Who issues it and under what law
Licensing sits with the Office of Fair Trading, run through its Industry Licensing Unit within the Department of Justice. The rules come from the Property Occupations Act 2014 and the Property Occupations Regulation 2014. Doing any real estate work without a registration or licence is off limits. That covers appraising, listing, showing, renting and selling, and it also means you can't make representations about properties to the public. Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, so finish your training before you line up a start date.
What each level lets you do
A salesperson registration certificate is for employees only. If you want to work as a contractor, you need the full licence. Working for a licensed agent, you can sell, buy, exchange or rent property, negotiate for buyers, sellers and landlords, show and inspect property, advertise listings and run open homes. You can also be in charge of a branch office, but not the principal place of business, unless your registration carries conditions. You can't run auctions or operate trust accounts.
A full real estate agent licence lets you own or manage an agency, collect rent for landlords and operate a trust account. It covers residential, business and rural property, units in a complex and vacant land. You can also manage an apartment complex and sell units on your own account. The full licence still does not let you auction. Auctioneering needs its own licence.
Qualification and eligibility
Both levels require you to be at least 18, be a suitable person and hold the relevant qualification. The training units come from the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, done through a registered training organisation. The full licence asks for more units than the registration, and you also need at least one place of business in Queensland. The published eligibility list sets no minimum period of experience. Every application includes a criminal history check.
You'll generally be found unsuitable if you've been convicted in the last five years of a serious offence carrying three or more years' jail, such as fraud, violence or drug trafficking. You'll also fail if you're disqualified or listed on the register of disqualified company directors. Being an insolvent under administration (for example, bankrupt) also generally makes you unsuitable, for both the registration and the full licence.
Renewal, CPD and moving interstate
You choose a 1 year or 3 year term, and renewal costs much less than the first application. To keep your registration or licence, you must complete two approved CPD sessions every CPD year. You can do one type 1 and one type 2 session, or two type 1 sessions. Some exemptions apply. If you hold a comparable registration or licence elsewhere in Australia or in New Zealand, you may qualify under mutual recognition. The fee is the same as a new application. NSW property registrations and NSW or ACT Class 2 agent licences don't carry across, so holders of those have to apply fresh.
Pay
AUD a year, before tax. Award rows are the official Real Estate Industry Award 2020 minimums effective 1 July 2026. Typical figures are based on ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, indexed to 2026; the Queensland figure is modelled, and commission and experience move actual pay. Refer to the Real Estate Sales salary guide for figures from live adverts.
What you need
- AgeYou must be at least 18 years old for either the registration certificate or the full licence.
- SuitabilityYou must pass a criminal history check and must not be disqualified. Recent serious convictions, such as fraud, violence or drug trafficking within five years, or being an insolvent under administration, generally rule you out.
- QualificationYou need the required units from CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, completed through a registered training organisation. The full licence needs more units than the registration.
- Place of businessFull licence applicants must have at least one place of business in Queensland. A salesperson registration does not need one, because you work for a licensee.
- Application documentsYou need certified proof of identity and a certificate of completion of modules, plus the application, issue and criminal history check fees. Use Form 3-1 for registration and Form 1-1 for an individual licence.
- Ongoing CPDYou must complete two approved CPD sessions every CPD year: one type 1 and one type 2, or two type 1 sessions.
State by state
| New South Wales | NSW property registrations can't be transferred to Queensland under mutual recognition. Holders must lodge a new Queensland application. |
|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | Class 2 real estate agent licences from the ACT (and NSW) don't transfer to Queensland. You'll need to apply fresh. |
How to get there
- Weeks 1-8Complete the registration unitsEnrol with a registered training organisation and complete the CPP41419 units required for a salesperson registration certificate.
- Month 2-4Apply for registrationLodge Form 3-1 or apply online with ID, your completion certificate and fees. Approval usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- Year 1 onwardWork as a registered salespersonWork as an employee of a licensed agent in sales or property management. You can't run auctions or trust accounts.
- Every yearKeep up CPD and renewComplete two approved CPD sessions each CPD year and renew on a 1 or 3 year term.
- When readyUpgrade to a full licenceComplete the extra licence units, then lodge Form 1-1. You need the full licence to contract, run an agency or operate a trust account.
- OptionalAdd an auctioneer licenceAuctioneering is a separate licence. Neither the registration nor the full licence lets you auction.
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Questions people ask
How much does a Queensland real estate registration cost?
From 1 July 2026, a salesperson registration costs $401.10 for 1 year or $681.50 for 3 years. Renewal costs $201.45 for 1 year or $489.05 for 3 years. The criminal history check fee is charged on top.
How much is a full real estate agent licence in Queensland?
An individual licence costs $1,709 for 1 year or $3,205 for 3 years, and adding another category costs $199. Renewal costs $868.40 for 1 year or $2,409.70 for 3 years. A corporate licence costs $973 for 1 year or $1,755 for 3 years.
Can I work as a contractor on a registration certificate?
No. The registration certificate only covers working as an employee of a licensed real estate agent. Contractors need the full real estate agent licence.
Do I need experience before getting a full licence in Queensland?
The published eligibility list for the full licence covers age, suitability, the qualification and having at least one place of business in Queensland. It does not set a minimum period of experience. If you'll work for another licensee once licensed, include a signed letter from your employer with the application.
What CPD do Queensland real estate agents need?
Registered salespeople and licensees must complete two approved CPD sessions every CPD year. That can be one type 1 and one type 2 session, or two type 1 sessions. Some exemptions apply.
Can I transfer my interstate real estate licence to Queensland?
Usually yes, under mutual recognition, if you hold a comparable licence or registration in another Australian state or territory or in New Zealand. The fee is the same as a new application. NSW property registrations and NSW or ACT Class 2 agent licences don't transfer, so holders must apply fresh.
