Take your real estate career further.
Already working in real estate? An upgraded licence unlocks more authority, more earning potential and more career options, from senior agent through to Licensee in Charge. Archer Institute guides you through the right pathway for your state.
This pathway is for agents ready to level up.
Upgrading your licence takes your career from employee to authority, giving you the qualifications to manage a team, operate independently, or open your own agency.
- You currently hold a salesperson registration or assistant agent certificate
- You want to progress to a full agent licence or become a Licensee in Charge
- You are considering managing a team or opening your own agency
- You want more authority, responsibility and earning capacity
- You want to understand the correct upgrade pathway for your state
Where are you now, and where do you want to go?
Each state has a different licence structure. Find your state below to see the upgrade pathway that applies to you.
QLD licence upgrade
Queensland uses a two-tier system. Salesperson registration lets you work under a principal. The full Agent Licence gives you the authority to operate independently or open your own agency.
NSW licence upgrade
NSW uses a three-class system. Progress from Class 3 to Class 2 (the full agent licence), and then from Class 2 to Class 1, which is required to be a Licensee in Charge.
VIC licence upgrade
In Victoria, you progress from Agent's Representative to the full Estate Agent Licence. That gives you the authority to manage or operate your own agency under Consumer Affairs Victoria.
ACT licence upgrade
The ACT mirrors the NSW three-class system. Progress from Class 3 to Class 2, and onward to Class 1 Licensee in Charge, the highest licence level in the Territory.
The qualifications that get you there
These are the licence and Licensee in Charge qualifications across the states Archer Institute covers. Select the course for your state to see what is included.
Class 2 Agent Licence
CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
Class 1 Licensee in Charge
CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management)
Real Estate Agent Licence
Run your own QLD agency
Estate Agent Licence
CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management)
Class 2 Agent Licence
CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
Class 1 Licensee in Charge
CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management)
Already have real estate experience?
Before you enrol in an upgrade course, it may be worth checking whether Recognition of Prior Learning applies to your situation. It can reduce the units you need.
Licence Upgrade FAQs
Am I eligible to upgrade my licence?+–
Eligibility varies by state and by the level you are upgrading to. In most states you will need to hold your current licence and meet certain experience requirements. The best way to confirm is to get in touch. We will check your situation and tell you exactly what applies.
What is a Licensee in Charge and why does it matter?+–
A Licensee in Charge (Class 1 in NSW and ACT) is the highest licence level. It gives you the legal authority to open, manage and operate a real estate agency in your own right. Without one, an agency cannot operate. If you want to run your own business or take a senior management role, this is the qualification you need.
How long does a licence upgrade take?+–
Upgrade courses are self-paced, so completion time depends on the hours you commit each week. They are flexible, so you can study in the evenings or on weekends without disrupting your current role. Most working agents finish within a few months.
Do I need to stop working to complete an upgrade course?+–
No. Our upgrade courses are designed for working agents. Everything is online and self-paced, so you keep earning while you study. There are no mandatory class times and no campus requirements.
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 1 in NSW and ACT?+–
Class 2 (Agent Licence) lets you work as a licensed agent, conduct property transactions, manage trust accounts and operate more independently. Class 1 (Licensee in Charge) is required to open and operate your own agency, or to be the responsible licence holder for an existing one. Class 1 builds on Class 2 and requires the CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management).
What if I am not sure which level is right for me?+–
Get in touch. Our team will ask a few questions about your current licence and your goals, then give you a straightforward recommendation. There is no obligation. Email info@archerinstitute.edu.au or use the enquiry form below.
More authority. More opportunity. More career.
Tell us your current licence and your goals, and we will confirm your upgrade pathway and eligibility without the guesswork. Prefer to talk now? Call 1800 069 273.
