The Rightmove Qualification (CELA) FAQs
Are you thinking about studying for our Level 3 Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA)?
If you’ve got questions about the qualification, here’s some information to help you make a decision.
Overview
What is the Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA)?
We will be providing hours of online and on-demand training from external industry experts before an independently adjudicated exam. The content will be regulated by Ofqual and the exam will be adjudicated by ABBE.
Providing you with the latest guidance and advice on a wide range of topics, the qualification is designed to boost your confidence in your day-to-day activities and give you an easy way to demonstrate your quality to sellers and landlords.
The online learning platform launched on the 21st November 2022. You can find out more detail and enrol on our dedicated qualification page.
What is the ABBE?
When will the Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA) be available?
How is the qualification studied?
CELA is studied entirely online. Once you’ve enrolled you’ll receive access to a digital handbook which contains all the information you need to study.
The handbook will be supported by on-demand videos from expert tutors and a range of supporting content. You’ll also receive support through Rightmove as you study.
What will the qualification cover?
An overview of what will be studied can be found in the specification section on the CELA page. You’ll be taught by industry leading, expert trainers who will cover topics such as:
- Legislation
- Codes of practice
- Generating opportunities
- Delivering exceptional service
- Property marketing
You can find a Content Overview on our dedicated qualification page.
How does the Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA) differ from qualifications by other providers?
It has also been specifically designed in response to the RoPA report and potential new, government imposed regulations for estate and letting agents. It aims to ensure you and your team are ahead of the curve.
How long will the qualification take?
Every learner is unique and will learn in their own way, in their own time. We allow 12 months to study for CELA but we estimate most committed and dedicated learners will be ready to sit their exam within around 6 months of study and revision.
How much does it cost?
Are there any entry requirements?
The only requirements are that you are over 18 and that you are able to study online via on-demand video. CELA is appropriate whatever stage you are in your career. Everything you need to prepare for the exam will be taught through our online learning platform and supporting material.
The online learning
How is the online learning structured?
The content is divided into distinct units, each covering a key area for modern estate and lettings agents. Each unit will be formed of a number of smaller topics which our expert trainers will run through in depth.
With our handbook to support and a range of additional materials, the online learning guides you through all of the topics within each unit and will advise you to take a mock assessment once you have reached certain milestones.
How many times can you sit each unit?
What is the deadline to complete the CELA exam?
However, we know that every learner is different so you can study the qualification at a pace that suits you. We suggest you think about booking your exam once you’ve completed 70% of the online learning, providing you feel confident in your knowledge and your performance indicators are green.
Do I need to be a Rightmove member to enrol on for CELA?
What happens if I leave my branch whilst part-way through studying CELA?
I’ve moved to a branch with an active Rightmove membership: You can continue with CELA. Please update your Hub profile information with the new branch details, especially your new email address.
I’ve moved to a branch without an active Rightmove membership: You will not be able to continue studying CELA because you will no longer have access to the Hub. If you have already booked and paid for your exam then you may still sit it, but unfortunately you won’t be able to access the CELA material.
The online exam
Can I take the ABBE exam without studying the Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA) online content?
When do I sit the exam?
If I fail the exam am I able to re-sit?
The certificate
What will I receive when I’ve completed the Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA) and exam?
What is a Level 3 Certificate?
How can I advertise my achievement?
We also recommend you update the Licenses and Certificates section on your LinkedIn profile, your email footer, website and business card.
Why choose CELA?
Why choose Rightmove’s qualification?
- Expertise – External industry experts, writing, teaching and constantly reviewing the content.
- Breadth – One qualification for sales and lettings, providing a well-rounded overview of the industry.
- Accessibility – Easily digestible content available online and on-demand.
- Free – The training is free for Rightmove members. There is a fee of £170 (plus VAT) to sit the independent final exam provided by ABBE.(Which increases to £175.95 from the 1st Sept)
As an agent, why should you get qualified?
- To get ahead of regulation. The Regulation of Property Agents Working Group (RoPA) has recommended to the government that those involved in transactions would need to have a Level 3 qualification.
- To feel more confident in your day-to-day activities.
- To stay up-to-date with legislation and ensure compliance.
- To demonstrate your quality to sellers and landlords.
What’s in it for you as an agency director or manager?
- A more confident workforce.
- A more productive workforce.
- Avoid complaints and deliver great service.
- Avoid compliance issues.
Ultimately, a qualified team should generate more revenue for your branch long-term.
Who is it for?
Who is this qualification aimed at?
Sales and lettings front-line staff.
The Regulation of Property Agents Working Group (RoPA) recommended to the government that those involved in transactions would need to have a Level 3 qualification.
So whether you are a fresh new agent or have many years’ experience, if you are directly involved in transactions this qualification is for you.
Manager and senior manager roles would require a Level 4 under RoPA recommendations.
Is a Level 4 qualification coming?
We’ve had lots of interest in a Level 4 and it’s something we will investigate in the future, but at the moment we’re focusing all our efforts on making sure this Level 3 course is as good as it can be.
Is this qualification relevant for agents in Scotland and Wales?
RoPA was brought in specifically for England and we have created this qualification to cater for the likely requirements of RoPA. So as it stands, the qualification is designed for agents operating in England.
However, agents in Scotland and Wales will still have access to CELA training material and a lot of the content will be relevant.
We’re investigating the possibility of offering bespoke qualifications or training options to cover the differences in legislation and progression for Wales and Scotland. We can’t confirm any concrete plans just yet, but watch this space.
Accessing the CELA Online Learning Portal
Where can I find the CELA Online Learning Portal?
How do I sign up?
Can I use a generic email address such as Hotmail or AOL?
Can my colleague and I share a login?
Are Rightmove Hub and Rightmove Plus the same?