Who licenses property agents in Tasmania?
The Property Agents Board runs licensing under the Property Agents and Land Transactions Act 2016 and its 2017 Regulations. The Board keeps the register of property agents. Its job is to make sure only people with the right qualifications and prerequisites work in the industry. It also handles complaints, investigations and discipline. Tasmania has four categories: real estate agent, property manager, general auctioneer and property representative. You apply to the Board directly with its individual licence application form.
What each licence lets you do
A property representative works for a licensed real estate agent or property manager and cannot run a business in their own right. The licence covers negotiating leases, collecting rent, managing let properties, negotiating sales and purchases of property and businesses, and entering contracts for them. Most people start their career here.
A property manager licence covers leasing, rent collection and managing let property, and you can hold it as a company, a sole trader or a manager not running a business. A real estate agent licence adds selling, buying, exchanging and disposing of property and businesses on instructions from clients. An agent or property manager who wants to employ property representatives or assistant property managers needs the Board to approve each appointment.
Qualifications and experience by level
To become a property representative, you pass the Board's property representative exam and apply within two years of passing. If you haven't sat the exam, you can instead satisfy the Board by examination or inquiry that you have enough knowledge and experience to do the work. You also need a National Police Certificate.
A property manager needs a Diploma of Property from a registered training organisation, or a qualification the Board accepts as substantially equivalent. A real estate agent needs the same diploma plus two years' full-time experience as a property manager or property representative in the five years before applying. Both must hold a current National Police Certificate. The Board must also be satisfied that you are a fit and proper person with a good general and financial reputation.
Renewal, continuing education and fees
Real estate agent and property manager licences run for a year and expire on 31 December, so you renew them annually. Property representative licences are issued for 12 months. Agents and property managers must agree to complete whatever continuing education the Board specifies. The Board aims to process applications within 15 business days. It can ask for more evidence that you are qualified or fit and proper. It also publishes its own schedule of application and renewal fees. We could not confirm the current dollar amounts, so they are not listed here.
Pay
AUD a year, before tax. Award rows are the official Real Estate Industry Award 2020 (MA000106) minimums from 1 July 2026 for a 38-hour week. Typical figures are estimates based on ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, moved to 2026 with a wage index. The Tasmanian figure is modelled. Commission, experience and role move actual pay. Refer to the Real Estate Sales salary guide for figures from live adverts.
What you need
- Property representative examPass the Property Agents Board's property representative exam and apply within two years. Otherwise, satisfy the Board by examination or inquiry that you have enough knowledge and experience.
- Diploma of PropertyProperty manager and real estate agent licences need a Diploma of Property from a registered training organisation, or a qualification the Board accepts as substantially equivalent.
- Experience for agentsA real estate agent needs two years' full-time work as a property manager or property representative in the five years before the application.
- National Police CertificateProperty representative, property manager and real estate agent licences all require a current National Police Certificate.
- Fit and properAgents and property managers must satisfy the Board that they have a good reputation, both generally and financially.
- Continuing educationAgents and property managers must be prepared to complete continuing education as the Board specifies.
How to get there
- Months 0-3Prepare for and sit the property representative examStudy for the Board's exam. Training providers such as the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania run property representative courses. Get a National Police Certificate.
- Months 3-4Get licensed as a property representativeApply to the Board within two years of passing. You then work under a licensed agent or property manager, who needs Board approval to employ you.
- Years 1-2Build experience and complete the Diploma of PropertyWork full-time in sales or property management and complete the diploma alongside the job.
- Year 2+Apply for a property manager licence (optional)With the diploma, you can be licensed as a property manager and run a rental business or work as a licensed manager.
- Year 2-3+Apply for a real estate agent licenceOnce you have the diploma and two years' full-time experience in the past five, apply for the agent licence. You then renew it every year before 31 December.
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Questions people ask
Do I need a qualification to start in Tasmanian real estate?
You don't need a diploma to start. A property representative licence needs a pass in the Property Agents Board's exam within the previous two years, or the Board must be satisfied by examination or inquiry that you know the work. You also need a National Police Certificate.
Can a property representative work on their own?
No. A property representative works under a licensed real estate agent or property manager. The employer needs the Board's approval for the appointment.
How much experience do I need for a full real estate agent licence?
You need two years' full-time experience as a property manager or property representative in the five years immediately before you apply. You also need a Diploma of Property or a qualification the Board accepts as substantially equivalent.
How often do I renew a Tasmanian agent licence?
Real estate agent and property manager licences are annual and expire on 31 December. Agents and property managers must also complete continuing education set by the Board.
Is a property manager licence different from an agent licence in Tasmania?
Yes. A property manager licence covers leasing, rent collection and managing let property. It needs the Diploma of Property but no set period of experience. An agent licence also covers selling and buying, and needs two years' experience.
What is the minimum pay for a property representative?
Under the Real Estate Industry Award 2020, the Level 2 representative minimum is $1,119.10 a week for 38 hours from 1 July 2026, or about $58,193 a year. Juniors get a percentage of this, such as 60% under 19 and 80% at 20. Sales and leasing staff at Level 2 and above can agree in writing to be paid commission only, but only if they meet the award's income threshold.
Sources
- Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania: Real estate agents
- ABLIS: Real Estate Agent Licence, Tasmania
- ABLIS: Property Representative Licence, Tasmania
- ABLIS: Property Manager Licence, Tasmania
- Tasmanian Legislation: Property Agents and Land Transactions Act 2016
- Real Estate Institute of Tasmania: Property Representatives Course
- Fair Work Commission: Real Estate Industry Award 2020
