REAL ITO - Questions and Answers

We suggest you do one assessment a fortnight. If you are able to do more then this is good, as long as you keep the momentum going you will finish in no time at all.
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What is a unit standard?

Unit standards specify what a trainee needs to know, do, and understand for assessment. They are not lesson plans or programmes but specify outcomes to be achieved.

The title is the main outcome
The elements identify the more detailed outcomes against which trainees are actually assessed
Everything else in the unit standard is intended to help the assessor make a quality judgement about whether a person achieves the required standard.

A set amount of unit standards must be achieved to gain a qualification.
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How long does each unit take?

We suggest you read the assessment first, then skim the study guide to find the answers to the knowledge gaps you may have. In total each unit assessment could take as long as 10-20-hours to complete, and depends on how much you know before you start.
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Is this basically like correspondence?

Yes it is, however because you are working in the industry you already have skills and knowledge that you can apply to the assessments.
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Is your on job training programme similar to what the polytechnics do?

The unit standards are exactly the same. REAL ITO develops the unit standards that the polytechnics assess. The delivery method is the difference. REAL ITO workplace study guides focus on compliance as we recognise that you already have the practical skill base, since you are working in the industry on a daily basis.
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When does your workplace training programme start?

The programme starts the day you receive your study material. Unless your office is running in house training sessions there are no fixed course dates. This allows you to work at your own pace while you earn. We do give you guidelines as to when each assessment is due to be returned for marking.
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Do I have to go to classes?

No. Your branch may offer support workshops or training sessions to support you however the workplace study guides are self contained and you do not need to attend a class. You may ask your branch manager or agent for support if you are having difficulty or call REAL ITO.
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Can I have a refund?

The refund policy is in the terms and conditions. We do not give refunds outside of this policy.
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I was an AREINZ can I get my agents licence with my old qualifications?

The new licensing regulations are quite specific on what qualifications are current in terms of licensing. Please check what qualification you have on our website Click here for more information.
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I have a degree can I get my licence?

Yes if your degree is in schedule 3 of the licensing regulations. You may be required to do an assessment as well. Click here for an application form.
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Can I do my salesperson programme through the REAL ITO?

Yes if you are employed or engaged in the industry. Click here for more information
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What do I need to get started in real estate?

You must complete your National Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) prior to applying for your licence as a salesperson. You can do this through the REAL ITO if you are employed or engaged in the industry.
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Can I use my National Diploma in Real Estate to apply for my agent’s licence?

If you achieved your diploma before 2008, you will need to do some extra units to achieve the National Diploma in Real Estate (Agent) (Level 5). This is the new qualification that a person must hold before they apply for an agent's licence. Back to top

Can I cross credit my degree?

Yes, if your degree is listed in Schedule 3 of the Real Estate Agents (Licensing) Regulations 2009. Download and send the application form to REAL ITO to process.
If your degree is not listed in Schedule 3 of the Real Estate Agents (Licensing) Regulations 2009, you will need to do the prescribed qualifications.

Can I cross credit my Australian licence?

Contact the REAA for more information.
If you want to cross credit your qualification, we can assess what you’ve learnt by a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL suits those who have been in the industry for a number of years. It is not a process that is recommended to individuals entering the industry. Click here for more information.

I cross credited my property degree before 17 November 2009. Can I use the letter from REINZ to apply for my licence?

Contact REAL ITO for an updated letter.
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I’ve done the salesperson’s course. Can I apply for my salesperson’s licence?

If you have units numbered 15500, 23134 to 23138, 23140, 23141, and 26148 to 26150, then you have the National Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) (Level 4) and can apply for a salesperson's licence.
If you only have units numbered 23134 to 23138, and 23155, then you will need to do five extra units to achieve the National Certificate in Real Estate Salesperson (Level 4), before you can apply for a salesperson's licence.
If you only have units numbered 4653 to 4660, you will need to do the new National Certificate in Real Estate (Level 4).

I’ve been in the real estate business for years. Do I have to do the qualification?

No, but you do have to have the prescribed qualification. We can recognise your experience by a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL). Click here for more information.
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I’ve done the qualification. Do I have to do it again?

No, but you do have to have the prescribed qualification. We can assess what you’ve learnt by a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL suits those who have been in the industry for a number of years. It is not a process that is recommended to individuals entering the industry. Click here for more information.
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What is recognition of prior learning (RPL)?

RPL is a process of assessing an individual’s knowledge and skills and is offered to those who have been in the industry for a number of years. It is not a process that is recommended to individuals entering the industry. Click here for more information.
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Do you offer financial assistance for learning (e.g. student loan or StudyLink)?

No, REAL ITO does not offer financial assistance for on job training.
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Some answers to common questions we are frequently asked

Commonly asked questions

How long will it take me to do the workplace training progamme?