Rightmove is launching major updates to its qualification, the Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA).
CELA is included as standard within all Rightmove memberships.
The only fee is paid to ABBE, the independent exam board, when agents are ready to take their exam.
From March, a new module on the Renters’ Rights Act will be included within the CELA qualification, helping agents to get Renters Rights ready before the act comes into effect from May 1.
The new module includes a comprehensive overview of the Renters Rights Act for agents including:
- Understanding periodic tenancies
- Rental bidding and rent in advance
- Section 13 and rent increases
- Section 8 and grounds for possession
While the new module will go live within CELA from March, it is available now as a standalone training course to agents.
Agents can check out the contents here: https://hub.rightmove.co.uk/course/renters-rights-ready/
New routes to qualification with Rightmove are coming later this year to support more agents in getting qualified.
CELA is designed to cover both sales and lettings for agents, but new individual lettings and sales qualification routes are being developed alongside Propertymark.
The government recently closed a consultation into proposed home-moving reforms, including the suggestion of mandatory agent qualifications.
Rightmove research showed that:
- 65% of renters and 72% of homeowners say they would trust a qualified agent more;
- 58% of renters and 41% of homeowners assume agents are already licensed.
Jason Charles, Rightmove’s Head of Education says: “Qualifications ensure strong standards within the property industry, and better-qualified agents mean better information, stronger consumer confidence, and a more resilient UK property market.”
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, comments: “As the housing sector evolves with ever growing legislative demand, it is important the industry continues to embrace the true value in fully professionalising all services offered.
“Qualifications and continued professional development are key factors to uplifting industry perception and hold the potential for delivering enhanced levels of consumer trust and satisfaction.”
