The questions and the answers

Clive,



I need to come across a bit more convincing on the following issues – can you help?



What is the current status of the level 5 qualification for principals.
Are any materials available relating to the level 4 qualification. Where can I get information relating to FAIS for example? (the content relating to the other Unit Standards also, if available).
I heard that the professional designation examination is going to be removed as a compulsory requisite to practice as an Estate Agent – is that true?

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Dear Charl,



Many thanks for your e-mail, the contents of which have been noted. I would advise as follows:



1. The SSETA is presently in the process of preparing the necessary RPL instruments and facilitator, assessor and moderator guides for the NQF Level 5 qualification. Once these have been completed the EAAB will be in a position to commence the writing of the study material for the National Certificate: Real Estate, as it has done with the NQF Level 4 material. The SSETA has undertaken to expedite the process to ensure that the NQF Level 5 qualification is up and running as soon as possible.

2. The Study Guide for the Professional Estate Agent: NQF Level 4 has now been finalised and the printing of this comprehensive work (which runs to 800 pages) has commenced. It is hoped that the work will be available for sale to estate agents, RPL candidates and learners by 1 April 2009. The unit standard dealing with FAIS is fully dealt with in the work.

3. It is amazing how these strange stories start. There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the PDE is going to be removed. An examination such as the PDE is, in fact, essential for any profession and it is hoped that the first PDE for non-principal estate agents will be held on 18 June 2009. The removal of the PDE as a requirement for estate agents would, in any event, require an amendment to the education regulations by the Department of Trade and Industry and this is certainly not on the cards.



I do hope that this assists you.



Kind regards,



Clive



Clive Ashpol HonsBA, MBL, LLB, LLM

Education and Training Department

ESTATE AGENCY AFFAIRS BOARD




If you can help me to be able to answer these questions I will appreciate it.