How to become a real estate agent in WA in 2026: a step-by-step guide

Real estate is one of the few careers where you can start with a short course and build something that’s genuinely your own. No two days look the same, you’re out and about in the community, and you get to be part of some of the biggest moments in people’s lives.

If you’ve been wondering how to get into it in Western Australia, the good news is the path is clear. Here’s how it works in 2026.

First, a quick bit of jargon

In WA, most people start as a sales representative, not a licensed agent. It’s worth knowing the difference before you pick a course.

Sales representative (registration) This is where almost everyone begins. You sell, lease or manage property on behalf of an agency, working under the supervision of a licensed real estate agent. It’s what most people mean when they say “I’m a real estate agent.”

Real estate agent (licence) A licensed agent can own or run an agency, supervise staff and is responsible for the agency’s transactions and trust accounts (a la Mr Ben Keevers) It’s a step most people take later, once they have a few years of experience behind them.

In short: you need to register first, then decide later whether a licence is part of your long-term plan.

Step 1: Check you’re eligible

To register as a sales representative in WA, you need to:

• be at least 18 years old
• be of good character/reputation
• provide a police check dated within the last three months

You’ll also need to disclose any previous convictions, pending proceedings, reprimands or fines, so be upfront from the start.

Step 2: Choose the type of registration that suits you

WA has three types of sales representative registration. Your choice decides which units you study:

• Unrestricted
• Restricted: sales
• Restricted: property management.

Not sure yet? Unrestricted gives you the most flexibility. If you start with a restricted registration, you can complete bridging units later to upgrade.

Step 3: Complete your training

The units come from the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419). You’ll need to study through a registered training organisation, and many of them offer online, part-time and self-paced options – perfect for studying around your current job or lifestyle.

Expect to cover topics like ethics and compliance, property law, marketing, appraisals, negotiation and trust accounting.

Tip: Before you enrol, check the course matches the type of WA registration you’re after. Not every real estate course is set up for WA’s requirements.

Step 4: Apply for your registration

Once your units are done, you apply to Consumer Protection WA, which sits within the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS). You can apply online.

You’ll need:

• proof you’ve completed the required units
• your police check (dated within three months)
• the completed application form
• payment of the registration fee

What it costs: $342* for a new sales representative registration, which is valid for three years ($297 licence fee plus a $45 Fidelity Fund contribution). *This is the fee from 1 July 2026; fees are reviewed every year.

How long it takes: usually four to six weeks to process. Course fees are separate and vary between providers.

Step 5: Find the right agency

This is the step that shapes your career more than any other. As a sales representative, you work under a licensed agent, so the agency you join is where you’ll learn the job.

A few things worth asking when you’re looking around:

• Will I be mentored? Who will you shadow, and how much one-on-one time will you get in your first year?
• What training is on offer? Look for ongoing coaching, not just a snazzy welcome pack.
• How are leads and listings shared? Understanding how you’ll build your pipeline and actually make sales matters as much as the commission split.
• What’s the culture like? You’ll spend long days with these people. Make sure it feels like a team!

Step 6: Keep learning

Your registration doesn’t stop at the course. Every licensed agent and registered sales representative in WA must complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year to keep their registration current.

From 2026, the CPD year runs from 1 April to 31 March, and five activities must be completed each year through approved training providers. Registrations generally need renewing every three years.

Later on: becoming a licensed agent

If you’d like to run your own agency, or step into a licensee role, you’ll eventually need a real estate and business agent licence. In WA, that means:

• • a higher qualification, most commonly the Diploma of Property (Agency Management) (with some extra Certificate IV units), or one of a handful of approved property degrees
  • at least two years of hands-on experience negotiating real estate transactions, backed by two business references (observational or admin experience alone isn’t enough)
  • again, a recent police check

Start your career with Ray White Keevers Group

At Ray White Keevers Group, we know a great career starts with the right people around you. Our team works across Perth’s northern coastal suburbs, from North Beach and Sorrento to Scarborough, Karrinyup and Balcatta, and we’re always keen to meet people who love this community as much as we do.

Whether you’re halfway through your course, newly registered or just starting to wonder if real estate is for you, reach out to have a chat.