Agents rush to get qualified as restrictions start to ease

Propertymark Qualifications is reporting a surge in exams being taken and booked as restrictions ease allowing test centres to reopen.

Since they were allowed to resume operating in mid-April, the centres have seen over 750 exams taken, with another 850 exams already booked for this month. 

The demand has been so great that Propertymark Qualifications has worked with venue partner Pearson Vue to open a further 75 test centres across the UK - even though these have to limit attendance by approximately 50 per cent to adhere to social distancing rules. 

Michael Smith, head of qualifications, says: “We are doing everything we can to support learners with registration extensions, increased communication about test centres, and we will soon be releasing new past papers to support Level 4 learners in their exam preparation. 

“I am also thrilled to see our Awards return where we recognise learners’ hard work, determination and personal success which shows agents’ commitment to professional development and the pursuit of qualifications.”

The Propertymark Qualifications Awards event is expected to take place in September, and nominations will be open later this month for the categories of Learner of the Year, Rising Star and Employer Champion of the Year.

Propertymark Qualifications are regulated across the UK by Ofqual in England, Qualifications Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Assessment and Examinations in Northern Ireland. Credit and level rated qualifications in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework are also available.

The organisation says its work is effectively to prepare for the implementation of the recommendations of the Regulation of Property Agents working party.