continuing professional development. The common thread is that CPD is tied to keeping your licence or registration. If you don't do it, you risk not being able to renew, or worse. Beyond that, the states measure CPD in different ways. NSW counts hours of compulsory topics, WA and the ACT count points, Queensland counts sessions and Victoria will count activities. The CPD year also runs on different dates, so an agent who moves interstate has to learn a new calendar.
Most states set CPD by what you do. NSW sets compulsory topics for each area of practice, so a property manager does different training from a salesperson. WA sets subject areas, and you need at least one point in each. Queensland lets you choose your two sessions from an approved list, split into Type 1 and Type 2. Across all of them, you are the one who keeps the records and proves you complied.
NSW: the most detailed scheme
In NSW, holders of a class 1 licence, a class 2 licence or a certificate of registration must complete CPD every year from 1 July to 30 June. Residential salespeople, property managers, buyers agents, commercial agents and business brokers each need at least 7 hours of interactive training from an approved provider. That training covers the compulsory topics for their area of practice. Onsite short-term residential managers need 4 hours, and strata licence holders need 6.
The compulsory topics show what the regulator cares about. Property managers must cover repairs and habitability, tenancy reforms and at least 4 hours on domestic and family violence. Class 1 licensees have extra duties. They must attend a 5-hour accredited forum, and those in sales, buying, commercial or business broking must also complete AUSTRAC's AML/CTF course. Assistant agents instead complete 3 units from their Certificate IV each year. Missing CPD can bring a court penalty of up to $11,000, or suspension or cancellation.
Queensland, WA and Victoria
Queensland made CPD mandatory from 6 June 2025. It applies to real estate agents, salespersons including property managers, auctioneers and resident letting agents. Each CPD year starts on the anniversary of your licence or certificate issue date. In that year you complete either two Type 1 sessions or one Type 1 and one Type 2 session. Not completing CPD may stop you renewing your licence or registration.
WA requires 5 points a year, with at least one point in each of three subject areas: legal requirements, ethics or professional responsibility, and professional skills. The current CPD year runs from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027 it runs from April to March. Victoria has no annual CPD in force yet. From 1 April 2027, licensed estate agents and agents' representatives must complete at least 5 activities a year, on mandatory topics set by the Business Licensing Authority, with written assessments.
Tasmania, the ACT, SA and the NT
Tasmania and the ACT both use a 12-point annual scheme, according to a 2023 WA government review. In Tasmania, licence holders must be prepared to undergo continuing education as specified by the Property Agents Board. Access Canberra's agents practice manual ties CPD to licence renewal. It runs the year from 1 July to 30 June for agents and from 1 November to 31 October for salespeople. That manual dates from 2014, so treat the ACT detail as the last published official version.
We could not confirm a current CPD rule for South Australia or the Northern Territory from the regulators' own pages, so this guide doesn't state one. It also doesn't claim those jurisdictions have no CPD. If you're licensed in SA or the NT, ask your agency's licensee about your obligations, and keep records of any training you complete.
What you need
- Approved providers onlyIn NSW, WA and Queensland, CPD only counts if an approved provider delivers it. In NSW, compulsory topics must be interactive and include an assessment.
- Cover required topicsNSW sets compulsory topics for each area of practice. WA requires at least one point in each of its three subject areas.
- Keep your own recordsNSW licence holders keep records for 3 years and certificate holders for 4. WA requires participants to keep CPD records for 4 years.
- Complete within the yearNSW does not allow carry-over except for assistant agents. WA does not allow carry-over and has stopped catch-up from 2026.
- Pay for it yourselfWA states that licensees cover the cost of their own CPD. Some NSW accredited forum sessions through approved providers may charge a fee.
State by state
| New South Wales | At least 7 hours of compulsory topics for each area of practice, run 1 July to 30 June. Class 1 licensees must also attend a 5-hour accredited forum. You're exempt if your licence started less than 90 days before the year ends. |
|---|---|
| Victoria | From 1 April 2027, estate agents and agents' representatives must complete at least 5 CPD activities a year on topics set by the Business Licensing Authority. Agents' representatives must be registered from 25 November 2026. |
| Queensland | Two approved sessions each CPD year, starting on your licence anniversary. You're exempt in the 12 months after your licence is first issued, and if your licence was deactivated for most of the year. |
| Western Australia | 5 points a year, with at least one point in each of three subject areas. New licensees need fewer points depending on the month they were licensed. Penalties go up to $5000. |
| Tasmania | A 2023 WA government review reports 12 points a year. Licence holders must be prepared to undergo continuing education as specified by the Property Agents Board. |
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra's practice manual sets 12 points a year as a condition of renewal, with at least some points from formally assessed units of competency. Agents who only hold a conditional auction licence are exempt. |
Open now on PropertyRoles.com.au
Questions people ask
How many CPD hours does a NSW property manager need?
A NSW residential property manager needs at least 7 hours of interactive training from an approved provider each CPD year. It covers repairs and habitability, tenancy reforms, and domestic and family violence, which must run for at least 4 hours. Class 1 licensees also attend a 5-hour accredited forum.
Do new agents have to do CPD in their first year?
Not always in full. In Queensland you're exempt for the 12 months after your licence is first issued. In NSW you're exempt if your licence started less than 90 days before the CPD year ends. WA reduces the points for new licensees by month: 5 points if licensed in April or May, 4 in June or July, 3 in August or September, 2 in October or November and 1 in December.
Can I carry extra CPD into next year?
In NSW and WA, no. NSW makes an exception for assistant agents, who can carry forward extra Certificate IV units. The ACT practice manual allows up to 11 surplus points to carry forward.
What happens if I miss my CPD?
In NSW you face a court penalty of up to $11,000, or suspension or cancellation of your licence. In WA you could get an infringement notice, be prosecuted, be suspended or be unable to renew, with penalties up to $5000. In Queensland, missing CPD may stop you renewing.
Do interstate agents working in WA under automatic deemed registration do WA CPD?
No. WA says CPD does not apply to interstate agents working under automatic deemed registration. They must keep meeting the CPD rules of the state that issued their licence.
Does Victoria require CPD now?
Not yet. Annual CPD starts on 1 April 2027 for licensed estate agents and agents' representatives. You'll need at least 5 activities a year, covering mandatory topics with written assessments.
Sources
- NSW Government: CPD requirements for property professionals
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: New rules for estate agents and agents' representatives
- Queensland Government: CPD for the property industry
- Queensland Ministerial Media Statements: New training for the property industry
- REIQ: Real estate CPD program
- Consumer Protection WA: CPD for property professionals
- Consumer Protection WA: CPD review report, November 2023
- Access Canberra: Agents practice manual
- ABLIS: Real estate agent licence, Tasmania
