PPRA Education Update: 1 October 2026

The Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority, the PPRA, has introduced a new education pathway allowing candidate property practitioners to achieve non-principal property practitioner status without completing the NQF4 Real Estate qualification.  This pathway is optional for Candidates who do not intend becoming a Principal in the future.

It seems that their reasoning is to enable candidate property practitioners, also known as intern agents, to achieve non-principal status and remain in the industry without having to obtain the NQF4 qualification in Real Estate.

New pathway offering

New entrants into the industry must still register with the PPRA and achieve an FFC in Real Estate.

1. Candidates must complete their internship consisting of 6 Practical Modules. Proof to be submitted to the PPRA 180 days after their first FFC issue date.
2. Candidates must then be found competent in the Professional Competency Certification (PCC), a closed-book exam produced by the PPRA. Once they achieve competency in the PCC, then candidates will be upgraded to non-principal status.
3. During the first 6 months of holding non-principal status, the now non-principal agents must fall under the mentorship of their principals; thereafter, they can conclude contracts of their own accord.

What stands out

All candidate property practitioners must complete their internship practical modules and submit an affidavit to the PPRA on the 180^th day of being issued their first FFC, failing which they may have their FFC revoked by the PPRA.

Once the FFC three-year period ends, agents will not be issued with a further FFC unless they have achieved a minimum of non-principal status.

All agents intending to hold principal property practitioner status must follow this pathway:

Practical Internship of 6 Practical Modules / NQF4 Real Estate or exemption therefrom / PDE4 / NQF5 Real Estate or exemption therefrom and finally your PDE5.  You will then be upgraded to Principal Status.

PPs not only specialise in registering Agencies with the PPRA, but also assist with education and trust account exemptions.

For more information on how the education process works, please visit our blog named From Candidate to Principal – The FFC Journey

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to keep all updates accurate and up-to-date, the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) regulations are subject to change, and may do so without prior notice. Principal Property Services is not responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, nor for any decisions made based on this information. We encourage readers to consult the PPRA directly or visit their official website for the most current information regarding educational regulations and compliance requirements.