How to Become an Agent's Representative in Victoria
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
If you're looking for a faster way into the real estate industry, learning how to become an agent's representative in Victoria is a good place to start. Unlike becoming a fully licensed estate agent, this pathway lets you work as a salesperson or property manager under someone else's licence, with a shorter and more direct road to entry.
This guide walks through what an agent's representative actually does, the education and eligibility requirements set out by Consumer Affairs Victoria, and the exact steps you'll need to follow before you can start work.
What Is an Agent's Representative?
An agent's representative is employed by, or acts on behalf of, a licensed estate agent. With written authority from that agent, they can carry out any of the legal functions the estate agent performs, such as acting as a salesperson or a property manager.
The key distinction is that an agent's representative cannot operate an estate agency business in their own right. That authority sits with the licensed estate agent. If you're weighing up this role against full licensing, our guide on How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Australia: A State-by-State Guide breaks down how the two pathways compare.
Do You Need to Apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria?
No. You don't apply directly to become an agent's representative. Instead, your employer is responsible for verifying that you meet the eligibility requirements and for notifying the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) via myCAV once you start work.
This is changing.
From 25 November 2026, agents' representatives will need to register directly with the BLA, including paying a registration fee. If you're already registered and current as at 24 November 2026, you'll receive a deemed registration and won't need to apply separately.
From 1 April 2027, a second change takes effect: agents' representatives will need to complete annual continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain their registration, covering mandatory activities set by the BLA and including written assessments.
These changes follow two rounds of public consultation held in late 2025 and early 2026, and are set out in the Estate Agents (Education) Amendment Regulations 2026 and the Estate Agents (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to work as an agent's representative in Victoria, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have completed a course prescribed under the Estate Agents (Education) Regulations 2020
Not have been found guilty of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty, drug trafficking or violence punishable by three months or more imprisonment, within the last 10 years
Not be insolvent under administration
Not have caused a successful claim against the Victorian Property Fund or a corresponding fund
Not be a represented person under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986
Not be subject to a VCAT declaration making you ineligible
Not be subject to a disqualifying order from any regulatory body in or outside Victoria
If any of the restricted categories above apply to you, the BLA may still grant permission to work as an agent's representative. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so if you fall into one of these categories, it's worth checking your specific circumstances.
Starting as an Agent's Representative for the First Time
If this is your first time entering the role, you'll need to have completed the following within the last five years: 15 core units of competency towards the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419), plus 3 additional elective units that meet the packaging rules, for 18 units in total.
If you completed relevant units before 30 September 2021, or hold one of a number of earlier qualifications recognised under the Estate Agents (Education) Regulations 2020, you may be exempt from completing the current course. The full list of accepted legacy qualifications is set out in the Regulations themselves, so if you have an older qualification, it's worth checking whether it still counts.
If You Have Previous Industry Experience
If your course was completed more than five years ago, you can still work as an agent's representative if any of the following apply:
You've held an estate agent's licence in Victoria within the last five years
You were a licensed sub-agent between 31 January 1990 and 1 February 1995, and have worked as an agent's representative in Victoria at any point in the last 10 years
You've worked as an agent's representative or held an estate agent's licence in Victoria within the last 10 years, and completed one of a number of recognised prior courses
Registered Training Providers
Your course must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO) whose course is based specifically on Victorian estate agency law, practice and procedure. You can confirm this through My Skills, the national directory of RTOs and their registered courses.
Steps to Start Work as an Agent's Representative
Complete your prescribed course through a registered training organisation.
Get a police check through Service Victoria. If your check is more than six months old, you'll also need a statutory declaration confirming you haven't been found guilty of a disqualifying offence.
Give your employer your Statement of Attainment and police check.
Your employer verifies your eligibility, often using an official eligibility checklist, and provides you with written authority to act on their behalf.
Your employer notifies the BLA via myCAV to confirm your employment.
Once you've started work, you must provide your employer with an updated police check within six weeks, or you'll become ineligible to continue in the role.
Ceasing and Re-Starting Employment
If you change employers, the process doesn't carry over automatically. Each time you seek re-employment as an agent's representative, your new employer must separately re-verify that you meet all the eligibility criteria from scratch.
Mutual Recognition Doesn't Apply
If you're already registered as a salesperson interstate or in New Zealand, mutual recognition doesn't extend to this role. You'll still need to meet the full Victorian eligibility criteria under the Estate Agents Act 1980, including the education requirements above, before you can start work as an agent's representative in Victoria.
Getting Started
Becoming an agent's representative is one of the more direct ways into a real estate career in Victoria, provided you complete the right training and meet the eligibility criteria. [Internal link: suggest linking to PTA's career pathway page for sales agents and property managers] can help you decide whether this role or full licensing is the better fit for your goals.
If you're ready to take the first step, explore PTA's Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) course, delivered specifically for the Victorian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply directly to Consumer Affairs Victoria to become an agent's representative?
At present, no. Your employer verifies your eligibility and notifies the Business Licensing Authority via myCAV once you start work. This changes from 25 November 2026, when agents' representatives will need to register directly with the BLA.
What's the difference between an agent's representative and a licensed estate agent?
An agent's representative works under a licensed estate agent's authority and cannot operate an estate agency business independently. A licensed estate agent holds that authority in their own right.
How many units do I need to complete for the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419)?
18 units in total: 15 core units plus 3 electives that meet the packaging rules, completed within the last five years.
If I'm already registered in another state, can I work as an agent's representative in Victoria without redoing my training?
No. Mutual recognition doesn't apply to this role. You need to meet Victoria's full eligibility criteria under the Estate Agents Act 1980, including the education requirements, regardless of interstate registration.
What happens to my eligibility if I change employers?
It doesn't carry over. Each new employer must independently re-verify that you meet all eligibility criteria from scratch.
When do Victoria's new registration and CPD rules for agents' representatives take effect?
Registration with the BLA begins 25 November 2026 (existing registered representatives are deemed registered and don't need to reapply). Annual CPD requirements begin 1 April 2027.
