CPD Points for Qld Real Estate Agents: What Counts and What Doesn’t
Every year, Queensland real estate professionals must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD). But one of the most common questions agents ask is:
“What actually counts as CPD points in real estate?”
Understanding what qualifies — and what doesn’t — is critical. Completing the wrong training, attending the wrong seminar, or misunderstanding your obligations could leave you non-compliant.
This guide explains:
- What counts toward CPD in Queensland
- What does not count
- Common misunderstandings
- Record-keeping requirements
- How CPD compliance is verified
- Risks of getting it wrong
What Counts as CPD in Real Estate?
In Queensland, annual mandatory CPD must meet certain requirements.
To count toward your annual obligation, a session must:
- Be approved by the Office of Fair Trading
- Be formally structured
- Fall within a recognised category (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Be delivered by a permitted training provider
- Meet regulatory requirements for CPD content
CPD is not simply “industry learning” — it must align with compliance frameworks.
What Does NOT Count as CPD?
This is where confusion often arises.
The following typically do not count towards meeting your annual mandatory CPD obligations:
- General networking events
- Motivational seminars
- Sales strategy workshops unrelated to legislation
- Informal team meetings
- Vendor product training
- Conference attendance without structured compliance focus
Even if these events are valuable professionally and you should still participate in them, they do not count towards the Office of Fair Trading’s annual CPD requirements.
Common Misconceptions About CPD Points
❌ “Any Real Estate Seminar Counts”
Not necessarily. If the session is not approved by the Office of Fair Trading, it does not count.
❌ “My Office Training Covers It”
Internal agency training is important for supporting professional development, but you still have to complete your annual CPD requirements.
❌ “If I Learn Something, It Must Count”
You must be able to prove that you have completed the required OFT-approved CPD sessions.
The Importance of Correct CPD Category
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading requires a specific combination of approved CPD sessions to be completed annually:
- Two Type 1 sessions; or
- a Type 1 and a Type 2
Completing two Type 2 sessions does not meet requirements.
This is one of the most common compliance errors real estate agents make.
Why Record Keeping Matters
Completing CPD is only part of compliance. As a real estate agent, you are responsible for:
- Retaining evidence of CPD completion
- Holding on to your CPD certificates of completion
- Keeping your CPD documentation accessible
- Be prepared to prove that you have completed yoru CPD if required
Poor record keeping can create unnecessary risk.
Consequences of Getting CPD Wrong
Failing to meet CPD obligations can expose you to:
- Regulatory action
- Licensing issues
- Reputational damage
- Increased scrutiny
Completing your CPD is a condition for maintaining your real estate licence or registration. It is not a casual requirement.
Why Agents Should Treat CPD Strategically
Rather than seeing CPD as a yearly inconvenience, consider it part of risk management or investing in your professionally upskilling.
Well-chosen CPD sessions can:
- Clarify legislative interpretation
- Strengthen agency procedures
- Reduce compliance breaches
- Improve documentation accuracy
- Enhance professional credibility
Choosing structured, relevant CPD protects you long term.
Final Thoughts: What Counts Is What Matters
In Queensland real estate practice, CPD must align with formal requirements.
Not all industry learning qualifies.
Understanding what counts — and ensuring proper documentation — is essential to protecting your licence and maintaining compliance.
Complete Your Queensland Real Estate CPD with Confidence
If you want structured, compliance-focused, OFT-approved CPD sessions that focus on Queensland real estate practice, Validum Real Estate Training offers approved Type 1 and Type 2 CPD courses designed specifically for Queensland real estate professionals.
Our sessions are structured, practical and aligned with current legislative frameworks — giving you clarity and confidence in your annual compliance.
Contact Validum Real Estate Training today or explore our Queensland CPD sessions.
Stay compliant. Stay informed. Stay confident.
