The ultimate CPD guide for Property Managers in Australia & New Zealand 

Article by Kate Sunol Marketing Manager, Industry and Growth 15 April 2025

In the ever-evolving world of property management, staying ahead of the game is crucial. That’s where Continuing Professional Development (CPD) comes in.

It’s not just a box to tick; it’s your key to unlocking career growth, enhancing your expertise and delivering exceptional service to your clients.

Whether you’re in bustling Sydney or scenic Auckland, this ultimate CPD guide is your roadmap to success.  

Why is CPD Essential for Property Managers? 

• Staying compliant: Property management is governed by ever evolving legislation. CPD ensures you’re up to date with the latest laws and regulations, minimising risks and protecting your clients’ interests. 
• Enhancing expertise: The industry is constantly evolving. CPD provides opportunities to learn new skills, refine existing ones and stay abreast of best practices. 
• Boosting credibility: Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning enhances your credibility and builds trust with clients. 
• Career advancement: CPD can open doors to new opportunities, promotions and higher earning potential. 
• Improved client satisfaction: Well trained and knowledgeable Property Managers provide superior service, leading to happier clients and stronger relationships. 

Understanding CPD Requirements 

CPD requirements for real estate agents in Australia and New Zealand vary. Let’s break it down: 

Australia

New South Wales

• CPD requirements: Licensed agents must complete 5 hours of training on compulsory topics relevant to their licence class each CPD year (1 July to 30 June). 
• Managing body: NSW Fair Trading 
• Training: Real+ PropertyMe partner, REINSW 
• Record keeping: CPD records must be maintained for three years 

Suzanne Berlandier from Real+ emphasizes that in NSW Class 1 or Class 2 Licence Holders must complete CPD requirements, set out by NSW Fair Trading, to remain compliant. Failure to do so can result in loss or suspension of licence.

• Training must include at least 4 compulsory topics relevant to your area of practice.
• To fulfill the 5-hour requirement, REAL+ offer live in-class or Zoom interactive sessions.
• If you cannot complete the 5 hours of training in an interactive environment, their self-paced course is a popular choice for those with busy schedules and covers the 10-hour online requirements.

Queensland

• CPD requirements: Mandatory CPD for Queensland property professionals will begin on 6 June 2025. Specific requirements are under consultation and will be detailed closer to the commencement date. 
• Managing body: Queensland Government – Office of Fair Trading  

Western Australia

• CPD requirements: Real estate agents, sales representatives and property managers must complete a total of 10 CPD points annually by 31 December. This includes 3 points from mandatory activities and 7 points from elective activities. 
• Managing body: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Consumer Protection 
• Training: REIWA offers both mandatory and elective training on topics from 360 Critical Thinking to Legislation, EQ Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Real Estate. Additional mandatory training providers can be found here. 
• Record keeping: Training providers are responsible for uploading CPD points to your record, however, it is recommended to keep your own copy for reference.

Australian Capital Territory

• CPD requirements: Real estate agents are required to complete 12 CPD points each year, with specific topics and activities as outlined by Access Canberra, including a variety of self-paced and formal training types. 
• Managing body: Access Canberra. 
• Record keeping: A person shall maintain a log of continuing professional development which includes the following information: 
  • date 
  • type of activity 
  • activity title which also identifies the broad learning area being covered 
  • type of assessment (if applicable) 
  • training provided 
  • name of the trainer and training organisation 
  • venue 
  • continuing professional development points earned 
  • duration of activity.

Victoria

• CPD requirements: While not currently mandatory, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) offers a CPD program covering a wide range of activities aimed at building a better skilled, more knowledgeable professional real estate sector. 
• Training: REIV.

South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory

• CPD requirements: CPD is not currently mandatory for real estate agents in South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. However, agents are encouraged to engage in professional development to stay updated with industry practices. 

New Zealand 

• CPD requirements: Licensees must complete 20 hours of CPD each calendar year, comprising 10 hours of verifiable CPD and 10 hours of non-verifiable CPD. Verifiable CPD includes mandatory topics specified by the Real Estate Authority (REA), while non-verifiable CPD encompasses other professional development activities. 
• Managing body: Real Estate Authority (REA). 
• Training: Approved training providers.

Please note that CPD requirements can change, and it’s essential to consult the respective managing bodies or their official websites for the most current information. 

Maximising your CPD experience 

Here are some practical tips to make the most of your CPD: 

• Plan ahead: Develop a CPD plan that aligns with your career goals and addresses your specific learning needs. 
• Choose relevant activities: Select CPD activities that are relevant to your role and area of expertise. 
• Diversify your learning: Explore a variety of CPD formats, such as online courses, workshops and industry events.
• Network with peers: CPD events provide excellent networking opportunities to connect with other Property Managers and industry professionals.
• Apply your learning: Don’t just accumulate knowledge; apply it to your daily work to improve your performance.
• Keep records: Maintain detailed records of your CPD activities, including certificates of completion and attendance. 

Exploring different types of CPD

Choosing the right CPD format can significantly impact your learning experience and budget. Here’s a breakdown of common types and their pros and cons.

Part of a larger course

(e.g., the next 4 units of the Certificate IV)

Pros: 

• Structured learning path leading to recognised qualifications.
• Comprehensive knowledge acquisition.
• Often covers a wide range of relevant topics.

Cons: 

• It can be time-consuming and require a significant commitment. 
• It may be more expensive than other CPD options.

Online training

Pros: 

• Flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule.
• Accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Often more affordable than face-to-face training.

Cons:

• Lack of direct interaction with instructors and peers.
• Requires self-discipline and motivation.
• Potential for technical issues.

Workshops and conferences

Pros: 

• Opportunities for networking and building professional connections. 
• Interactive learning experiences with practical applications.
• Access to industry experts and thought leaders.

Cons: 

• Can be more expensive due to travel and accommodation costs.
• Time constraints may limit the depth of learning.
  Limited availability.

Which option is right for you? 

Cost effectiveness: Online training is often the most budget friendly option.

Networking: Face-to-face workshops and conferences provide invaluable networking opportunities.

Comprehensive learning: Larger courses offer in depth knowledge and recognised qualifications.

Consider your learning style, budget, and time constraints when choosing CPD activities. 

Manage your CPD in PropertyMe

Managing CPD across a team, especially in a multi-faceted real estate business, can be a daunting task. That’s why PropertyMe’s Contact Compliance feature is a game changer.

It’s designed to bring all your compliance needs under one roof, simplifying the process and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. It keeps all your documents and reminders in one place — so you don’t have to juggle multiple programs or logins.  

Whether you’re in sales, property management or working across multiple offices, you can securely store documents, access forms on the go and get timely reminders when something needs attention. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with the PropertyMe Dashboard, making compliance one less thing to stress about. 

Check out how to manage your CPD in PropertyMe here: 

@propertyme If you’re struggling to keep track of the never-ending CPD, check out our latest 1 Minute Mastery! Learn how to manage your whole team’s CPD in PropertyMe Contact Compliance. A simple setup triggers helpful Dashboard reminders and saves all required Documents in one central location 🤯📄⏰ #propertymanagement #pmlife #realestateagent ♬ original sound – sof