by Crisna van der Bank 
How do I know that an ethical Accreditation Centre is representing me?
It is difficult to turn down a “cheap” course – how are you to know that there are providers in the industry selling cheap RPL courses to agents who do not qualify and cannot complete them?
Certain costs must be carried out when delivering a qualification. Your course must be current with the legislation of that industry, and it must be assessed by an ETDP/SSETA accredited Assessor who must be paid to mark your assignments and liaise with you directly to ensure you understand how to present any remedial work. Then the assessor hands over your competent portfolio to an accredited Moderator. The moderator, in turn, must take a sample of learners from a group and then check that the assessor has assessed correctly and that the candidates’ answers are authentic, sufficient, valid and current. Only then will SSETA confirm a visit to verify the group and pass certification. This process costs money to be carried out efficiently and effectively. Don’t be caught out!
Are there unethical Accreditation Centres and Providers in the marketplace that I must avoid?
In any industry, you will find stakeholders who want to cut corners to the detriment of the consumer. Just ask the correct questions and ensure that the provider is an approved Accreditation Centre and has the backup to ensure your speedy certification.
What could be the repercussion if I use an unethical provider of an RPL qualification?
The most important repercussion is how it will affect your pocket in the long term and your compliance with the PPRA. Often, candidates dump the course they have purchased and re-purchase through another provider to achieve compliance. Be aware and ask questions.
What determines that I am eligible for RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning is just that. It can be recognised through experience, or it can be recognised through past qualifications, and the regulatory bodies determine these parameters.
You will comply if you have been a property practitioner for at least a year and have knowledge of the industry, proof of training and experience in various property market sectors. At our PropAcademy Assessment Centre, we supply you with an online quiz to give you a quick indication of what is required and then ask for evidence which we examine.
We ensure that you understand that RPL is a course where you will have to prove to the SSETA that you have been in the industry and understand the processes and requirements of a full-status property practitioner. You will be asked to provide proof of contracts that you have completed and complete quizzes and assignments. Because you are an RPL candidate, you don’t receive learner guides, but at PropAcademy, we throw those in case your memory needs reminding of a certain industry specialisation. For example, you may be a rental agent and need to know more about sales.
How does RPL help me complete my course faster?
RPL does speed up the process. Because you are not “learning” the industry but only providing evidence that you understand the industry, the course can be done half the time. Remembering, though, the assessment and certification process takes at least three to four months after you have been found compliant.
It must be noted that even though you may be eligible for RPL, you must follow the SAQA pre-requisite to complete RPL in that qualification. If you are applying for NQF4, 59097 Real Estate, you must have mathematics and a second South African language at the matric level. PropAcademy supplies easy bridging courses for both subjects. If you apply for NQF5, 20188 Real Estate, the pre-requisite has an NQF4 59097 or exemption.
