By introducing the Technical Awards, the NAEA has created a vehicle that can be adopted by the government to introduce minimum standards into estate agency. With the OFT report expected shortly, the NAEA believes the time is right for the government to build on what they have started and to push forward with the licensing of estate agents.
Since the introduction of these awards in June this year, 75 estate agents are embarking on the first round of examinations taking place in September 2003. As a result, the NAEA want to properly launch to the public, the idea that the NAEA espouses training and minimum standards of entry to the profession.
Each of the Technical Awards is approved at Level 2 by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and will represent a minimum standard for new memberships to the NAEA. The Technical Awards are available to both existing members and non-members of the NAEA and require no pre-entry qualifications.
The examinations aim to introduce a rigorous standard of professionalism within UK estate agency in the form of two Technical Awards:
-Sale of Residential Property
-Residential Letting & Property Management
Each Technical Award consists of four units covering distinct areas of expertise:
SALE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
- Health & Safety, Security and General Law
- Law Relating to Residential Property Sales
- Practice Relating to Residential Property Sales
- Property Appraisal and basic Building Constructions/ defects
LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
- Health & Safety, Security and General Law
- Legal Aspects of Letting and Management
- Residential Property Letting Practice
- Residential Property Management Practice
The Technical Awards are only a first step in gaining higher qualifications in the estate agency profession. The NAEA encourages all members to undertake the Certificate of Practice in Estate Agency (CPEA) for sales, the Certificate in Residential Lettings and Management (CRLM) for lettings and property management, and the Certificate in Commercial and Business Transfer (CCBT).
Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of the NAEA commented: “I am passionate about maintaining high standards in the Estate Agency profession and these Technical Awards are another step to promoting true professionalism among NAEA members. Obtaining respected, relevant qualifications is very important and beneficial, not only because it helps us undertake our day-to-day business with more expertise and efficiency, but also because it enhances the general public’s perception of our integrity and professionalism.”
Jane Pridgeon, Managing Director of Halifax Estate Agents said: “This is a great initiative from the NAEA, and one that Halifax Estate Agents has supported by designing our own Academy Programme around the new Technical Awards. Training and development are at the top of our agenda and we actively encourage all Halifax colleagues to use our own in-house Academy training programme. We also encourage and support them in obtaining professional qualifications and we pay their examination costs and professional fees.”
