The Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC) is recognized globally as one of the most prestigious and professional certification programs for education agents. The progress is created by the Professional International Education Resources (PIER) Network and supported by International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) and English Australia.
What is EATC?
The Education Agent Training Course (EATC) is a training course for those who want to become certified Education Agent Counsellors (EACs). By clearing the training, you can eligible to take the examination to become certified as a QEAC. This course is designed to provide agents with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to effectively represent Australian education providers to international students.
Fee:
The EATC is not free for candidates. It cost 295,00 € (including GST) and is payable online through the IEAA website. This fee includes access to all course materials, resources, quizzes, updates, and the final exam.
About Exam:
The exam have 1 hour & 20 minutes duration and is conducted online. The exam contains 50 multiple choices questions and 80% marks are required to pass the exam. The exam questions cover all the topics from the EATC course, including Australian education system, student visa requirements, code of ethics for agents and marketing strategies for education providers.
Exam Format:
The exam is an “open book” exam, meaning that candidates can use their course materials and notes during the exam. However, it is important to note that the exam is timed and cannot be paused once started. You have been watched remotely through a webcam during the exam to ensure integrity and compliance with the QEAC standards.
Retaking the Exam:
If you didn’t pass, don’t worry! You can retake the exam up to three times within one year of enrolling. No additional cost is involved for retaking the exam. However, if you fail to pass after three attempts, you will have to re-enroll and pay the course fee again.
Benefits of becoming a QEAC:
- Recognition as a professional education agent by IEAA, PIER Network, and other international organizations.
- Access to exclusive resources and updates on changes in the Australian education system.
- Increased credibility and trust among students and education providers.
- Ability to network with other certified agents and attend industry events.
- Higher chances of success in recruiting international students for Australian institutions.
- Potential for increased earnings through commissions from successful student placements.
In addition to these benefits, being a QEAC also means being part of a global community that is committed to promoting ethical and best practices in international education. It also provides opportunities for continuous professional development through workshops, webinars, and conferences.
How Does a Certified QEAC Earn Income?
A student counsellor’s primary source of income is through commissions paid by education providers. These commissions are typically 30% to 40% of the tuition fees paid by the student to the institution. Some education agents also charge a counseling fee from students, which can range from a few hundred dollars to a percentage of the tuition fees. Certified QEACs may also earn additional income through other services such as visa application assistance and accommodation booking for their clients.
Recap:
The QEAC certification empowers education agents with the skills and ethical foundation to thrive in Australia’s competitive international education sector. By completing the EATC, agents gain a competitive edge through globally recognized credentials, updated industry insights, and trusted partnerships with institutions. This certification not only boosts career growth but also aligns agents with a community dedicated to ethical practices and student success, making it a vital investment for professionals aiming to excel in international education recruitment.
Rowena Reeves is an experienced educator from Queensland, Australia, with more than 15 years of hands-on teaching and mentoring experience. Starting her career as a classroom teacher, she has since expanded her expertise to include curriculum development and leading professional development programs for fellow educators. Throughout her career, Rowena has been committed to helping both teachers and students thrive through strategies that emphasize inclusivity, digital literacy, and evidence-based teaching practices. Her strong educational foundation includes a Master of Education degree as well as certifications in Instructional Design and TESOL.
On her widely-read education blog, Rowena generously shares practical lesson plans, valuable career guidance, and thoughtfully developed teaching resources. Her content, trusted by thousands of educators, strikes the perfect balance between being easy to use and academically sound, reflecting her dedication to maintaining the highest standards in education.