Whether you’re entering the property sector for the first time or preparing to lead your own agency, understanding South Australia’s licensing and registration framework is essential. The industry offers four distinct registrations—Land Agent, Sales Representative, Property Manager, and Auctioneer—each tailored to specific roles.
Consumer and Business Service (CBS) classifies these registrations as either Registered Land Agent (RLA), Registered Sales Representative (RSR), Registered Property Manager (RPM) and Registered Auctioneer.
What is a Land Agent?
Fundamentally, a Land Agent registration allows you to operate your own real estate business and supervise others. It’s the highest level of registration in the industry. You can, however, work as a Sales Representative and/or a Property Manager. The only thing a Land Agent cannot do is call an Auction – you need to be a Registered Auctioneer (see below).
How do I become a Land Agent?
Firstly, enrol in our Land Agent program and complete 36 Units from the CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management) and the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice. Once you complete your Land Agent course, you will have to apply with Consumer and Business Services for your Land Agent Registration. In this application, you will also need a National Police Certificate (NPC) [Police Clearance] dated within the last 12 months.
If you hold a Sales Representative Registration or Property Management Registration with CBS, we offer a bespoke study program that reduces the number of units you need to study. Please reach out to us to discuss if you would like to explore these options.
To be eligible to apply for your Land Agent Registration with CBS, you also must be 18+, have no dishonesty convictions in the past 10 years, and must not have been a director of a company wound up in the past 5 years.
Which Registration do I need to be able to work in an agency?
Sales Representative Registration allows you to work under a Land Agent, handling property sales and leasing—but not running your own agency.
You will be required to complete the Sales Representative Registration Course. This course includes 19 units from the CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management) and the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice.
You must apply to Consumer and Business Services South Australia to receive your Sales Representative Registration. To apply to CBS, you must be 18+, have no dishonesty convictions in the past 10 years and you will also need a National Police Certificate (NPC) dated within the last 12 months.
There are two registration options: full registration or registration under supervision if you are still completing your qualifications. The latter is commonly referred to as a ‘trainee registration’.
Property Management Registration.
If you want to manage residential or commercial properties, you’ll need this registration. It is an excellent entrance point into the industry and a great way to build a database if you plan to transition into sales in the future.
To register as a property manager, you are required to complete the Property Manager Registration (PMR) Course. This includes 13 units from the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice.
You must apply to Consumer and Business Services South Australia for your registration. Similar to a sales representative, property managers must be at least 18 years old and have no convictions for dishonesty in the past 10 years. You must also produce a National Police Certificate (NPC) dated within the last 12 months.
There are two registration options: full registration or a trainee registration that allows working under supervision while completing the required qualification.
Auctioneer Licence
To be an auctioneer in SA, you must be registered as either a Land Agent or Sales Representative before adding this condition to your registration.
You will also need to complete an additional unit – CPPREP4162 Conduct and complete sale by auction. You can easily add the auctioneer condition to your licence during new registration or upgrade via CBS.
It is Important to note that you must be licenced to work in real estate. The penalty for unlicenced agents is $50,000 for a Land Agent, $20,000 for a Sales Representative, Property Manager, Auctioneer and $250,000 for a corporation. You can apply for a ‘trainee registration’ to work under supervision. Please see my article on ‘Understanding your obligations when registered under a trainee registration in SA’.
You can apply for any of the above licences through Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
At Entry Education, we offer a comprehensive range of courses that meet the CBS educational requirements.
For any advice, please do not hesitate to reach out. I can be contacted by email Andrew.shields@entryeducation.com.au or by mobile on 0475 101 022.
About your trainer: Andrew Shields
With over 20 years as a real estate agent and over 10 years of experience as a qualified trainer, Andrew has supported numerous aspiring agents and property managers launch their careers through the subsidised traineeship program.
Andrew has a comprehensive knowledge of the traineeship program and is available to support anyone seeking information. He can provide guidance on the eligibility requirements, program structure, course suitability and effective study strategies.
