SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Management for Estate Agents 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
71775  Higher Certificate in Management for Estate Agents 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The Higher Certificate in Management for Estate Agents is intended to be a one-year programme that provides an overview of the application of essentials of business management theory to the Real Estate sector. It is designed to provide persons in the Real Estate sector a convenient and appropriate avenue to business management studies and also to become compliant with recently promulgated regulations that require estate agents to be formally qualified and engaging in career development programmes. This Higher Certificate will broaden the students understanding of essential functions of estate agents management such as business management, corporate governance, business ethics, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The programme develops the student's skills necessary to enhance productivity, effectiveness and better performance while building and improving sound business practices in the real estate sector.

Rationale:

The Higher Certificate in Management of Estate Agents is a programme is in response to the real estate sectors need for management and skills development. With the boom in this sector, it has been identified as one of the priority sectors that require training interventions to respond to the needs of all stakeholders in the sector. Further, the Estate Agents Affairs Board (EAAB) has made mandatory a NQF Level 5 qualification to practice as estate agents. This programme is intended to meet the requirements of this new framework to practice as real estate agents.

The programme offers students the opportunity to improve their business management skills and knowledge and become empowered in order to function effectively within the real estate sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This qualification assumes that:
  • The student shows competency in the real estate sector.
  • The student is competent in the language of instruction of the programme.
  • Students are able to work effectively both independently and in a group.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Admission to this programme may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning. Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of the minimum admission criteria may be considered for admission through a process of RPL in keeping with the RBS RPL policy.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Candidates for admission to the programme are required to have a senior certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

    The programme will also accept candidates who possess a Certificate for Estate Agents [CEA].

    Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of any of the above but who feel that they are adequately equipped to cope with the programme will be considered for admission through a process of RPL supported by detailed motivation of the candidate's ability to succeed. This motivation will be carefully considered by the Programme Selection Committee. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Level at which qualification is fixed: NQF Level 5.
  • Total Credits: 120 credits.

    Components:

    Core learning; 120 credits (20 credits each):
  • Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
  • Financial Management.
  • Business Information Systems.
  • Marketing Management.
  • Business Law.
  • Real Estate Practice.
  • Learning Component: Core.
  • Number of credits allocated: 120 credits.
  • NQF Level: 5. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A learner attaining the Higher Certificate in Management for Estate Agents will be able to:
  • Apply basic management principles in context of management in real estate.
  • Analyse and use financial information for business decision making in real estate.
  • Utilise financial management tools for effective acquisition and use of organisational resources in the real estate sector.
  • Utilise Information and Communications Technology to communicate effectively in the real estate sector.
  • Identify the critical success factors for starting and managing a real estate agency.
  • Design and implement marketing strategies to leverage business opportunities in relation to the property market.
  • Discuss and review the different legislative practices involved in the real estate sector.

    Specific Outcomes (for each Module):

    Business Management and Entrepreneurship; 20 credits:

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Explain the nature and structure of business organisations.
  • Distinguish between the different types of business organisations and forces at work on it.
  • Describe the stages in the evolution of management thought.
  • Identify the central concepts involved that make an effective business.
  • Assess the impact of change on a modern business organisation.
  • Explain the effective use of tools for effective functioning of a manager (eg. Planning).
  • Advise on key parameters for effective managerial decision making.
  • Design how an organisation determines and achieves its goals.
  • Evaluate the role of a manager in modern context by using creative problem solving skills.
  • Identify the challenges that contemporary managers face.
  • Define entrepreneurship.
  • Distinguish between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.
  • Outline the role of small businesses in the economy.
  • Draw up a business plan for an SMME.
  • Evaluate franchising as a means of entrepreneurial development.

    Financial Management; 20 credits:

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Define basic concepts in finance.
  • Read the financial statements and make informed judgements on the financial well being of companies.
  • Gain an appreciation and understanding of the sources and utilisation of the funds flow in an organisation.
  • Advise on key parameters for effective financial decision making.
  • Describe the benefits of budgetary planning systems in a business context.
  • Identify and use key factors in making capital investment decisions.
  • Describe the main factors of asset management.
  • Discuss the application of valuations in the estate agent sector.

    Business Information Systems; 20 credits:

    At the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • Describe the operational and managerial roles of information systems.
  • Gain an appreciation of the major concepts, developments and managerial implications involved in computer hardware, software, database management and telecommunications technologies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how information technology is used in modern information systems to support the end user collaboration, enterprise operations, managerial decision making and strategic advantage.
  • Utilize IS systems to support decision making.

    Business Law; 20 credits:

    At the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • Describe the law of contract, purchase and sale, law of lease, law of commercial agency, law of insurance and law of security as related to the real estate sector.
  • Discuss the different forms of business enterprise.
  • Discuss the law of partnership, close corporation and private company.
  • Explain employment law and alternative dispute resolution.

    Marketing Management; 20 credits:

    At the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • Explain the interface between marketing management and the environment.
  • Describe the composition of the marketing environment.
  • Analyse marketing opportunities.
  • Indicate how markets are segmented.
  • Outline factors that should be considered when selecting a target market.
  • Describe positioning methods that marketers can pursue in practice.
  • Define the steps in the marketing planning process.
  • Develop basic marketing strategies.
  • Differentiate between different types of competition.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of technology behind the internet.
  • Use electronic marketing concepts to develop new marketing strategies.
  • Explain the nature of services marketing.
  • Demonstrate the importance of public relations in the real estate sector.
  • Describe the main elements of marketing communication.

    Real Estate Practice; 20 credits:

    At the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • Describe the principles of the negotiation process and discuss the techniques that can be used in the process.
  • Interpret the policies and practices of the real estate sector.
  • Discuss the practice of estate agents management.
  • Discuss the main elements of human resource management. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Business Management theory and principles are applied in the real estate sector.
  • Efficiency of financial management is identified.
  • Concepts related to marketing management and business law are discussed and explained.
  • Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.
  • Knowledge of real estate practice management is demonstrated.

    Assessment is based on:
  • The use of work based assignments to test the application of management principles in the real estate sector.
  • Understanding the principles of business management and entrepreneurship.
  • The use of marketing management and business law principles in the understanding of management in the real estate sector.
  • The use of information technology, networks and web browsers to obtain work related information and communicate with peers.
  • The use of basic research to solve problems.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment centres around:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts which form the base of financial management and accounting education:
    > The application of theory to a practical context.
    > The methods of research used.
    > A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
    > The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    The Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules and contact sessions. These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self assessment activities in the course material. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The programme was designed in accordance with the principles enunciated in Chapters Three and Four of the DoE publication A Qualification Structure for Universities in South Africa, Report 116, DoE (96/02). The programme was benchmarked against similar programmes offered in South Africa and against those of a number of international institutions whose curricula and syllabi are available on the internet.

    Some of the organisations used in the benchmarking exercise were:
  • UNISA.
  • Unit Standards generated by the SERVICES SETA.
  • Australian and New Zealand.

    Having identified best practice from leading institutions locally and abroad, the curriculum and content was then developed. The programme has also been structured on the basis of ensuring that it has both national and regional orientation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The programme articulates vertically with the BCom degree offered by RBS.

    The programme articulates with other Certificate and Diploma Programmes. This enables students to pursue their studies with other institutions if so desired. Credits can be easily transferred between institutions. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All examination question papers are moderated.

    The minimum number of examination scripts sent for moderation is 20 or 20% of the total. The Examinations Board approves both the appointment of moderators and final assessment marks. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    To qualify as an assessor an individual must:
  • Generally have a Higher Education qualification at least one level higher than the course being assessed.
  • Be in the possession of qualifications that are relevant to the programme.

    The following criteria are used for appointing external moderators:
  • Their experience of examining similar programme.
  • Their expertise in the subject area.
  • Have a qualification at least one level higher than the programme being assessed. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Rules Governing the Award of the Qualification:

    An award of the Regent Business School (RBS) will be conferred when the following conditions are satisfied:
  • The candidate was bona-fide registered student of RBS for Higher Certificate in Management for Estate Agents.
  • Details of the candidate's full name, date of birth, gender, programme and award have been registered by RBS.
  • It has been confirmed that the candidate has completed the Higher Certificate in Management for Estate Agents programme of study.
  • The award is approved by the Examinations Board. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.