Thomas Lloyd, author of this article and the founder/president of TOPMexicoRealEstate is among the first 44 realtors in Mexico to receive the new degree and professional identification number.
In 2009 a new degree in Mexico Real Estate and an accompanying professional identification number ("cedula profesional") were implemented. The new degree is being offered in response to market demands for higher professionalism, and as a result of efforts from the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) to improve standards and training for real estate professionals in Mexico.
"Clients demand true professionals," pointed out Fernando Gonzalez Salazar of AMPI, "with recognized studies and a professional identification authorized by a federal government body."
The new degree is officially authorized and administered by the Federal Ministry of Public Education (SEP) and the National Center for Evaluation of Higher Education (CENEVAL). Before the implementation of this new degree, there was little organization of professional qualifications in this field. While certifications do exist, currently real estate licenses are not required, with the exception of the states of Sonora and Nayarit. Laura Flores, coordinator of the degree test within AMPI, estimates that of 19,000 involved in real estate in Mexico only "2,300 are associates of AMPI."
Experienced real estate professionals can obtain the new degree by completing an exam, called the "General Exit Exam for the Professional University Degree in Real Estate Business" (EGETSU-CI is its Spanish acronym), and providing thorough evidence of their experience in the field.
The exam lasts for five hours, and consists of 177 multiple choice questions divided into 8 sections. It is administered simultaneously in all test locations, following strict guidelines to ensure that the questions are not revealed prior to the exam date.
After passing the exam, candidates must deliver supporting documentation demonstrating experience, progress and accomplishments relevant to holding a degree in Mexico real estate. If these requirements are satisfied, the candidates receive the degree and professional identification number.
The professional identification number and certificate (cedula profesional) are issued at a national level, and are only granted to university degree holders. It is also issued to other highly trained professionals, such as those in the medical or legal field.
In the spring of 2009, the exam was applied for the first time in 16 cities throughout Mexico; due to the high standards and knowledge requirements of the materials only 44 of the candidates nationwide received the new degree.
In the future the degree will also be offered at select universities in a 4 year course of studies.
According to Laura Flores, in the long term it is hoped that all those dedicated to the Mexico real estate industry will be required to hold the degree and "cedula profesional." While at the moment requirements will be worked out regionally, the existence of this degree represents a significant step forward in Mexico's real estate industry.
TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely
Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; "Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!"
Region: Playa del Carmen real estate.
Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. A Mexican Certified Realtor he is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546.
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