Queensland CPD isn't measured in points or hours — it's two approved sessions a year, drawn from two categories: Type 1 and Type 2. You can pair one of each, or complete two Type 1 sessions, but two Type 2 sessions on their own never meets the requirement, no matter how many you stack up.

Type 1 vs Type 2 CPD QLD: the basics

Since CPD became mandatory for Queensland property professionals, every real estate agent, salesperson (including property managers), auctioneer and resident letting agent has had to complete two approved sessions in each CPD year to keep their licence or registration. The two categories work differently, and understanding the difference is the easiest way to avoid picking a combination that doesn't satisfy the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

What is a Type 1 session?

Type 1 sessions are condensed versions of units in the national property services training package. They're designed to help real estate professionals build their knowledge and stay up to date with industry standards. They cover the core, competency-based skills that sit behind the formal real estate qualifications — things like trust accounts, sales process, auctions, property management and tenancy basics.

A Type 1 session is still a CPD session, not a formal unit of competency assessment — there's no exam to pass, just a session to complete.

What is a Type 2 session?

Type 2 sessions are designed to promote and improve core and industry-relevant skills and contribute towards improved service outcomes for your clients. They're not based on the Type 1 property training package units of competency. Type 2 sessions tend to cover practical, day-to-day topics — communication, negotiation, dispute resolution, compliance updates and consumer protection themes.

Valid combinations — and why two Type 2 never counts

You can choose to complete a Type 1 continuing professional development (CPD) session and a Type 2 session, or 2 of the Type 1 sessions. There's no third option. Two Type 2 sessions is not a valid pairing — at least one Type 1 session must always be part of your two for the year.

A few other rules to keep in mind:

  • Only the listed approved CPD sessions will count towards your requirements. Any sessions completed from other states or territories, even if approved there, won't be accepted.
  • To ensure sessions are approved in Queensland, look for session codes beginning with "QLDCPD20".
  • You must keep a record of completion for five years.

When your CPD year starts

If you upgrade or change your licence or registration, your CPD year will align with the new issue date. If you hold multiple licences or registrations, your CPD year will change to the earliest issue date. Queensland's CPD requirement began on 6 June 2025, and a new licence holder gets a 12-month exemption before their first CPD year kicks in.

Who needs to pick a pair

Real estate salespeople (including property managers), real estate agents, real estate property auctioneers and resident letting agents all need to complete two approved CPD sessions each year — the Type 1/Type 2 pairing rule applies equally across all these licence types.

Examples by role

Sales agents and salespeople. A Type 1 session on core sales process topics pairs naturally with a Type 2 session on negotiation or practical sales scenarios. For example, Sell Property is a Type 1 session, which could be paired with the Type 2 Sales Negotiations session.

Property managers. Many property managers find it useful to pick a Type 1 session on tenant or landlord relationships, paired with a practical Type 2 session on a day-to-day issue like arrears or breaches — for example, pairing a Type 1 session with Managing Rent Arrears Effectively (Type 2).

Auctioneers. A Type 1 session such as Conduct and Complete Sale by Auction covers the core competency, and can be paired with any approved Type 2 session relevant to your practice, or with a second Type 1 session if you prefer two competency-based refreshers.

Onsite/resident letting agents. A Type 1 session like Manage Onsite Residential Property fits this role closely and can be paired with a Type 2 session covering body corporate or maintenance topics.

Whatever your role, remember the one rule that never changes: at least one of your two sessions each year has to be Type 1.

Which QRET sessions are which

QRET's CPD sessions are clearly labelled Type 1 or Type 2 so you can build a compliant pair without guesswork. Type 1 sessions include options such as Sell Property, Represent Buyers in the Sales Process, Conduct and Complete Sale by Auction, Manage Onsite Residential Property, Manage Tenant Relationships and more. Type 2 sessions include practical topics such as Managing Rent Arrears Effectively, Understanding the Form 6, Conducting Effective Routine Inspections and Selling Tenanted Property. You can browse the full list of CPD sessions to see which category each one sits in before you enrol.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do two Type 2 sessions instead of one of each?

No. You can choose to complete a Type 1 session and a Type 2 session, or 2 of the Type 1 sessions — there's no option to complete two Type 2 sessions and have that count.

What's the practical difference between Type 1 and Type 2 content?

Type 1 sessions are condensed versions of units in the national property services training package, so they tend to cover foundational, competency-linked topics. Type 2 sessions aren't based on those property training package units of competency and instead focus on practical, industry-relevant skills.

Does a session approved in NSW or another state count in Queensland?

No. Any sessions completed from other states or territories, even if approved there, won't be accepted. Always check for a session code starting with QLDCPD20.

How long do I need to keep my certificates?

You must keep a record of completion for five years. QRET issues a Statement of Completion for each session — keep both your Type 1 and Type 2 statements together with your licence paperwork.

What if my licence is less than 12 months old?

New licensees get a settling-in period before CPD applies. Check your own CPD year against your licence issue date so you know exactly when your first two sessions are due.

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Ready to pick your pair? Browse all QRET CPD sessions and sort by type, or save on both of this year's sessions with a QRET membership from $249/year.