New data from Rightmove indicates a rise in estate and letting agents pursuing formal qualifications, with bookings for its Certificate for Estate and Lettings Agents (CELA) exam increasing by 128% year-on-year.
The portal says the increase reflects continued demand for higher professional standards. Its research indicates that 70% of home-movers would prefer to use a qualified agent, with a similar share of renters and homeowners saying agents should hold formal qualifications.
This trend is also reflected in figures from Propertymark, which reports a 51% increase in demand for qualifications since April 2020.
The data comes ahead of the government’s response to its consultation on home-moving reform, which includes proposals on agent qualifications. The consultation closed at the end of 2025, with further detail expected in 2026.
Rightmove and Propertymark have pointed to the increased demand alongside the introduction of additional training routes, including the Propertymark Level 3 Certificate in Property Agency, available in both sales and lettings.
This builds on the launch of the Level 3 CELA qualification on Rightmove in 2022. More than 10,500 agents have since registered for the course, which is included as part of Rightmove membership.
Jason Charles, Rightmove’s head of Education, said: “Agents are being asked to navigate more complex consumer expectations, and qualifications give them a practical way to show their expertise, build trust and differentiate their service. By making this training available through Rightmove membership, we’re helping agents get ahead of any potential regulatory change, and demonstrate the professional value they already bring to every move.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, added: “Working within the property profession is both rewarding and incredibly quick paced. It is a sector that is seeing vast evolution and one that represents exciting opportunities for those already working in the field, and crucially anyone considering such a career pathway.
“As with any vocational ambition in life, it becomes ever more essential to stay ahead of the curve via displaying demonstrable in-depth knowledge and understanding, two aspects consumers highly value and trust when they consider their property journey. Our own Insight tells us qualification and professional representation for agents is of extremely high priority and we look forward to working closely with Rightmove to promote excellence via nationally recognised qualifications.”
