Training Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The REIV has introduced a new system
of Continuing Professional Development.
Professional development is one of the things that distinguish REIV Members from other estate agents – and the REIV is changing the way it is delivered to make it easier for Members to improve their skills.
In 2010 all REIV Members will be provided with a free course and may choose from a wide range of other events to meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement of their membership.
Common questions and answers about the CPD program
Why does the REIV provide CPD?
The intent of CPD is to provide Members with professional development relevant to their sector on an annual basis. It is also a way of identifying a point of difference between REIV and non-REIV Members.
What prompted the change to the CPD Model?
The old CPD system was too complicated. The old program required the accumulation and maintenance of ‘CPD Points’. Members told us that they found this onerous and difficult to administer. The Board considered Members’ feedback and approved the new system at the end of last year.
All individual Members and officers in effective control of Member agencies will need to complete the following two components:
1. A mandatory unit – this year it will be a course on the REIV Codes of Conduct; and
2. One other elective program or event that has the REIV CPD tick-of-approval logo.
The free mandatory unit this year will be “REIV Codes of Conduct” and it will be scheduled to run throughout the year as a three-hour contact class or as distance education (DE). If Members choose the contact class option, they may select a course run in Melbourne or regionally in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, the Mornington Peninsula, Wangaratta and Traralgon.
When will the contact classes be held?
Calendars of these program times can be found here or by contacting the Training department.
There is a short multiple-choice assessment for the mandatory unit, which Members will need to undertake and pass in order to successfully complete this part of the program. For those attending contact classes, they will have the option of handing these in at the completion of the course, while DE students will need to send them to the REIV for marking.
How much will it cost to undertake the mandatory CPD unit?
The REIV is providing this training at no cost to Members.
What will the mandatory unit be?
The “Codes of Conduct” program is the mandatory component of the 2010 REIV CPD program. It is also the course that all new members seeking membership of the REIV will need to undertake prior to full membership being granted. Find out more
The program explains and identifies elements from:
• The REIV Rules of Practice (2006)
• The Code of Conduct (2005); and
• The Price Representation (Residential Property) Code of Conduct (2009)
This topic will remind and inform members of their statutory and membership obligations that promote best practice and conduct between members and the public.
A number of key codes and practices will be examined with the aim of protecting members against lost commissions and potential litigation. It will also provide practical hints and tips on issues of compliance.
This is a program designed to benefit all practitioners in the industry regardless of their role or vocational sector.
When can I do the "Codes of Conduct" course?
The details of the course can be accessed here.
How will I know what other event/program will count towards my CPD?
Each scheduled event or program that is deemed to have sufficient educational value will have the REIV CPD tick of approval on all the promotional and marketing material. This will also be reflected on the REIV website. You need only select ONE of these to fulfil your CPD obligation along with the mandatory annual unit.
These electives may include REIV conferences, the Principal’s Luncheon, educational forums, and specialist courses and programs. Keep an eye on the fortnightly E-News and the Training section of the Estate Agent.
Is there a cost for these elective programs?
Yes. The cost will depend on what the event or forum is. For example, most of the forums will be expected to cost between $20 and $40 depending on the topic and location. Conferences will obviously cost more due to the engagement of professional speakers.
Will these electives be available in regional areas?
Some of the electives will be available in regional centres – e.g. educational forums and some specialty courses. Conferences will be based in Melbourne due to financial constraints. Find out more
Will non-REIV programs count towards my REIV CPD?
Only REIV-approved and -delivered programs that display the REIV CPD logo will count towards REIV CPD.
Will I need to keep my own CPD records?
No, unlike the old system this is easier as the REIV will keep database records of all attendance and completion of CPD programs and once you have finalised your CPD commitment for the year, you will be issued a Statement of Completion for the annual CPD requirement.
The REIV is happy to provide evidence of completed CPD for Members to use for this purpose, but it is up to individual Members to check with their other membership or industry bodies whether this will count.
What will the CPD requirement be in 2011 and beyond?
The annual mandatory course program will change each year. This will allow the REIV to deliver topical and relevant programs on issues as they arise. It will also keep Members motivated and interested in the programs and avoid repeating any previous courses.
What will happen if I don’t do my CPD?
The REIV will send out reminders periodically throughout the year to those Members who have not completed their CPD requirement.
Should a Member not fulfil their obligation, they will not be eligible for membership renewal. CPD is a mandatory requirement of REIV membership and needs to be kept current in order to retain membership status. Agency Members, principals or officers in effective control need to complete the annual CPD. In this case, their compliance will also count for their individual membership requirement and there will not be a need to undertake anything further.
By when do I need to complete my CPD?
CPD is worked out on a calendar year. The 2010 CPD requirement should be completed by 31 October, 2010.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the CPD requirement or program?
Further information on the CPD program is available by contacting the REIV Training on 9205 6666 or by email.
