THE National Association Of Estate Agents has launched a rigorous standard of professionalism in the form of two technical awards.

They comprise sale of residential property and residential letting and property management. Each award consists of four tests covering distinct areas of expertise:

Sale of residential property:

• Health and safety, security and general law

• Law relating to property sales

• Practice relating to property sales

• Property appraisal and building constructions.

Lettings and property management:

• Health and safety, security and general law

• Legal aspects of letting and management

• Residential property lettings practice

• Residential property management practice

Each of the 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 awards are available to both existing members and non-members of the NAEA and require no pre-entry qualifications.

Open learning is available via the NAEA enabling all those interested to undertake study. Alternatively, candidates can attend a course run by a training provider (e.g. a local college) or take part in courses run in-house by their employers.

All means of study are based around the same syllabus. The awards scheme will start in September with tests held every three months.

The 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.

Melfyn Williams, NAEA president said: “I am convinced these new technical awards will further enhance the professional reputation of estate agents and encourage more agents to obtain qualifications and join the NAEA."

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