Lettings/Management courses by Guild of Letting

[Nitnat]

Anyone done or looked at doing the courses offered by Guild of Letting? They also offer a diploma in Lettings and Management. Does anyone have any experience with this? Are they worthwhile?

Basically I'm looking to further my studies as a fairly new Letting Agent and would like advice on what is on offer and best value for money. Home study or 1 to 2 day courses are preferable specifically on how to boost your business and acquire more properties as well as the more legal side of how to operate as a Letting Agent...

Thanks :)

[Paul_f]

I've sent you a private messgage.

[choices]

Thats a shame Paul, I also wanted to know the answer.

[Andy Start]

I too would be keen to know your response Paul.

[justaboutsane]

If you want to see Pauls answer go to his profile and click on his web link :D

[Daytona]

Anyone done or looked at doing the courses offered by Guild of Letting? They also offer a diploma in Lettings and Management. Does anyone have any experience with this? Are they worthwhile?

Basically I'm looking to further my studies as a fairly new Letting Agent and would like advice on what is on offer and best value for money. Home study or 1 to 2 day courses are preferable specifically on how to boost your business and acquire more properties as well as the more legal side of how to operate as a Letting Agent...

See my post here (http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=12273&postcount=4). I looked at the GoL but felt that the NAEA Technical Award was quicker, cheaper and more recognised (it's a QCA approved NVQ level 3 qualification). You could supplement the Open Learning module with some training courses from ARLA. Sticking to well known brands and government approved courses will look better on your CV and is more likely to impress clients. Check eBay for 2nd hand Open Learning modules but ensure that they incorporate the changes due when the Housing Act 2004 (http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1150232) is enacted.

Good luck!

[Paul_f]

The first qualification you should consider is the NAEA Techncial Award in Residential Lettings & Management. It's ideal for a new agent and will allow you to join NAEA if you pass.

The "Guild" qualification is fine but not recognised in the same way as a NVQ, and they are not nearly as powerful as the NAEA and ARLA who are directly in contact with government ministers. Their qualification also will not allow you to become a "regulated" agent as a member of NAEA.

The reason why I recommend it is that it is the only entry type exam which is approved as a NVQ (level 3). You can then go on to take the Diploma which is at level 5 (HNC/Graduate level), but you will need to gain more experience first.

Have a look at my website www.learnletting.co.uk

I sent my private telephone number and mobile to the poster, hence the reason I didn't put my answer on the forum. Mind you he hasn't telephoned after all!

[Nitnat]

Thank you Daytona and Paul F for your advice.

Paul, I haven't called because I took your advice and am looking into the NAEA Technical award...

I was wondering about the GOL course specifically aimed at marketing the business? They claim to give you the knowledge to enable you to gain more property instructions as well as tenants, etc, etc. As a new letting agent I need both the marketing advice and legal aspects. Time is the problem, as always, hence the more study I can do as home study the better.

I have the Southcourt package and have found it very useful as a start but I certainly need to build on my knowledge... (I have experience as a landlady myself but learning fast as an Agent :) )

[Assunta Crolla]

Just a note in reply to the comments made in reply to a question about the Guild of Letting and Management and the BTEC qualification driven through the Guild.
Accredidation has taken several months to obtain - the process, as you are aware, is very thorough and lengthy to say the least. After inspections and redrafts, accreditation and exam centre status was confirmed 3 weeks ago.
The Professional Diploma in Residential Letting and Management is at Level 4 and the Advanced Certificate stands at a Level 3. Both are totally in line with the QCA requirements and regulations since the qualifications were accredited by Edexcel who own the BTEC brand and who are in turn owned by Pearson Education the world's largest publisher.

As far as the Guild is concerned it is a much smaller trade association than ARLA or the NAEA, however, new members join daily and we work hard to improve standards of service in the lettings industry with the help of highly qualified committee members, councillors, solicitors, barristers and policy makers in government.

Please let me know if you require further information.

Regards

Susie Crolla (Miss)
Managing Director - The Guild of Letting and Management LTD

[Paul_f]

Just to tidy up this reply........
Just a note in reply to the comments made in reply to a question about the Guild of Letting and Management and the BTEC qualification driven through the Guild.
Accredidation has taken several months to obtain - the process, as you are aware, is very thorough and lengthy to say the least. After inspections and redrafts, accreditation and exam centre status was confirmed 3 weeks ago.
The Professional Diploma in Residential Letting and Management is at Level 4 (it's actually at NVQ level 5) and the Advanced Certificate stands at a Level 3. (This is the same level as the NAEA's Techncial Award in Residential Lettings & Management) Both are totally in line with the QCA requirements and regulations since the qualifications were accredited by Edexcel who own the BTEC brand and who are in turn owned by Pearson Education the world's largest publisher.

As far as the Guild is concerned it is a much smaller trade association than ARLA or the NAEA, (Neither the Technical Award nor the DipRLM have anything to do with ARLA, they are both NAEA qualifications) however, new members join daily and we work hard to improve standards of service in the lettings industry with the help of highly qualified committee members, councillors, solicitors, barristers and policy makers in government.

Please let me know if you require further information.

Don't be surprised if NAEA and ARLA who have already forged very close links, amalgamate at some stage in the next year or two, in a format to be decided.

Regards

Susie Crolla (Miss)
Managing Director - The Guild of Letting and Management LTD

[Assunta Crolla]

Thank you for clarifying the references made to the various levels Paul. I am aware of the pending "amalgamation" between ARLA and the NAEA-I can't wait to see what that brings.

[Daytona]

More people like me looking for a smaller more professional organisation where you're not just a number, perhaps ;)

(No connection with the Guild)

[Paul_f]

Small Associations will not have the necessary clout to lobby governments either financially or from a profile point of view. It's taken the regulated bodies a long time to become recognised as prominently as they are today.