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Mutual recognition of qualifications

With an aim of boosting professional exchanges and long-term development between estate agents in Hong Kong and the Mainland, since the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between the Mainland and the HKSAR Government in 2003, the EAA has been in dialog with Mainland authorities on a scheme for the mutual recognition of the professional qualifications of estate agents in Hong Kong and in the Mainland (the Scheme).

On 3 November 2010, an agreement was entered into between the EAA and Mainland’s national regulatory body, the China Institute of Real Estate Appraisers and Agents (CIREA), to give effect to the Scheme.  The first training course and examination of the scheme was completed in 2011.  On 23 June 2017, the EAA and CIREA entered into an agreement to renew the mutual recognition scheme.

According to the agreement, the EAA and CIREA would each nominate a certain number of qualified estate agents to participate in the specially-designed training courses and examinations organised by the other party within the term of the agreement.  Upon completing the course and passing the examination, estate agents can apply for the qualifications to practise in both the Mainland and Hong Kong. 
            

The following steps will be involved under the Scheme:

  1. Selection of candidates;
  2. Nomination and exchange of list of candidates;
  3. Holding of a training course to bridge the possible knowledge gap arising from the difference in legal systems and practices;
  4. Administration of an examination; and
  5. Granting of the required qualification.

Details of the 2nd Nomination of the Course and Examination

The EAA and CIREA have agreed that the 2nd nomination of the course and examination of the mutual recognition scheme will be conducted in December 2017.  Qualified licensees may submit their applications to the EAA from 16 August 2017 to 22 September 2017.  Details are as follows:    

                                         

Quota                  

150 persons

Fee

HK$2,800 (Fee for the course and examination only)

Basic Requirements

Only those fulfilling all of the following requirements set by the CIREA may apply for nomination:

(1) Holding a valid estate agent's licence (individual);

(2) Having a total of not less than 5 years of estate agency or related working experience after holding an estate agent's licence (individual);

(3) Having no criminal conviction record; and

(4) Having sound health.                       

Over-subscription arrangement

In the event of an over-subscription, the following point system will be adopted to determine the order of priority of applicants:
 

(1) Having completed a university education or above (1 point);

(2) Having a total of more than 5 but less than 10 years of estate agency or related working experience (1 point); more than 10 years of such experience (2 points)(No more than 2 points will be awarded for this criterion);

(3) Having obtained 12 or more points in EAA’s CPD Scheme (whether in core or non-core activities) in the 12 months immediately prior to the application for nomination (1 point).

                                                                 

Details of Course and Examination

Date of Course: 7 December 2017 and 8 December 2017 (morning)
Date of Exam: 8 December 2017 (afternoon)
Medium of instruction: Putonghua
Language of course materials and examination: Simplified Chinese characters
Venue: International Conference Centre (Hotel) (Address: No.2 Jida Road, Zhuhai, China)
Date of release of exam result: January 2018

Application Period

16 August 2017 - 22 September 2017

Application Method

By post or in-person
 (EAA Office: Room 4801, 48/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong)                      

Details

 Please click here (Chinese version only)

Application Form

 Please click here (Chinese version only)

Enquiry 2111 2777 (Press 2,2 after selecting language) 


Consumers should note that, while the Scheme aims at promoting the exchange of talents and cooperation between professionals in the real estate agency sector, licensees under the Scheme do not necessarily provide "better" services than other licensees not having participated in the Scheme. Consumers should continue to exercise caution in buying properties located outside Hong Kong.

Related press releases:

  1. 16-08-2017
  2. 26-06-2017
  3. 26-04-2012
  4. 23-10-2011
  5. 29-08-2011
  6. 21-07-2011
  7. 01-02-2011
  8. 03-11-2010
  9. 16-01-2009
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