Quick answer
The ACT's three-class system mirrors NSW: Class 3 (5 units) is the entry-level Certificate of Registration for supervised practice; Class 2 (18 units) is the full agent licence; and Class 1 (12 Diploma units) is required to be a Licensee in Charge. All are regulated by ACT Access Canberra. If you've never held an ACT real estate registration, start at Class 3.
The Australian Capital Territory uses the same three-class real estate licensing structure as New South Wales. If you have seen "Class 3," "Class 2," and "Class 1" mentioned and are not sure what they mean or which one to start with, this guide gives you a direct answer.
Not sure which course is right for you? Call 1800 069 273 and speak with the Archer team before you enrol.
| Class 3 | Class 2 | Class 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Also known as | Certificate of Registration / Assistant Agent | Real Estate Agent Licence | Licensee in Charge |
| Who it's for | New entrants to ACT real estate | Working agents ready for full independence | Agents ready to manage or operate their own agency |
| What it allows | Work under a Class 1 Licensee in Charge | Independent real estate practice | Act as Licensee in Charge; manage a real estate business or trust account |
| Units of competency | 5 units | 18 units | 12 units (Diploma level) |
| Pricing | View on course page | View on course page | View on course page |
Note: The specific scope of activities for each class is defined by ACT legislation and ACT Access Canberra. Confirm what applies to your role with your employer and the relevant authority.
Class 3 is the entry point to ACT real estate. It gives you the authority to work as an assistant real estate agent under the direct supervision of a Class 1 Licensee in Charge. You can be an active part of a Canberra agency from day one — working with buyers and tenants, supporting listings, and developing your market knowledge — without being able to operate independently.
Class 2 is the full ACT real estate agent licence. With Class 2, you can practise as a licensed real estate agent in the ACT without working under Class 1 supervision — listing and selling property, managing a portfolio, and operating as a fully authorised professional. The specific scope is defined by ACT legislation and Access Canberra.
The course covers 18 units of competency (CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice) — covering real estate law, agency practice, property management, compliance, and negotiation. Most agents complete Class 3 first, gain real-world experience, and then upgrade when ready for full independence.
Class 1 is the highest ACT real estate credential. It is required to be a Licensee in Charge — responsible for the operations and compliance of a real estate business, including trust account management and the supervision of Class 3 certificate holders. This is a Diploma-level credential (CPP51122 Diploma of Property (Agency Management) — Agency Management), reflecting the significant responsibility of the role.
Class 1 is designed for experienced Class 2 agents who are ready to run or manage their own Canberra real estate business.
If your situation does not fit neatly into these categories, call the Archer team before you enrol. A short conversation can prevent you from choosing the wrong course.
Call 1800 069 273 or view all ACT courses →
In most cases the ACT pathway moves Class 3 → Class 2 → Class 1 in order. However, eligibility to enter at a higher class — for example, if you have held an interstate real estate licence — can vary depending on experience and prior qualifications.
Do not assume. Confirm with the Archer team or ACT Access Canberra before you enrol.
All three classes are 100% online and self-paced — completion time depends entirely on how consistently you study.
Class 3 (5 units): Typically a few weeks to a month at a consistent pace.
Class 2 (18 units): Most students take two to four months when studying regularly.
Class 1 (12 Diploma units): Given the Diploma level, this typically takes several months. The content is more complex and reflects the seniority of the credential.
The Archer team can help you build a study plan before you enrol based on your available hours per week.
Know which ACT class you need?
Still deciding? Call us — we'll help you choose before you commit.
Class 3 allows supervised practice under a Class 1 Licensee in Charge. Class 2 is the full agent licence allowing independent real estate practice. Class 1 is required to be a Licensee in Charge — responsible for a real estate business or trust account. All are regulated by ACT Access Canberra.
Class 3 is a Certificate of Registration — not a formal licence. It allows supervised practice under a Class 1 Licensee in Charge. Class 2 and Class 1 are full licences that authorise independent practice at varying levels.
In most cases the pathway moves Class 3 → Class 2 → Class 1. However, eligibility can vary depending on interstate experience or prior qualifications. Do not assume — contact the Archer team or ACT Access Canberra before you enrol.
Class 3 (5 units): typically a few weeks to a month. Class 2 (18 units): two to four months at a consistent pace. Class 1 (12 Diploma units): several months. All three are 100% online and self-paced.
ACT real estate licences and registrations are regulated by ACT Access Canberra. After completing your Archer qualification, you apply to Access Canberra for your registration or licence. Your Archer certificate is submitted as part of that application.
No. You can enrol and complete your qualification before securing employment in ACT real estate. The Class 3 Certificate of Registration is what you need to work — you study to get it, then use it to start working.
Explore Class 3, Class 2 and Class 1 — or call our team and we will point you to the right starting point.
Looking for the step-by-step guide? How to get your ACT real estate licence →