How to Register for the RES Exam in Singapore (Complete Guide 2026)
Step-by-step guide to registering for the RES exam in Singapore, including eligibility requirements, the two-stage registration process, exam schedule, fees, and what to expect on exam day.
The Real Estate Salesperson (RES) examination is the final hurdle before you can obtain your property agent license in Singapore. Understanding the registration process is crucial to securing your exam slot, as seats are limited and fill up quickly.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about registering for the RES exam in 2026, from eligibility requirements to the two-stage registration process.
Eligibility Requirements for RES Exam Registration
Before you can register for the RES examination, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Complete the RES Course
You must have completed the RES course with a minimum of 75% attendance record from a CEA-approved course provider.
Certificate of Completion for RES Course
You must have received your Certificate of Completion from your course provider before you are eligible to register for the exam.
Two-Year Validity Period
You must pass the RES exam within two years from the date of issue of your Certificate of Completion. If you don't pass within this timeframe, you will need to retake the entire RES course.
Important: Course Completion Deadline
You must complete your RES course by the specified deadline for each exam sitting. For example, to sit for the March 2026 exam, you must complete your course by 20 January 2026. Check the exam schedule below for specific deadlines.
RES Exam Overview
Exam Format
The RES examination consists of two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), and you must pass both papers to be considered as having passed the RES exam. Each paper takes 2.5 hours to complete.
Paper 1 (100 marks, 2.5 hours)
Covers Competency Parts 1 and 2
- Competency Part 1: Real estate agency industry overview and basic land law concepts
- Competency Part 2: Dealings with interests in land
Question Format:
- Section A: 60 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each = 60 marks)
- Section B: 20 case study MCQs (2 marks each = 40 marks)
Paper 2 (100 marks, 2.5 hours)
Covers Competency Parts 3 and 4
- Competency Part 3: Regulation of real estate agency industry and real estate marketing
- Competency Part 4: Property transactions
Question Format:
- Section A: 60 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each = 60 marks)
- Section B: 20 case study MCQs (2 marks each = 40 marks)
RES Exam Schedule 2026
The RES examinations are conducted three times a year in March, July, and October/November. All exams are held at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ) at 461 Clementi Road, Singapore 599491.
| RES Exam | Date / Time | Exam Paper | Registration Period | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RES Course Completion | Stage 1 Indication of interest (FormSG) | Stage 2 Registration and payment (NTUC LearningHub's portal) | |||
| Mar 2026 | 14 Mar, Sat (9.30am to 12pm) | RES PAPER 1 | By 20 Jan 2026, Tue | 21 Jan 2026, Wed (9am to 12pm) | 5 Feb 2026, Thu to 8 Feb 2026, Sun |
| 15 Mar, Sun (9.30am to 12pm) | RES PAPER 2 | ||||
| Jul 2026 | 18 Jul, Sat (9.30am to 12pm) | RES PAPER 1 | By 18 May 2026, Mon | 19 May 2026, Tue (9am to 12pm) | 4 Jun 2026, Thu to 7 Jun 2026, Sun |
| 19 Jul, Sun (9.30am to 12pm) | RES PAPER 2 | ||||
| Oct/Nov 2026 | 31 Oct, Sat (9.30am to 12pm) | RES PAPER 1 | By 16 Sep 2026, Wed | 17 Sep 2026, Thu (9am to 12pm) | 1 Oct 2026, Thu to 4 Oct 2026, Sun |
| 1 Nov, Sun (9.30am to 12pm) | RES PAPER 2 | ||||
RES Exam Fees (2026)
Full Exam (Both Papers)
S$512.30 (inclusive of GST)
This covers registration for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, which is the standard option for most candidates taking the RES exam for the first time.
Retake (Per Paper)
S$283.40 (inclusive of GST)
If you fail one or both papers, you can retake individual papers at this rate. You only need to retake the paper(s) you failed.
Exam Review/Appeal Fee
S$87.20 (inclusive of GST, non-refundable)
If you believe your exam was incorrectly graded, you can submit an appeal to NTUC LearningHub to review your exam paper. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the review outcome.
NTUC UTAP Funding Available
If you are an NTUC member, you may be eligible to use the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) funding to offset part of your RES exam fees.
Please refer to the UTAP Application Guide for members to apply UTAP via the U-Portal.
Two-Stage Registration Process
Starting from August 2021, the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) has implemented a two-stage registration process for the RES examination. This process helps manage high demand and ensures eligible candidates can secure exam slots.
Important: Monitor Registration Dates Closely
Registration slots fill up extremely quickly, especially during Stage 1. It's crucial to:
- Monitor the CEA website and NTUC LearningHub for registration opening announcements
- Be ready to register as soon as Stage 1 opens (typically at 9:00 AM sharp)
Stage 1: Expression of Interest via FormSG
The first stage is an expression of interest through FormSG, a government online form platform.
Registration Window
Stage 1 registration is typically open for only 3 hours (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) on a specific day.
What to Prepare
Before Stage 1 registration opens, have ready:
- A valid and working Singpass account for authentication
- Your full name as shown on your NRIC/FIN
- Contact number and email address
- Ensure you have access to your email inbox to receive a one-time password (OTP) for verification of your email address
Submit Expression of Interest
Complete the FormSG form when it opens. You will need to select either Full or Modular sitting:
- Full sitting: For first-time candidates taking both Paper 1 and Paper 2
- Modular sitting: For applicants who are exempted from Paper 1 of the RES examination OR have a valid pass for one of the papers
Important: Applicants will be disqualified if they choose the wrong examination type or submit more than one form. Only one submission per NRIC/FIN is allowed.
Submitting your interest does NOT guarantee an exam slot—it simply allows you to proceed to Stage 2 if slots are available.
Await Shortlisting Notification
After Stage 1 closes, NTUC LearningHub (LHUB) will contact shortlisted applicants via email within approximately 1-2 week to provide instructions on completing the examination registration on LHUB's website during the Stage 2 registration window (typically 3-4 days).
Stage 2: Official Registration via NTUC LearningHub (LHUB)
The second stage is the official exam registration and payment through the NTUC LearningHub website.
Registration Window
Stage 2 registration is typically open for 4 days (Thursday to Sunday), approximately 2-3 weeks after Stage 1.
Login to LHUB's Website
Upload Required Documents
Make Payment
Complete payment for the exam fees. Payment is typically made online via credit/debit card or other accepted methods.
Registration Confirmation
After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your exam details. Your registration is only confirmed once payment is processed.
RES Exam Results
After taking the RES exam, you will need to wait for your results to be released by the exam administrator.
When Will I Get My Results?
The exam administrator (NTUC LearningHub) will notify you via email of your results within 4 to 6 weeks after you take the RES exam.
Results are sent to the email address you provided during registration, so make sure to check your inbox regularly (including spam/junk folders).
If You Pass Both Papers
Congratulations! You have successfully passed the RES examination and can proceed to the next step:
- Choose a licensed real estate agency to join
- Find a good mentor who can guide you in your property agent career
- Register for your RES license through your chosen agency with CEA
- Begin your career as a licensed Real Estate Salesperson!
Your chosen agency will guide you through the RES license registration process with CEA.
If You Fail One or Both Papers
Don't be discouraged—many aspiring property agents take multiple attempts before passing the RES exam. Here's what to do:
- You can retake the failed paper(s) at the next exam sitting (S$283.40 per paper)
- You must pass all papers within two years from the date of your Course Completion Certificate
- If you don't pass within two years, you must retake the entire RES course and sit for both papers again
Consider attending RES revision classes or using practice question platforms like RESexamPrep.sg to improve your preparation before your next attempt.
Exam Review/Appeal
If you are confident that you should have passed the exam and believe there may have been a grading error, you can submit an appeal to NTUC LearningHub to review your exam paper.
- Review Fee: S$87.20 (inclusive of GST, non-refundable)
- Notification: You will be notified of the review results within five working days
- The review fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the appeal is successful
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the passing score for the RES exam?
It is generally understood that you need to score at least 60 marks out of 100 to pass each paper. However, the passing score may be adjusted based on the difficulty of each exam sitting and is subject to review by CEA.
What happens if I miss the Stage 1 registration window?
If you miss Stage 1, you will not be able to proceed to Stage 2 for that particular exam sitting. You will need to wait for the next exam cycle (typically 3-4 months later) and register during the next Stage 1 window.
How many times can I retake the RES exam?
There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the RES exam, as long as you pass all papers within two years from the date of your Course Completion Certificate. If you exceed the two-year validity period, you must retake the entire RES course before attempting the exam again.
Start Preparing for Your RES Exam Today
Maximize your chances of passing the RES exam on your first attempt with our comprehensive practice questions and mock exams designed specifically for the Singapore RES examination.