Equivalency Exemption at the PPRA: What It Is and How to Apply

Not everyone comes into real estate with the FETC: Real Estate (NQF4) or the National Certificate: Real Estate (NQF5). If you already hold another qualification, you may be able to apply to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) for an equivalency exemption, so that it is recognised in place of the real estate qualification.

The PPRA decides every application on its own merits. Applying does not guarantee an exemption, so do not stop working towards your NQF4 or NQF5 until you have the PPRA's answer.

The documents you need

Your application must include:

• a recently certified copy of your qualification
• a recently certified copy of your statements of results
• a recently certified copy of your South African matric certificate, showing two official languages passed
• a recently certified copy of your ID
• your CV
• proof of payment of the PPRA's application fee, using your 7-digit PPRA reference number as the reference

"Recently certified" matters. Old certified copies are a common reason for applications to be sent back.

The fees

The PPRA sets the application fees in its Schedule of Fees, and there is a fee for an exemption from NQF4 or NQF5 alone and a different one for both together. The PPRA may also charge an admin fee. Check the current Schedule of Fees before you pay, because the amounts change and a wrong payment delays your application.

Tips for a smooth application

• Apply for what you need. Decide whether you are asking to be exempted from NQF4, NQF5 or both before you pay.
• Send everything at once. An incomplete application waits until the missing documents arrive.
• Keep your reference number on everything. The PPRA matches payments and documents by it.
• Follow up on MyPPRA. Once an exemption is approved, check that it shows on your profile before you register for the PDE.

After the exemption

An approved exemption takes the place of the qualification on your PPRA record. For PDE 4 it must be showing as verified on MyPPRA before you can register. See how to prepare for the PDE 4 and PDE 5 exams.

Want us to submit it for you?

We prepare and submit equivalency exemption applications for practitioners who would rather not do it themselves. Contact us for our fee and a checklist.