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Year-End Reminder for Property Professionals: Understanding Certification, Licensing, and Registration in Malaysia

As the year comes to a close, many property professionals take the opportunity to review their career standing, compliance status, and professional readiness for the year ahead. In Malaysia’s regulated property industry, holding the correct certification, licence, or registration is not merely an administrative requirement—it is a legal and professional obligation.

Whether you are involved in estate agency, property valuation, property management, or appraisal, ensuring that your registration status is valid and up to date is essential before entering a new year of practice.

Why Licensing and Registration Matter

Malaysia’s property industry is regulated under the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP / LPPEH) to:

  • Protect the public interest
  • Uphold professional and ethical standards
  • Ensure accountability across property-related services

Practising without proper registration, or allowing licences to lapse, may expose individuals and firms to disciplinary action, legal consequences, and reputational risk. A year-end review is therefore a timely opportunity to confirm that all professional credentials remain in order.

Estate Agency (REA & REN)

Estate agency practice in Malaysia is regulated by BOVAEP and applies to professionals involved in buying, selling, and leasing of properties.

Registered Estate Agents (REA)

Registered Estate Agents (REA) are licensed professionals authorised to operate estate agency practices. REAs must:

  • Hold valid registration with BOVAEP
  • Be professionally responsible for estate agency work carried out under their firm
  • Supervise Real Estate Negotiators (REN) attached to their practice

Only Registered Estate Agents are legally permitted to operate an estate agency business in Malaysia.

Real Estate Negotiators (REN)

Real Estate Negotiators (REN) work under the supervision of a Registered Estate Agent and assist in property transactions such as sales and leasing.

RENs must:

  • Be registered with BOVAEP
  • Be attached to a Registered Estate Agent
  • Comply with prescribed requirements to maintain their registration status

For New REN Registration (NCC)

Individuals who wish to become Real Estate Negotiators are required to complete the Negotiator Certification Course (NCC) before applying for REN registration.

🔗 NCC information:
https://www.peps.org.my/service/ncc/

For REN Renewal (RRP)

Existing RENs are required to undergo the REN Renewal Programme (RRP) to maintain and renew their registration in accordance with prescribed requirements.

🔗 RRP information:
https://www.peps.org.my/service/rrp/

Property Valuation

Property valuation is a regulated profession involving the provision of independent opinions of value for various purposes, including financing, transactions, and statutory matters.

  • Probationary Valuers undergo supervised practical training
  • Registered Valuers are qualified to practise independently after meeting training and assessment requirements, including the Test of Professional Competence (TPC)

Valuers must remain independent and comply with professional standards prescribed by BOVAEP.

Property Management

Property management involves the day-to-day operation and management of completed properties, particularly strata-titled developments.

  • Probationary Property Managers undergo supervised practical training
  • Registered Property Managers are authorised to practise independently and may be appointed as managing agents by Joint Management Bodies (JMB) or Management Corporations (MC)

Property managers are expected to comply with professional regulations as well as relevant laws such as the Strata Management Act 2013.

Where to Find Official Guidelines and Requirements

While summaries and professional discussions are helpful for awareness, only official publications and notices issued by the Board constitute authoritative guidance.

Property professionals are strongly encouraged to refer directly to BOVAEP’s official resources for:

  • Registration and renewal requirements
  • Application procedures
  • Forms and professional publications

🔗 Official reference source:
https://bis.lpeph.gov.my/order-form

This portal provides access to Board-issued materials relevant to professional practice and registration.

The Importance of Continuous Professional Development

As market conditions and regulatory expectations evolve, industry commentaries consistently highlight the need for property professionals to remain informed, trained, and connected. Continuous professional development (CPD) and peer engagement play an increasingly important role in maintaining professional standards and competence.

Engaging in structured learning helps practitioners:

  • Stay updated on regulatory and industry developments
  • Strengthen professional judgement and ethics
  • Build long-term credibility and career resilience

For more information on CPD opportunities and packages, please refer to:
🔗 https://www.pepsventures.com/cpd-packages

Conclusion

As the year ends, property professionals should take time to review their certification, licensing, and registration status to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. Understanding your professional obligations—and referring directly to official Board guidelines—is essential to practising responsibly in Malaysia’s regulated property industry.

Entering the new year informed, compliant, and professionally prepared helps ensure continued trust from clients, stakeholders, and the public.