What Every Real Estate and Settlement Agent Needs to Know before 2026

Secure your place early - Aspire Performance Training’s Early Bird CPD special will run from January to March 2026, so you can complete training at a discounted price in the CPD year starting on 1 April.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has long been a cornerstone of professionalism in Western Australia’s property industry. From real estate agents and sales representatives to property managers and settlement agents, CPD is designed to improve knowledge, sharpen skills, and ultimately protect consumers.

From January 2026, Western Australia’s real estate and settlement industry will see significant changes to how CPD is delivered, funded, and tracked.

These changes do not apply to other states like QLD — they are specific to WA and designed to make the program more sustainable while keeping industry standards high.

Why CPD Matters in the Property Industry

CPD isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It:

• Keeps property professionals up to date with legislation and industry best practice.

• Improves service quality, reducing client complaints.

• Builds consumer confidence in WA’s real estate and settlement sectors.

• Ensures licensees remain compliant with their legal obligations.
  
  Failure to comply with CPD requirements can result in penalties of up to $5,000 — so staying informed is critical.

The Key CPD Changes in WA from 2026

Based on the Government of WA’s CPD Review and Consumer Protection updates, here’s what you need to know:

Reduction in CPD Points

• Currently: Real estate participants must complete 10 points per year, settlement agents 6 points.

• From 2026: All participants will complete 5 points per year.

New CPD Year

• Currently: 1 January – 31 December.

• From 2026: 1 April – 31 March.

• Courses completed between 1 January – 31 March 2026 will count toward the new 2026–27 CPD year.

Self-Funded Training

• Consumer Protection will no longer fund or directly administer CPD.

• Agents will be responsible for funding their own CPD training, in line with other industries.

New Training Provider Framework

• Registered training providers (like Aspire Performance Training) will create content in line with prescribed categories.

• The Commissioner can set mandatory topics on an ad-hoc basis.

Record Keeping Becomes Crucial

• All licensees must track their CPD activities.

• Evidence of completed training must be provided to Consumer Protection if requested.

What This Means for Real Estate & Settlement Agents

• Plan ahead: Don’t leave CPD to the last minute — especially with the transition period.  
  
  Aspire will be running an Early Bird special from January to March 2026, so you can complete your CPD before the new CPD year officially starts on 1 April 2026. This is the best way to stay ahead, avoid the end-of-year rush, and secure your place at today’s pricing.
  
  Sign-up here

• Budget for CPD: With self-funding now required, agencies should allocate funds to cover annual CPD for their team.

• Stay compliant: Keep accurate records of all training activities in case Consumer Protection requests evidence.

How Aspire Performance Training Can Help

Aspire Performance Training is already preparing CPD courses aligned with the new 2026 framework. As a trusted training provider in WA, we deliver:

• Mandatory CPD topics tailored for real estate and settlement professionals.

• Elective CPD courses covering leadership, resilience, IT, and client engagement.

• Flexible delivery — online, classroom, and regional training options.

• Expert trainers with decades of experience in property, compliance, and business development.

Our goal is to make CPD not only a compliance requirement but a practical career advantage.

Final Takeaway

The CPD program is changing — fewer points, a new year cycle, and a shift to self-funding. But one thing remains the same: your obligation to complete CPD every year to protect consumers and stay compliant.

Don’t Forget 2025 CPD

Even though WA CPD requirements are changing from January 2026, you are still required to complete your CPD training for 2025 by obtaining all 10 CPD points here.

👉 Please contact our office or enrol in CPD courses via our website to secure your training.