STRATA MANAGERS: WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO ALIGN CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING?

In Australia, the property professional is regulated via a variety of prescribed licensing and educational requirements. However, individually the states and territories do differ with regards to educational requirements associated with occupational licensing in the property discipline. When the government in New South Wales introduced CPD over a decade ago, the aim was to improve consumer protection whilst maintaining public confidence with the transactions related to the property professional. This research paper identifies one category of licensing, namely, Strata Managing Agents, and examines the compulsory requirements for continuing professional development (CPD). Therefore, a case study approach of the syllabus requirements during the last 10 years is undertaken and evaluated by identifying the relevant fields of knowledge mandated and their association with expected learning outcomes. In addition, statistical and descriptive data is analysed and mapped. The aim of the research paper is to evaluate whether or not consumer protection has been maintained through the CPD topics mandated. The paper concludes with recommendations on the content and course delivery options associated with CPD.