CEA introduces three-year registration cycle and Currency Requirement
CEA announced a shift from annual renewal to three-year licensing and registration, beginning in 2027.
What happened?
The first cycle runs from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029. The Currency Requirement generally calls for at least three qualifying property transactions during the three-year registration period, or passing a Refresher Examination. CEA also states that the CPD requirement increased to 16 training hours annually from 1 January 2026.
Why it matters for the RES exam
Practical example
An RES preparing for renewal should check both annual CPD compliance and the separate Currency Requirement for the relevant cycle.
Timeline exercise: announcement versus commencement
Place the events in order: the announcement and renewal activity in 2026, followed by the stated commencement of the three-year registration cycle in 2027. Next distinguish registration validity from continuing professional development and any separate currency requirements. These are related professional obligations, but not interchangeable terms.
Common RES exam trap: Exam trap: answering that the new three-year cycle started when the announcement was published, or equating registration validity with CPD compliance.
Related RES learning
3.1 Regulation of Real Estate Agency Industry
Official reference
Read the official CEA source ↗
Test Your Understanding
Question: When does CEA’s three-year licensing and registration cycle begin?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The first three-year cycle begins on 1 January 2027; the announcement was made in 2026.