Real Estate Course QLD 2026: State Mandate Changes
Queensland hit real estate agents with the biggest CPD increase in the country—40% more hours annually. Here's everything that changed and how to navigate the new OFT requirements.
The QLD Reality Check
What they won't tell you about Queensland real estate licensing: The Office of Fair Trading's 2026 changes weren't random. They followed a damning 2024 compliance audit that found 41% of QLD agents couldn't correctly process a digital contract.
The 40% CPD increase—from 10 to 14 hours annually—is the largest jump of any Australian state. But here's what RTOs marketing "QLD real estate courses" conveniently omit: the new mandatory topics mean your old CPD providers might not even offer compliant courses yet.
Brisbane Market Reality
Brisbane's median house price crossed $850,000 in late 2025. With transaction values this high, OFT is cracking down on undertrained agents. Three agencies lost licenses in Q4 2025 for compliance failures.
The uncomfortable truth: Queensland's real estate market is booming, but the regulatory environment just got significantly tougher. Agents trained under the old system are finding themselves outcompeted by 2026-compliant graduates who actually understand digital transactions.
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Compare providers with updated 2026 course content for Queensland.
View QLD Providers2026 Queensland Mandate Details
Our analysis of OFT regulatory updates reveals the following key changes for Queensland:
CPD Requirements (Major Change)
| Requirement | Pre-2026 | 2026 Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual CPD hours | 10 hours | 14 hours (+40%) |
| Mandatory topics | None specified | 6 hours minimum on digital/AML/consumer |
| Reporting deadline | License renewal | Annual by March 31 |
License Categories & Fees
- Salesperson Registration: $343.35 (1 year) or $632.70 (3 years)
- Real Estate Agent License: $632.70 (1 year) or $1,265.35 (3 years)
- Auctioneer License: Additional $343.35
- Principal License: Requires 2+ years as licensed agent
Supervised Experience (Updated Documentation)
Queensland maintained 12-month supervision requirements but added:
- Mandatory quarterly progress reports (new for 2026)
- Digital logbook submission to OFT
- Supervisor must hold current CPD compliance
- Maximum 3 trainees per supervising agent
QLD Market Snapshot 2026
- Active licensed agents: 28,400+
- New licenses issued 2025: 3,200
- Average graduate starting salary: $55,000-$65,000 + commission
- Top hiring regions: Brisbane CBD, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast
"Queensland's 40% CPD increase signals a broader shift toward ongoing competency verification. The state is essentially saying: completing the qualification is no longer enough. You must demonstrate continued learning throughout your career."
— Simon Dodson, CPP41419 Insights
Queensland's Regulatory Evolution
Historically, Queensland operated one of Australia's more relaxed real estate regulatory environments. The Office of Fair Trading took a light-touch approach compared to NSW's more prescriptive regime.
The 2026 changes mark a philosophical shift. Following the 2024 compliance audit—which revealed significant gaps in digital transaction competency—OFT moved toward outcome-based regulation. Rather than simply requiring qualifications, they're now verifying ongoing competency.
This mirrors broader trends in professional licensing. The pattern suggests Queensland learned from other states' experiences: initial qualification without ongoing development creates competency decay. The 40% CPD increase, while significant, brings QLD in line with Victorian standards.
Experience shows that agents who embrace this shift—treating CPD as genuine professional development rather than a compliance checkbox—build stronger client relationships and close more deals. The data from 2025 shows CPD-active agents achieving 23% higher transaction volumes.
Your Queensland Action Plan
Verify the provider has updated content for new unit requirements. Ask about their OFT compliance status.
Course ($1,800-$2,500) + OFT license ($632.70 for 3yr) + police check ($55) + first year CPD ($200-$400).
Start approaching agencies before completing your course. The new 3-trainee limit per supervisor means spots fill quickly.
14 hours annually is significant. Identify providers offering the mandatory digital/AML topics now.
Queensland Real Estate Course FAQs
How much does a real estate course cost in QLD 2026?
Queensland real estate courses range from $1,400 to $4,200 in 2026. Brisbane metro averages $2,300; regional providers average $1,800. OFT license application adds $632.70.
How long to get a real estate license in QLD?
Minimum 8-10 weeks for Certificate IV completion (2026 requirements), plus 1-3 weeks for OFT license processing. Total realistic timeframe: 10-14 weeks to be legally working.
What are the QLD real estate CPD requirements for 2026?
Queensland now requires 14 hours of CPD annually (up from 10 hours). At least 6 hours must cover the new mandatory topics: digital transactions, AML compliance, and consumer protection.
Can I do a real estate course online in QLD?
Yes. Most QLD RTOs offer online delivery, though some practical assessments may require in-person attendance. OFT accepts online-delivered qualifications from registered providers.
Start Your QLD Real Estate Career
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Related Resources
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