The following Frequently Asked Questions may answer any further information you are seeking about Real Estate Courses.

If you know what course you require, simply click on the Enrol Now button for the relevant course and begin your enrolment.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your course needs, simply contact Validum Institute on 07 3193 5270 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Brisbane time) or email us at admin@validumgroup.com.au.

Our friendly staff and Enrolment team will discuss the course which is most appropriate for your personal needs and career objectives.  We will then send you information about the relevant course, along with our Learner Handbook.  To speed up the enrolment process, we will also include an online enrolment form.

Once you have completed your enrolment, paid for your course and provided us with your USI, you will receive your course log in details by the next  business day.

From 1 January 2015, any person undertaking a nationally recognised learning course or Units of Competency will need a USI (Unique Student Identifier). This is a mandatory Commonwealth Government requirement.

The USI is a number issued by the Commonwealth Government which is unique to you. Your USI will consist of a random combination of numbers and letters.

Once you have your USI, it will give you access to your learning records and results (transcripts) through your online government account. A USI will be required before you can commence your course with the Validum Institute.

For full information on how to apply for a USI, see our USI Information Page HERE 

You will be able to pay for your course using credit card or debit card when you complete the enrolment process.

If you wish to pay via bank transfer, we will issue you with an invoice for your course fees when we receive your completed enrolment form.  Simply pay your invoice by the due date.

Once you have completed your Enrolment Form, paid for your course and provided us with your USI, we will check your enrolment application,  If everything is in order, you will receive your course login details by the next business day.

System requirements

You will need the following IT requirements to complete your course in the Validum Institute Portal:

• Computer, laptop with a webcam, and a sound and graphics card
• Internet connection or Wi-Fi access
• Google Chrome (our preferred Internet browser for accessing the VIP)
• Microsoft Word 2013 or above
• Free downloadable version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
• A smart phone for recording video assessments
• Email account for communication to and from Validum.

Computer proficiency

To complete your course in the Validum Institute Portal, you will need to have a basic level of computer skills.  In particular, you will need to be able to:

• create, save and edit Microsoft Office and PDF documents
• access and search the internet
• download and save documents from websites
• upload documents through websites
• record and upload videos.

What other skills do I need to complete my course?

You will be required to have a basic level of English language, numeracy and literacy skills to complete the course.  If we are concerned about your level of language, numeracy or literacy, you may be asked to complete a LLN Test (Language Literacy and Numeracy Test) before starting your course.

If you need help with your language, numeracy or literacy, the following services may be of assistance:

• The Reading Writing Hotline

The Validum Institute Portal (which we call the VIP) is an online interactive learning platform that holds all your course materials, learner notes, reference powerpoints, videos, resource documents and assessments.

In your course, you will  be completing and submitting your assessments through the VIP.

At Validum Institute, we have carefully designed the VIP to provide you with a secure and portable way to study, and you can undertake your studies on any device (for example, a desktop, laptop, tablet) anytime, anywhere.

We have taken great care to make the VIP simple and easy to use.

When you first log in to the VIP, you will be given a virtual tour of the main features of the VIP.  In addition, the VIP contains a series of Quick Start Guides which provide you with more detailed information on how to operate the Portal. We strongly recommend that take the virtual tours and review the Quick Start Guides before commencing your course.

To view a demonstration of the VIP – Click Here

We pride ourselves on the user friendliness and ease of the Validum Institute Portal (VIP). We do however recognise that non-classroom study may not be suitable for everyone.  We are committed to ensuring your online learning experience is a positive one.

Should you have any problems using the VIP, we offer a number of support avenues:

• • Telephone – simply call us on (07) 3193 5270 Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Email – simply contact us on admin@validumgroup.com.au
  • In person – if you live in Brisbane, simply call us on (07) 3193 5270 to make an appointment to come into our Student Lounge for onsite support

Yes, you will have to successfully complete the assessments in your course before we can issue your Statement of Attainment or Qualification.  Our assessments are open book, self-paced, delivered off-the-job and include theory and practical assessment.

Assessments typically consist of multiple choice questions, short answer questions, roleplay video presentations, reports and practical exercises.

So that you can make the most efficient use of your study time, we have grouped (or clustered) similar Units of Competency together. Clustering the Units of Competency in our real estate courses allows our training and assessment to reflect the role and job functions required of students in the real estate industry.

Another benefit of clustering is that it allows us to group assessment questions covering similar topics together. Therefore, the assessments you have to complete in each of our courses are clustered around Units of Competency with a similar theme or professional skill set. When you complete an assessment for a Cluster, you will have completed the assessment across multiple Units of Competency.

In order to successfully complete your course, you must have completed and be assessed as “Competent” in all your assessments.

Competency-based assessments are like driving tests. Our assessors need to check that you have all the skills and knowledge required by the Unit of Competency – just like a driving instructor needs to see you have all the skills to drive safely on the road before passing you.

Assessment is conducted by Validum Institute’s team of qualified trainers and assessors who are industry professionals and experts in their respective fields.

Don’t worry – you have not failed.

When our assessors ask you to re-attempt an assessment question, all it means is that you need to fix up some issues in your answer so that you can meet all the standards required in the Unit of Competency. Think of your first attempt as a draft that our assessors have reviewed – the feedback you receive will help you improve and finalise your answer.

You are provided with unlimited re-assessment opportunities if you are assessed as Not Yet Competent. If your assessment is assessed as Not Yet Competent, a trainer and assessor will contact you to provide you with feedback and support before you re-attempt your assessment.

Our assessors are happy to provide the personalised support and guidance you need to successfully complete your assessment.

Our qualified trainers and assessors are available to help you every step of the way.

It does not matter where you are located, you can access our trainers and assessors through the following methods:

• Telephone – simply call us on (07) 3193 5270 Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Email – simply contact us on admin@validumgroup.com.au
• In person – if you live in Brisbane, simply call us on (07) 3193 5270 to book a time to come into our Student Lounge

A Statement of Attainment is a formal certification issued by a Registered Training Organisation (like the Validum Institute) which states that a student has been assessed as competent in the Units of Competency completed by the student.

When you have successfully completed your course, we will send your Statement of Attainment by email. Statements of Attainments have a QR code unique to each individual student and the Units of Competency they have completed.

You will need your Statement of Attainment when you apply to your State’s real estate licencing authority for your real estate registration or licence.

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are training providers registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. RTOs are recognised as providers of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.

Only RTOs can:

– deliver Nationally Recognised courses and accredited Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) VET qualifications; and
– apply for Australian, state and territory funding to deliver vocational education and training.

(From the Australian Skills Quality Authority website – www.asqa.gov.au)

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you a job. We are however in contact with many real estate agencies and recruiters who often ask us if we know of any graduates who are looking for positions.  If you are looking for a position, please let us know and we will be happy to notify you of any openings with the agencies that we keep in touch with.

We are pleased to advise that our latest student survey shows us that the majority of our students who have completed courses with Validum Institute have obtained a job in real estate.

Feedback

We appreciate your feedback to help us continuously improve our service and courses and our student experience. If you have any feedback on how we can improve our offering, please email us at admin@validumgroup.com.au.

Feedback Surveys

We issue an annual student survey in which we collective gather data from our past and present students to use for improving our business and student experience.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) also gathers feedback from students on learner engagement and employer satisfaction. You may at some time be asked to provide feedback directly to them as a student of Validum.

Complaints and Appeals

At Validum, we pride ourselves in our student satisfaction. We understand however from time to time complaints or issues may arise. Validum Institute’s Complaints and Appeals Policy provides an avenue for you to advise us of any issues, concerns or complaints (Complaints) you may have, or to lodge assessment appeals with Validum Institute.

We will deal with all Complaints and appeals in a constructive and timely manner with the aim to resolve any issue raised. A copy of the Complaints and Appeals Policy is available HERE.

If you have any issues or concerns, please firstly call us on (07) 3193 5270 to seek a resolution. If you wish to lodge a formal Complaint or assessment appeal, please contact us at admin@validumgroup.com.au or call us on (07) 3193 5270.

Please CLICK HERE to see our Learner Handbook which contains other information relevant to your real estate course, including but not limited to:

• Refunds
• Course expiries
• Course extensions
• Deferring your course
• Downgrading your course
• Payment plans terms & conditions
• Other fees and charges

To work in the real estate industry in Queensland, you must as a minimum complete one of the following courses:

Registration Certificate Course – successful completion of this course gives you the educational requirements to apply to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading to be registered as a salesperson. A Registration Certificate only permits you to work as an employee in a real estate agency.

Real Estate Agent Licence Course (includes the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification) – successful completion of this course gives you the educational requirements to apply to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading to be licenced as a Real Estate Agent. A Real Estate Agent licence allows you to own or manage a real estate agency or work as an independent contractor to an agency.  In addition to doing all the things a Registered Salesperson is authorised to do, a licensed Real Estate Agent can also operate and manage trust accounts.

Resident Letting Agent Licence Course – successful completion of this course gives you the educational requirements to apply to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading to be licensed as a Resident Letting Agent. A Resident Letting Agent licence entitles you to work onsite within a complex (such as an apartment building or a townhouse complex) and (amongst other things) rent out or manage units in the complex, and collect rents in the complex.

Auctioneer Licence Course – is a course that enables you to become an auctioneer. Auctions have become a very popular way to market properties. This course will give you skills and Units of Competency to be able to conduct and sell real estate property by auction.

A Registration Certificate will only allow you to work as an employee of a licenced Real Estate Agent. Students who choose this course are often entering the real etstate industry for the first time and want to work in an agency to to learn from experienced real estate agents.

A Real Estate Agent Licence (includes the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification) will allow you to own or start your own real estate agency, or work as an independent contractor to a real estate agency. Students who choose this course are often wanting to start their own agency, or be a contractor to an existing agency, or are simply wanting to have a higher level of training to stand out from their peers.

The great thing about doing your real estate course with Validum Institute is that you are able to do the course at your pace, in your own time, to suit your schedule. Please note the following courses durations:

• Registration Certificate Course – you have 6 months starting from the day we send you your log in details.
• Real Estate Agent Licence Course (includes the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification) – you have 12 months starting from the day we send you your log in details.
• Upgrade Courses – you have 6 months starting from the day we send you your log in details.
• Auctioneer Licence Course – you have 6 months starting from the day we send you your log in details.

You must submit all your Assessments 14 days before your Course Expiry Date to allow for marking and any resubmissions.

Unless prior arrangements have been made with Validum, we will not accept any assessments submitted after 14 days prior to your Course Expiry Date.

Our courses are self-paced, which means that it may not necessarily take you that long to complete your course.  The length of time it takes you to complete your course depends on various factors, such as your experience and the amount of time you have available for self-paced study.

The Units of Competency (Units) in our current courses are from the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification.

After you complete your course and receive your Statement of Attainment, simply go to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading Queensland website and complete your Registration or Licence Application and pay your application fee. You will need to include a copy of your Statement of Attainment with your application.

CLICK HERE for detailed information on how to apply for your Registration or Licence with the Office of Fair Trading.

The Validum Student Lounge is a dedicated space you can come for peace and quiet and study for your course.  The student lounge is located at the Institute at Rocklea, just a 15 minute drive from Brisbane CBD.

The lounge offers a comfortable space with natural light and free parking, WIFI, computer use, tea/coffee facilities.

While in the Student Lounge, you also have access to our onsite trainers and assessors for one-on-one tuition and assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the limited number of study spaces available in the Student Lounge, you will need to book your Student Lounge visit in advance by calling us on 07 3193 5270 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:00 pm).

For new entrants wanting to start working in real estate in New South Wales, a Certificate of Registration is required from NSW Fair Trading before you can start work as an Assistant Agent.  This will allow you to work in real estate sales, property management, stock and station or strata management, but you must be employed and supervised by the Licensee in Charge of an agency (Class 1 Agent).

• The Certificate of Registration is the entry level registration needed before you can work as an Assistant Agent in NSW under the supervision of the Licensee in Charge of an agency (who needs to hold a Class 1 Licence).

The maximum term of the Certificate of Registration is 4 years.  Within this 4 year period, a Certificate of Registration holder is required to complete the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification and apply for a Class 2 Real Estate Agent Licence (if they want to remain in the industry).

A Certificate of Registration holder must have a minimum of 12 months experience working as an Assistant Agent before they can progress to a Class 2 Licence.

• A Class 2 Real Estate Agent Licence will allow you to act as a real estate agent, and otherwise perform all the functions and activities of a real estate agent in sales or property management – including but not limited to negotiating with clients and vendors, collecting rent, deposits, bond payments and fees related to a lease, licence or contract etc..

But a Class 2 Licence holder cannot open or manage a trust account, or act as the Licensee in Charge of an agency.

• A Class 1 Real Estate Agent Licence allows you to carry out the same authorised activities as a Class 2 licence holder, PLUS act as a licensee in charge, work for yourself as an independent agent, and open and authorise trust account transactions.

The Class 1 Licence is the highest real estate licence issued by NSW Fair Trading.   You need to complete a CPP51122 – Diploma of Property (Agency Management) and  hold a Class 2 Licence for at least 2 years before you can apply for the Class 1 Licence.

The great thing about doing your real estate course with Validum Institute is that you are able to do the course at your pace, in your own time, to suit your schedule.

• Assistant Agent (Certificate of Registration) course – you have 6 months starting from the day we send you your login details.
• CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (Class 2 Agent) – you have 12 months starting from the day we send you your login details. * CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (NSW Class 2 Agent) coming soon.

You must submit all your Assessments 14 days before your Course Expiry Date to allow for marking and any resubmissions.

Unless prior arrangements have been made with Validum, we will not accept any assessments submitted after 14 days prior to your Course Expiry Date.

Our courses are self-paced, which means that it may not necessarily take you that long to complete your course.  The length of time it takes you to complete your course depends on various factors, such as your experience and the amount of time you have available for self-paced study.

The Units of Competency (Units) in our current courses are from the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification.

After you complete your course and receive your Statement of Attainment, you can apply to NSW Fair Trading for your Certificate of Registration or licence to enable you to commence work.

CLICK HERE for detailed information on how to apply for your Certificate of Registration or Licence with NSW Fair Trading.

The Certificate of Registration will allow you to work in NSW as an Assistant Agent in real estate sales or property management, stock and station or strata management.  As an Assistant Agent you must be employed by a licence holder and supervised by a licensee in charge.

A Certificate of Registration is issued by NSW Fair Trading and is issued for a four-year term and is not renewable. Within the four-year period Certificate of Registration holders must complete the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice qualification and progress to a Class 2 licence.