Demand for professional qualifications among estate and letting agents has surged with new data from Rightmove showing exam bookings for its Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents have more than doubled year-on-year.
The 128% rise comes as the industry braces for potential regulatory change, including proposals for mandatory qualifications as part of wider home-moving reform. The consultation closed last year, with a government response expected later in 2026.
The shift is being reinforced by longer-term trends. Propertymark reports a 51% increase in demand for qualifications since April 2020, underlining a structural move towards formal accreditation across the sector.
Consumer expectations are also driving change. Research from Rightmove indicates that seven in 10 home-movers would prefer to work with a qualified agent, while more than 70% of renters and homeowners believe agents should hold formal qualifications.
NEW TRAINING
In response, Rightmove and Propertymark have launched new training routes towards the Propertymark Level 3 Certificate in Property Agency, with dedicated sales and lettings pathways designed to reflect the increasingly specialised nature of agency roles.
The initiative builds on the success of the Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Letting Agents (CELA), introduced in 2022, which has already seen more than 10,500 agents enrol.
The qualification is available to Rightmove members as part of their existing subscription, lowering barriers to entry at a time when compliance and professionalism are under greater scrutiny.
BUILDING TRUST
Jason Charles (main picture), Head of Education at Rightmove, says: “Agents are being asked to navigate more complex consumer expectations, and qualifications give them a practical way to show their expertise, build trust and differentiate their service.
“By making this training available through Rightmove membership, we’re helping agents get ahead of any potential regulatory change, and demonstrate the professional value they already bring to every move.”
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive Officer at Propertymark, adds: “Working within the property profession is both rewarding and incredibly quick paced.
“It is a sector that is seeing vast evolution and one that represents exciting opportunities for those already working in the field, and crucially anyone considering such a career pathway.
“As with any vocational ambition in life, it becomes ever more essential to stay ahead of the curve via displaying demonstrable in-depth knowledge and understanding, two aspects consumers highly value and trust when they consider their property journey.
“Our own Insight tells us qualification and professional representation for agents is of extremely high priority and we look forward to working closely with Rightmove to promote excellence via nationally recognised qualifications.”
PROFESSIONALISM MATTERS
Industry participants say qualifications are also becoming a key differentiator at branch level, helping agents evidence expertise and build credibility with vendors and landlords as competition intensifies.
Mike Taylor, Managing Director at Burns & Reid in St Helens, said: “We believe that professionalism truly matters. Full qualification enhances our expertise, sets us apart from many other agencies, and underpins our commitment to excellence.
“Our goal is for every member of our team to be fully qualified – giving our clients real confidence that they are dealing with knowledgeable, trusted professionals.
“It also ensures we operate on the same professional footing as solicitors and mortgage advisers, delivering a higher standard of service throughout the buying and selling journey.”
