Open letter to Victorian real estate agency directors and industry stakeholders
From Matthew Trounce – CEO, Entry Education
REIV's shock announcement that it is exiting the accredited training market, has created widespread confusion, uncertainty and in many cases, genuine panic among students, agencies and employers across Victoria. An article in the REA confirmed the announcement and the disruption it has caused. Entry Education believes it is essential we cut through the noise and address the facts clearly and transparently.
Understanding the core issue
The REIV stated that it is “transitioning from accredited qualifications to sector‑focused professional development” and referenced a “shift toward lower‑cost accredited training models.”
However, this narrative misses a crucial truth:
Victoria’s current real estate training framework, the very model now being criticised, was designed and strongly advocated for by the REIV in 2021.
Despite substantial opposition from industry leaders, training specialists and even Consumer Affairs Victoria, the REIV pushed forward with a model requiring every new entrant to complete a full Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice before taking on any consumer‑facing role, including roles such as receptionists, junior PMs, assistants and entry‑level sales staff.
On paper, it appeared to be a lift in professional standards.
In reality, it did the opposite.
It forced all learning into simulated environments, removed genuine workplace‑based training and created a licensing pathway unlike any other state or comparable industry in Australia.
The result?
Talented people who want a real estate career are being shut out because they simply cannot take months away from work or family commitments to complete mandatory classroom‑based study. Students have overwhelmingly chosen providers who offer flexibility, meaningful support and responsive service not “lower‑cost shortcuts.”
What we’re seeing on the ground
As Australia’s largest real estate training provider, Entry Education continues to experience record enrolments into premium programs with high‑touch support.
Last night alone, while REIV phone lines went unanswered, our London‑based team took calls until 1am from students who were abruptly informed that their courses had been cancelled and that they must find another provider.
Disturbingly, some of the providers listed in the REIV’s communication are not actively delivering the qualification at this time.
Students consistently tell us the same thing: Service, support and flexibility matter far more than price.
Clarifying the confusion
The REIV has stated that “current students will not be impacted.”
Yet dozens of people contacting Entry Education genuinely believed they were current students, they had paid fees, been issued commencement dates and were preparing to start in the coming weeks.
Others are worried about timelines to complete their qualification, a very real concern for working professionals. This uncertainty damages confidence, disrupts careers and risks losing skilled people to other industries entirely.
What Entry Education Is doing now
To support affected students and agencies, Entry Education has already:
✔ Added new classes beginning next week
✔ Opened priority pathways for displaced REIV students
✔ Committed to managing Statements of Attainment and credit transfers to ensure no student repeats work unnecessarily
✔ Extended support hours to help students navigate this transition with clarity and confidence
We stand ready to support every agency, every student and every team affected by this disruption.
Where Victoria must go from here
If the REIV intends to focus on industry leadership and policy, that leadership must begin by acknowledging the need to fix Victoria’s current licensing system, a system they created.
Entry Education will continue advocating for a modern, practical, best‑practice vocational training model aligned with every other state in Australia.
A model that preserves competency standards without shutting capable people out of the industry.
More than 100 Victorian agencies have already expressed their support for this reform.
At the same time, we are excited to launch EntryConnect — our national platform linking learners with employers and enabling future targeted professional development programs for real estate teams and leaders.
The demand for continuous learning is real.
Entry Education is proud to deliver it.
Entry Education's commitment to you
To every agency director and industry stakeholder: We are here. We are ready. We will continue to provide the stability, integrity and service that Victorian students and agencies deserve.
Please reach out directly with any questions or support needs.
Entry Education will support every student and every agency impacted by this change.
Matthew Trounce
CEO, Entry Education