For the 2026–2027 NSW CPD year, Class 1 and Class 2 property agents both complete the core compulsory training that applies to their licence category and area of practice. The core hours are not set by class alone: two agents doing the same work under the same licence category generally follow the same core topics and minimum interactive hours.
The main CPD difference is that Class 1 licence holders have additional obligations. They must attend a NSW Fair Trading accredited forum relevant to each licence category they hold and, in specified areas of practice, will also need AUSTRAC real estate AML training. Fair Trading says further delivery details for these additions are still to come.
This article reflects the NSW Government CPD guidance, last updated 9 July 2026 at the time of writing. It is a practical summary, not legal advice.
Class 1 vs Class 2 CPD at a glance
| Requirement | Class 2 licence | Class 1 licence |
|---|---|---|
| Core compulsory topics | Based on each licence category held and area of practice worked in | The same core rules apply, based on each licence category held and area of practice worked in |
| Core minimum hours | Based on area of practice | Based on area of practice |
| NSW Fair Trading accredited forum | The current CPD page identifies this as an additional Class 1 requirement | Required for each licence category held; event details are still to come |
| AUSTRAC real estate AML training | The current CPD page identifies this as an additional Class 1 requirement | Required for Class 1 holders in specified areas of practice; delivery guidance is still to come |
| CPD record retention | 3 years | 3 years |
The practical takeaway is simple: start with your licence category and the work you actually perform, then add any Class 1 obligations.
Core hours depend on your area of practice
NSW Fair Trading sets compulsory topics by broad licence category — Real Estate, Strata Managing Agent, or Stock and Station Agent — and by area of practice. That is why there is no single “Class 1 hours” figure or “Class 2 hours” figure that works for everyone.
The published minimums for 2026–2027 are:
| Licence category or area of practice | Minimum interactive training | Compulsory topics |
|---|---|---|
| Residential real estate salesperson | 7 hours | 4 topics |
| Residential property manager | Details still being finalised | Details still being finalised |
| Buyers agent | 7 hours | 4 topics |
| Commercial real estate agent | 7 hours | 4 topics |
| Business broker | 7 hours | 3 topics |
| Onsite (short-term) residential property manager | 4 hours | 3 topics |
| Strata managing agent | 6 hours | 3 topics |
| Stock and station agent | 7 hours | 4 topics |
These minimums apply according to the work and licence pathway, whether the holder is Class 1 or Class 2. For the complete current topic names, see our 2026–2027 NSW CPD requirements overview and confirm them against the official CPD page before enrolling.
Example: residential real estate sales
A Class 1 residential real estate salesperson and a Class 2 residential real estate salesperson each have the same published core requirement: at least 7 hours of interactive training from an approved provider, covering:
- Auction laws and practice
- Contracts
- Rules of Conduct refresher
- Supervision Guidelines and AML CTF in agency practice
The Class 1 holder then needs to account for the separate Class 1 additions described below.
What Class 1 agents need to add
A Fair Trading accredited forum
Class 1 licence holders must attend a NSW Fair Trading accredited forum relevant to each licence category they hold, in addition to their core CPD hours.
Fair Trading states that further details about the accredited events will be provided shortly. Until those details are published, do not assume an ordinary course or industry event will satisfy this requirement.
AUSTRAC real estate AML training in relevant practices
Class 1 holders in these areas of practice will also be required to complete AUSTRAC’s real estate AML training:
- Residential real estate sales
- Buyers agency
- Commercial real estate
- Business broking
- Stock and station agency
Fair Trading says it will provide further guidance as AUSTRAC finalises the delivery approach. Treat this as a requirement to plan for, but wait for the official delivery instructions before deciding what course or format will count.
Does Class 1 status always mean LIC duties?
No. A Class 1 licence makes an agent eligible to be nominated as a Licensee in Charge (LIC), but not every Class 1 holder is necessarily the nominated LIC for a business.
The NSW Government real estate agent licence page explains that:
- a Class 2 agent can perform agency work for clients but cannot be nominated as an LIC or open or manage a trust account
- a Class 1 agent can act as an LIC and work independently as a sole trader
- only a Class 1 agent who is nominated as an LIC can authorise withdrawals from the agency trust account
If you are the nominated LIC, Fair Trading’s CPD guidance also says you must have all CPD training detailed in the agency training plan. Our practical guide to NSW LIC training plans explains that responsibility in more detail.
Topics for multiple categories and practice areas
Licence class is only one part of the calculation. If you hold multiple licence categories or work across several areas of practice, you must cover the compulsory topics relevant to each one.
Shared topics generally do not need to be repeated if all required learning outcomes are met. However, you may need more than the minimum hours for one pathway to cover every required outcome, and where there are no shared topics the minimum for each category or area still applies.
Use a simple checklist for each person:
- Record every current licence category.
- Record every area of practice in which they work.
- Map the current compulsory topics and minimum hours to each pathway.
- Remove genuine topic duplication only where all learning outcomes are covered.
- Add Class 1 forum and AUSTRAC requirements where applicable.
- If they are the nominated LIC, include all CPD in the agency training plan.
Keep evidence for the same period
Both Class 1 and Class 2 licence holders must keep their own records of completed compulsory topics for 3 years and provide them to NSW Fair Trading if requested.
Keep the provider, topic, completion date, interactive hours and completion evidence together. CPD Tracker can help you organise planned and completed learning, including external training, while your original certificates remain part of your evidence.
When you are ready to choose training, browse EDUTIVE’s CPD courses by the licence category and practice area that apply to you. EDUTIVE is listed as an approved provider on the official NSW Government CPD page.
Frequently asked questions
Do Class 1 and Class 2 agents complete the same core CPD?
If they hold the same licence category and work in the same area of practice, yes. They follow the same core compulsory topics and minimum interactive hours. Class 1 licence holders then have additional requirements.
How many CPD hours do Class 1 and Class 2 real estate agents need in 2026–2027?
The minimum is based on area of practice, not licence class alone. Residential real estate salespeople, buyers agents, commercial real estate agents and business brokers each have a published minimum of 7 interactive hours. Other pathways differ, and residential property manager details are still being finalised.
What extra CPD must Class 1 agents complete?
Class 1 licence holders must attend a NSW Fair Trading accredited forum relevant to each licence category they hold. Class 1 holders in specified areas of practice will also need AUSTRAC real estate AML training. Fair Trading says further delivery details for both additions are still to come.
How long must Class 1 and Class 2 agents keep CPD records?
Both Class 1 and Class 2 licence holders must keep their CPD records for 3 years and provide them to NSW Fair Trading if requested.
Sources
Primary references used for this article:
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for property professionals
- Real estate agent licence
Check the NSW Government CPD page for updates to the pending Class 1 forum, AUSTRAC training and residential property manager details before relying on this summary.
Sources
Next step
Complete your NSW CPD with EDUTIVE
EDUTIVE is an approved NSW Fair Trading CPD provider. Browse compulsory topics for your licence category, or track your hours with CPD Tracker.
