QLD Real Estate CPD Renewal Requirements Are Changing

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced changes to the way CPD is declared as part of the licence and registration renewal process. If you hold a real estate registration or licence in Queensland, these changes apply to you.

The good news: the process is being streamlined. You no longer need to submit proof of CPD completion with your renewal application. But — and this matters — you still need to have done it, and you need to be able to prove it if asked.

What's Changing?

When completing your renewal application from 1 July 2026, you will need to do one of three things:

• Declare that you have completed your annual CPD requirements
• Confirm that you are exempt from CPD for this renewal period
• Provide evidence of exceptional circumstances if you were unable to complete your CPD

This replaces the previous process and is designed to reduce administrative burden on professionals while maintaining compliance standards across the industry.

Watch the OFT's Explanation

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading has published a short video explaining the new process. Watch it below:

You Still Need to Keep Records

While you won't be required to submit proof of CPD completion with your renewal application, the OFT is clear: you must retain records for five years.

If your compliance is ever checked — whether through an audit, a complaint, or a routine review — your completion certificates are your evidence. No certificate means no proof, and no proof means a potential compliance issue regardless of what you declared on your renewal form.

Every Archer Institute CPD unit comes with a completion certificate issued immediately upon finishing. Download it, save it, and keep it somewhere you can find it in three years' time.

What About Exceptional Circumstances?

The OFT has also published new guidance for professionals who were genuinely unable to complete their CPD due to extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances. If this applies to you, you can apply for an exemption when submitting your renewal or restoration application — but you must provide suitable evidence.

What Counts as Exceptional Circumstances?

Exceptional circumstances are situations that were unforeseeable and unavoidable, and which reasonably prevented you from completing two CPD sessions during the 12-month period. The OFT is explicit: failing to plan or manage your time is not an exceptional circumstance.

When assessing exemption applications, the OFT will consider:

• The nature and duration of the circumstance, and how much of the CPD year was affected
• Whether you continued to work under your licence or registration during that period
• Whether CPD options were available that could have been completed despite the circumstance
• Whether completing CPD would have been overly burdensome given the situation
• The quality and relevance of the evidence you provide
• Any other relevant factors

If you think exceptional circumstances may apply to your situation, seek advice before submitting your renewal. More information is available at qld.gov.au/propertyindustryCPD.

What This Means for You Practically

If your CPD is done: Nothing changes for you. Simply declare it on your renewal form and keep your completion certificates on file. You are in the best possible position.

If your CPD is not done and your renewal is coming up: Now is the time to act. Archer Institute's QLD CPD units are available online 24/7 and can be completed at your own pace — you don't need to take a day off or rearrange your schedule.

If you think you qualify for an exemption: Read the OFT's exceptional circumstances guidance carefully before your renewal and ensure you have appropriate evidence ready. Do not assume your situation qualifies without checking.