State Licensing for Strata Managers
Just as the strata legislation varies across Australian states and territories, so too does the legislative obligations for Body Corporate Managers; to enable them to practise and manage your client’s strata communities.
So just what is required in your reqion to perform the role of a Body Corporate Manager and how are you supported to deliver professional services?
As trusted advisors to our owners corporations, ACE Body Corporate Management (ACE) values the importance of providing up to date expert advice and guidance, to help our clients navigate the complexities of strata law and equipping you to administer this same expertise to the management of your properties.
Your clients benefit from knowledgeable application of state-based legislation and are assured of the commitment by all ACE Managers to continue relevant education and obtain obligatory, as well as optional qualifications, to meet high standards of service delivery.
To this extent ACE strongly advocates for the position of our industry body, Strata Community Australasia (SCA), for standards and qualifications that professionalise the strata industry and our profession itself. Looking to strengthen representation as a united body, consisting of all Australian state, territories and New Zealand counterparts. Continuing to advocate for self-regulation that requires certification, registration, professional indemnity insurance, as well as supporting members’ ongoing dedication to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs.
You’re therefore assured of ongoing access to knowledge and best practice to offer your clients peace of mind, knowing all ACE’s Managers are members of their relevant SCA state/territory/chapter and adopt the SCA Code of Conduct. Each ACE Manager holds professional indemnity insurance, undergoes police checks and maintains CPD, with many pursuing and holding optional nationally recognised post nominals.
All of which, is in addition to ACE’s commitment to our own internal training and ACE programs; including formal ACE inductions, routine seminars and workshops as well as biennial conferences and mentoring programs.
You’ll also find that almost all ACE Managers hold our industry’s qualification, the Certificate IV in Strata Community Management and are recognised Certified Strata Community Managers. In fact, this remains the case even where licensing is not mandated.
The qualification is readily accessible via the Australian College of Professionals (ACOP), who conduct a full on-line strata qualification program for you to undertake an in-depth study of the entire strata and community management process. It is a practical-based course, underpinned by State/Territory legislation and is currently available in NSW (for licensing purposes), Qld, WA and Vic. It’s also being developed for future release in the other States and Territories. You can find out more about the course here and take advantage of the discount offered as a member of the Ace family when you enrol.
Now while the above information reflects our national position, the details below outline the minimum requirements for Strata Managers in your state and territory. We look forward to welcoming you to the ACE family and are excited by the opportunity to support you develop your career in strata; a dynamic and booming industry.
Strata Management in ACT
Under the Agents Act 2003, an Owners Corporation Manager is required to register with Access Canberra (formerly Office of Regulatory Services) to practise as an Owners Corporation Managing Agent in ACT. While there is an intent for qualifications to apply, these qualifications are yet to be determined. The licence is to be held by the person running the business, while those working for a licensed owners corporation manager, are exempt.
You can find out more particulars here
Owners corporation managing agent licensing
Guide to the obligations of Owners Corporation Managers
Strata Management in New South Wales
In NSW an Agent in Strata Management is required to have a license and/or Certificate of Registration and be registered with the Office of Fair Trading in NSW.
Licences are issued as either:-
Class 1:
Being the person nominated as a licensee in charge of a business and requiring among other work experience, completion of the Diploma of Property (Agency Management) (CPP51119), or Diploma of Property Services (Agency Management) (CPP50307).
Class 2:
Being those managing (under, but not, the licensee in charge) and in addition to work experience, must complete the Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP40516).
Assistant Agent:
Being the title given to all Certificate of Registration holders, who must be employed and supervised by a Class 1 or 2 licence holder, and must complete 7 units from the Certificate IV in Strata Community Management (CPP40516).
You can find out the finer details here
Applying for a licence or certificate
As a Member of SCA, an Agent in NSW is also a member of the Professional Standards Scheme. You can find out what this means to you and your clients’ strata communities here
Or access the followng link to find out more about licensing in NSW here.
Strata Management in Northern Territory
A professional Corporation and/or Body Corporate Manager in NT is required to have a license under the NT Agents Licensing Act 1979. The registration is held with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. To obtain the license, as the business manager you must successfully complete the Diploma of Property (Agency Management) and hold Professional Indemnity Insurance. Qualifications are not required for those working under the business owner’s licence.
You can find out more about your NT Body Corporate Manager here
And more on licensing here and here.
Body Corporate Management in Queensland
Currently Queensland Body Corporate Managers are not required to be licensed, or hold any formal training or mandated qualification.
ACE Managers however, are self driven and supported to participate as a member of our industry’s peak body, SCA. As such, they uphold their obligation to enrol and complete industry training, including but not limited to, the SCA Strata Starter course, the internationally recognised A100 Introduction to working, owning and living in a Strata Community, as well as the nationally recognised qualification, the Certificate IV in Strata Management. During the initial term all new franchisees are offered the opportunity to operate under a mentoring program with an experienced Body Corporate Manager and/or our qualified ACE Area Development Manager.
You can find out more about your Queensland Body Corporate Manager here.
Strata Management in South Australia
At present Body Corporate Managers in South Australia are neither required to hold a license to operate, nor hold a mandated qualification. ACE Body Corporate Managers however, hold membership with SCA and commit to ongoing Continuing Professional Development. This includes regular training, staying up to date with legislative obligations and upholding ethical practises.
Internal and external training accessible to you not only keeps you in the know but also offers support and guidance while you acquire the knowledge and experience you need.
You can find out more about Body Corporate Managers in SA here.
Strata Management in Tasmania
Currently there are no licensing requirements to be a Body Corporate Manager in Tasmania, nor any mandated qualifications to uphold. ACE Managers however, are members of SCA and commit to ongoing Continuing Professional Development. This includes regular training, staying up to date with legislative obligations and upholding ethical practises.
Internal and external training accessible to you not only keeps you in the know but also offers support and guidance while you acquire the knowledge and experience you need. Internal and external training accessible to you not only keeps you in the know but also offers support and guidance while you acquire the knowledge and experience you need.
You can find out more about Strata Living in Tasmania here.
Owners Corporation Management in Victoria
In Victoria, Body Corporate Managers are called Owners Corporations Managers and must be registered with the Business Licensing Authority. Registration may be held by the management firm and/or the individual. There is no minimum or mandatory qualification necessary. A registered Owners Corporation Manager cannot carry out the functions of a Manager for a fee or reward without registration and without holding current Professional Indemnity Insurance that meets their legislative obligations.
ACE Owners Corporation Managers also hold membership of SCA and through participation in the Continuing Professional Development program, they gain the support they need to remain committed to ongoing education, staying up to date with legislative obligations and adhering to ethical practises. Many Managers are also driven to hold post nominals, to recognise their years of membership, experience and training undertaken.
You can find out more about Strata Managers in Victoria here.
Strata Management in Western Australia
Currently, there are no licensing requirements to be a Strata Manager in Western Australia nor minimum qualifications to be held. However, new reforms say that strata managers have to complete their Cert IV by 05/2024.
All ACE Strata Managers however become members of SCA and participate in the Continuing Professional Development program which requires attendance at training events and evidence of current professional indemnity insurance and offers Accreditation for varying levels of experience and qualifications held. Our ACE Managers, as a commitment to their SCA Membership are bound by a Code of Ethics which sets out an acceptable standard of behaviour and helps you stay on track while gaining the experience and expertise required to perform strata management duties.
You can find out more about strata management in WA here.