Professional Associations and the Changing Role of Education in the Property Discipline

Abstract

Many professional associations accredit educational courses. The purpose of accreditation is usually to endorse the course content and eligibility of the applicants desiring to become members within the association. In some instances these associations are empowered to issue licences and maintain educational standards autonomously. However, the property discipline is entwined with government red tape and legislation governing licences, education and continuing professional development. In addition, legislation must approve the educational institutions desiring to provide the delivery of these property courses. Therefore, the question arises whether the associations should be in charge of issuing professional certification and licensure, thus controlling the educational programs. In response to this notion, the aim of the research paper is to undertake a comparison of the current educational requirements within the property professional associations, and the mandated legislation for property education. It is argued that the present system for property education is not meeting the needs for current issues faced today by consumers.