How to Become a Real Estate Agent: Training Path and Required Qualifications

Minimum Requirements to Become a Real Estate Agent

To enter the profession, certain requirements established by Italian law must be met. The main ones are:

• Age and Education You must be at least 18 years old and hold at least a secondary school diploma.

• Integrity Requirements There must be no criminal convictions or ongoing proceedings that prevent the exercise of mediation activities.

• Professional Requirements This includes mandatory attendance of a recognized training course and passing the qualifying exam at the Chamber of Commerce.

• Chamber Registration Only after obtaining the qualification can you register with the REA (Economic and Administrative Index) and officially start practicing the profession.

Mandatory Training Path

To sit for the exam, you must attend a course recognized by the Region, organized by accredited bodies or Chambers of Commerce.

These courses are the first concrete step toward the profession, providing technical and legal foundations to operate in real estate. They typically cover subjects such as:

• Civil and commercial law

• Tax law related to real estate transactions

• Cadastre and urban planning regulations

• Property appraisal and valuation

• Fiscal obligations related to transactions

Course duration varies by region, generally ranging from 100 to 200 hours, with lectures, exercises, and intermediate tests.

For a complete overview, you can also consult our step-by-step guide on how to become a real estate agent.

The Qualifying Exam

Once training is completed, you can take the exam at the Chamber of Commerce in your province.

The exam consists of two parts:

Written Test Multiple-choice and open-ended questions on legislation, contracts, taxation, cadastre, and appraisal.

Oral Test An interview with the commission that explores the written topics in more depth and presents practical cases, such as handling a negotiation or preparing a sales mandate.

To prepare thoroughly, you can also read our detailed guide dedicated to the licensing exam.

Registration with the REA (Economic and Administrative Index)

 Passing the exam does not yet equate to full qualification. To practice professionally, it is necessary to register with the REA – Repertorio Economico Amministrativo – at the Chamber of Commerce. This registration certifies that you have met the professional requirements and allows you to legally operate as a real estate agent. Only at this point can you start managing listings, assisting clients, and performing mediation activities.

Cross-Functional Skills Required for the Modern Real Estate Agent

 Licensing is just the first step. To succeed in real estate today, agents also need cross-functional skills that help them stand out in a competitive market.

• Communication and Empathy Managing client needs, understanding their motivations, and establishing a professional yet human dialogue.

• Negotiation Skills Being able to handle complex negotiations, find balance points, and maintain a solution-oriented approach.

• Digital Competence Use of CRM systems, marketing tools, virtual tours, and listing management platforms.

• International Mindset An increasing number of transactions involve clients from other countries. Being able to communicate in multiple languages or operate in a global context is a significant advantage.

To explore further what makes this profession unique, you can also read the five reasons to become a real estate agent.

Career Opportunities for a Real Estate Agent

 The career path of a real estate agent is never linear or the same for everyone: the sector offers many different routes, adaptable to each person’s ambitions and inclinations.

Some start in a traditional agency, a typically lean and immediate environment, but one that may offer limited tools. Others prefer to join an international network from the outset, where the organization is more structured and work is supported by continuous training, advanced technologies, and an environment designed to build a long-term, solid career.

Over time, many professionals choose to specialize in a specific segment: residential, commercial, or luxury real estate. Each area requires specific skills and allows the development of a unique market positioning.

Another option is vertical growth: from a novice agent to an experienced consultant, and then to more advanced roles such as team leader or broker. Understanding these roles is helpful to envision your career path and set future goals.

Engel & Völkers Support in Professional Training and Growth

 Joining Engel & Völkers means having access to a solid, structured system that supports professionals at every stage of their development. This support is delivered through tools, programs, and activities designed to guide you step by step in your professional growth:

E&V Academy Continuous training programs, regulatory updates, dedicated courses, and training on technical and interpersonal skills.

Mentorship and Guidance Every new agent can rely on experienced professionals who guide them through the early stages of their career.

Innovative Tools Proprietary technologies, advanced marketing tools, and an international network that facilitates the development of a high-value client base.

Choosing Engel & Völkers means joining a premium, global, excellence-oriented environment – the ideal place to build a stable and rewarding career.