RES exam: frequently asked questions
Quick, direct answers to the questions people ask most about the Singapore RES exam.
What is the RES exam?
The RES (Real Estate Salesperson) examination is the mandatory licensing exam for anyone who wants to practise as a property agent in Singapore. It is administered by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) and conducted by NTUC LearningHub.
How many papers are there?
What is the RES exam format?
Each paper is 2.5 hours with 80 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks — Section A has 60 standalone MCQs (60 marks) and Section B has 20 case-study MCQs (40 marks). Since 2023 the exam is entirely MCQ-based. See the full format.
What is the passing mark?
60 marks out of 100 per paper, subject to review by CEA. You must pass both papers to pass the exam.
How much does the RES exam cost?
A full sitting (both papers) is S$512.30 and a modular sitting (one paper) is S$283.40, both including GST. See all fees and related charges.
Do I need to complete a course first?
Yes. You must complete a CEA-approved RES course (minimum 75% attendance) and hold a valid Certificate of RES Course Completion, which is valid for two years for exam eligibility.
How do I register for the RES exam?
Registration is two-stage: you indicate interest via CEA’s online channel (with Singpass), and if shortlisted, complete registration and payment on NTUC LearningHub’s website. See the step-by-step guide.
What are the RES exam dates for 2026?
The scheduled windows are 14–15 March, 18–19 July, and 31 October–1 November 2026, with Paper 1 on the Saturday and Paper 2 on the Sunday. Check the schedule and official announcements.
Can I retake only one paper if I fail the other?
Yes. If you pass one paper, you can sit the failed paper alone as a modular candidate, as long as you complete it within the two-year validity of your course certificate.
When are results released?
Results are generally released within four to six weeks after the exam.
Is the RES exam difficult?
Yes, it’s considered a demanding entry exam. First-time pass rates are commonly estimated in the 40–60% range. Read more in the passing rate guide.
How long should I study for the RES exam?
Most candidates need 6–12 weeks of focused revision after the course, with 300–500 practice questions as a useful benchmark. See how to pass for a full plan.
Does the RES exam have short-answer questions?
No. Since 2023, both papers are 100% multiple-choice. There is no fill-in-the-blank or short-answer section.