FAQ about our course
Why should I become accredited?
As an industry professional, you will want to remain compliant with any current or proposed regulations and provide your clients with quality advice. To do this, you must be educate and maintain currency of knowledge.
The PIPA accreditation program, QPIA award and ongoing CPD training provides property investment advisers in Australia with a standard of education and training that exceeds any proposed regulation.
What is QPIA®?
Qualified Property Investment Adviser (QPIA®) is a professional industry award which recognises minimum standards of education and compliance for property investment advisers. The award is promoted to consumers as a symbol of excellence.
What do I have to do to obtain the QPIA award and display the logo / post nominal?
1. Complete the PIPA accreditation program
2. Maintain Full Membership of PIPA or be employed by a Full Member
3. Undertake annual compulsory professional development training
4. Pay the annual QPIA® registration fee of $165.00 including GST (additional to Full Membership fees)
If I complete the course can I claim or display the QPIA post nominal?
No. You must satisfy the criteria outlined above and be granted permission to use the post nominal or QPIA® logo. QPIA® is a registered trade mark of PIPA. Unauthorised use is not permitted.
What is covered in the course?
Please see the course information document
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered via distance education. Students download course modules from the secure website then complete and submit a written assignment and exam for each module.
Is there a face to face option?
No. There is no face to face delivery option due to lack of demand for this type of training.
Is this course suitable for investor education?
The PIPA accreditation program is designed to educate property investment advisers. Some areas of the course content may assist investors, however this is not the intent of the course.
What are the prerequisites to undertaking the course?
1.Access to a computer with word processing software, the internet and email.
2.Suitable study time to complete the modules within the required time
What career paths are available?
This course is an entry level requirement to work within the property investment advising industry. You may choose to work with a PIPA member and gain 2 years experience and apply for the QPIA® award or pursue other career paths and qualifications such as;
Real estate agent (sales) – Cert IV or Diploma Property (Real Estate)
Buyers Agent – Cert IV Property (Real Estate) or limited Buyers Agent certificate
Finance Broking – Cert IV or Diploma Finance (Mortgage Broking)
Financial Planning – Diploma Financial Planning
Will this course satisfy any proposed regulation of property investment advice?
PIPA is working closely with the Federal Government to introduce regulation of the property investment industry. PIPA believes that the PIPA accreditation program, QPIA® award and PIPA membership standards should be adopted by the Government as part of any regulated environment.
How much does it cost, when and how do I pay?
Module one - $795.00 including GST
Module two to five - $495.00 including GST
Fees are paid upon your enrolment to each module and can be paid by direct deposit or by credit card
OR
Order and pay for all five modules in advance to receive a discount of $280 - $2495.00 including GST
(Where a student does not complete a module within the specified time frame or fails the module, a re-enrolment fee of $165.00 including GST will apply per module).
My company has a number of employees who wish to complete the program. Is there a discount?
Discounts are available for companies who wish to enrol 10 or more students at the one time. Conditions apply. Please contact us for further details at info@pipa.asn.au
Is there a discount for PIPA members?
No, there is no discount for PIPA members
How long does it take to complete?
Students will each have varying skill levels and available time. As a guide, students should allow approximately 6 hours per week of study to complete a module within a twelve(12) week period.
What help is available during my studies?
PIPA provides access to a help desk where assessors can assist with any questions you might have. This is available via email or phone.
What will PIPA recognise as prior learning or experience?
Most of the content contained within the PIPA accreditation program is specific to property investment advising. Therefore few other courses are able to satisfy all the learning outcomes within each module. Prior experience can be recognised. PIPA welcomes any application made through the process outlined below.
What modules can I obtain exemptions for, how do I apply and how much will that cost?
Please contact us to find out if you qualify for an exemption.
How are the assessments and exams conducted?
There are three ways PIPA assesses your skills and knowledge;
1. Written assignment
2. Examination – multiple choice exam assessing technical knowledge
3. Telephone Interview – This is an interview to support your case study assignment.
When can I start?
You can start at anytime. Each module must be completed within 6 months from the date of enrolment. Should you not complete within the time period, a re-enrolment fee will apply.
What do I receive upon completion?
You will receive a professionally presented certificate, stating that you ‘have successfully completed the PIPA Accreditation Program’. You will also be invited to apply for the QPIA® award and apply for full membership of PIPA should you not already be a member.
What happens if I have a dispute?
In the first instance, contact PIPA and alert us to your issue. We will attempt to resolve it for you promptly. Should we not be able to resolve the issue, please view our Code of Conduct to view PIPA procedures for resolving disputes.