Is a degree necessary to build a career in real estate?

An increasing number of agencies and networks of independent representatives are recruiting real estate agents and sales agents who may not necessarily hold advanced degrees from prestigious real estate training institutions.

Given the stringent requirements for obtaining the much-discussed professional license or transactional card required to operate real estate agencies, it must be acknowledged that these new measures represent a loosening of the entry requirements for certain real estate professions. Under what specific conditions is it permissible to practice without a degree? Furthermore, which training programs grant you full professional rights?

Real Estate Careers Accessible Without a Degree

It is possible to pursue a career in real estate without holding a specialized degree in the field. Positions that can be held without specific professional qualifications include:

• real estate agent positions, also known as sales agents or independent brokers. These agents operate independently of real estate agencies and broker networks. Their income is derived from transaction commissions and a fixed monthly salary. As such, the sales agent holds self-employed status. They work in the field to facilitate real estate transactions;
• real estate negotiator positions. They are also known as real estate advisors. They welcome clients, scout the market for properties for sale, and monitor current market pricing. They also promote the properties within their portfolios, and more.

Since these roles are not highly technical, the primary quality sought in a candidate is a high degree of curiosity. We are looking for individuals of character who possess a strong personality and exceptional flexibility. Candidates are expected to demonstrate great motivation, strong organizational skills, full availability, and excellent interpersonal skills. For certain networks of agents, a degree does not necessarily make an agent a better salesperson.

To facilitate their fieldwork, these networks of agents are obligated (under Article 1 of the Huguet Law) to provide them with the transactional card. However, for the agent or real estate negotiator seeking one, the process is a true uphill battle.

From Academic Degrees to Prior Learning Assessment (VAE)

Today, it is possible to become a real estate professional without a high school diploma or a university degree. Indeed, highly relevant alternatives exist, allowing those aspiring to launch a career as a real estate agent or negotiator to turn their dreams into reality. In the real estate industry, becoming a professional means obtaining a transaction card (carte T), also known as a professional license. Ultimately, what steps must be taken to secure this coveted credential?

• No formal degree is required, but your CV must demonstrate at least 10 years of professional experience in a real estate agency, working under the supervision of an executive holding a professional or “carte T” license;
• With a high school diploma, your supervisor—who must hold a T-card and have worked at the same branch for at least 3 years—will need to certify your professional experience;
• For instance, if you hold a BTS degree, you have the opportunity to obtain a “Carte T” provided you have completed at least one year working in a real estate agency under the supervision of a professional holding the same license. Through the VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience) process, you can achieve this after a minimum of six months by submitting a thesis demonstrating your skills and expertise. You will then undergo an oral examination, allowing the jury to assess the relevance and validity of your professional experience.
• Individuals with backgrounds entirely unrelated to real estate who are drawn to the sector’s numerous advantages can also utilize the VAE (Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience) process to obtain their real estate agent license (carte T). At least three years of professional experience or a professional internship will serve as the foundation for presenting a thesis before a jury.

Training, nonetheless!

Some real estate agencies (or networks of independent agents) recruit non-traditional profiles and provide training for all roles within the real estate sector (property manager, real estate advisor, real estate negotiator, real estate agent, etc.). These candidates may include individuals with no prior experience in the real estate industry, those with limited experience, or recent graduates. Professional Qualification Certificates (CQP) are available to recruited agents to certify their expertise in the real estate field.

Furthermore, it is now possible to take online courses through specialized e-learning platforms. Online videos are also available to help you educate yourself on various real estate topics, such as mastering property diagnostics. In specific cases, you also have the option to receive personalized guidance from a professional coach.