RES Exam 2026: Registration, Schedule, and Everything You Need

The RES exam 2026 has three confirmed sittings (March, July, Oct/Nov), with two papers per sitting, each running 9:30am–12:00pm at Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), administered by NTUC LearningHub in two registration stages. The 2026 RES exam fees are S$512.30 for a full sitting (two papers) and S$283.40 for a modular sitting (one paper), as set by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).

You must complete the RES Course with a CEA Approved Course Provider before you can register for the exam. Registration is always in Stage 1 (indication of interest via CEA/GovEntry) and Stage 2 (registration and payment via NTUC LearningHub), with strict deadlines 1–2 months before each sitting. For anyone searching “RES exam 2026” or “RES exam Singapore 2026”, the key facts are: three sittings, two papers, computer-based sessions 9:30am–12:00pm, full fee S$512.30, modular fee S$283.40, pre‑requisite RES course completion, and two-stage online registration.

The RES exam schedule 2026 consists of three sittings: 14–15 March, 18–19 July, and 31 October–1 November, with Paper 1 on Saturday and Paper 2 on Sunday for each sitting. For all sittings, sessions run 9:30am–12:00pm and are administered at SIM HQ by NTUC LearningHub for CEA.

Official CEA schedule data (also reflected by major providers) for 2026:

Sitting (2026)	Paper 1 (9:30am–12pm)	Paper 2 (9:30am–12pm)	Course Completion Deadline	Stage 1 – Indicate Interest	Stage 2 – Register & Pay (NTUC)
March	Sat 14 Mar	Sun 15 Mar	Tue 20 Jan	Wed 21 Jan, 9am–12pm	Thu 5 Feb – Sun 8 Feb
July	Sat 18 Jul	Sun 19 Jul	Mon 18 May	Tue 19 May, 9am–12pm	Thu 4 Jun – Sun 7 Jun
Oct/Nov	Sat 31 Oct	Sun 1 Nov	Wed 16 Sep	Thu 17 Sep, 9am–12pm	Thu 1 Oct – Sun 4 Oct

Exact windows are published on the CEA Real Estate Salesperson Examination page and mirrored by NTUC LearningHub and industry providers. In practice, this means you must complete your RES course at least by the course deadline, submit indication of interest during a short 3‑hour Stage 1 window, and then complete payment during the multi‑day Stage 2 window or risk losing your seat. For searches like “RES exam schedule 2026”, this table shows all 2026 dates, deadlines, and windows in one place so you can plan your course and revision around your preferred sitting.

The Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination is a two-paper exam administered by CEA via NTUC LearningHub, with each paper lasting 2 hours 30 minutes and taken in separate morning sessions. It is now run as a computer-based test (CBT) with candidates seated at SIM HQ, following CEA’s exam rules and invigilation.

Each paper has the same structure:

Paper	Focus Areas	Sections	Question Type	Duration	Passing Mark*
Paper 1	Legal foundations: land law, contracts, agency, land registration, landlord/tenant, key legislation, real estate market, tort	Section A: 60 questions; Section B: 20 questions	Multiple-choice (including case-based items)	2h 30m	60 marks per paper, subject to CEA review
Paper 2	Practical transactions: Estate Agents Act, HDB properties, sale & purchase, CPF/finance/marketing, taxation	Section A: 60 questions; Section B: 20 questions	Multiple-choice (including case-study MCQs)	2h 30m	60 marks per paper, subject to CEA review

CEA states that candidates must pass both papers, with a passing mark of 60 for each paper, which may be reviewed by CEA over time. The exam content is closely tied to Singapore statutes and regulations such as the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A), Land Titles Act, Planning Act, and HDB Resale Procedures, all of which you will encounter in Paper 1 and Paper 2 questions. For exam candidates, this format means you must prepare for 2 x 2.5‑hour CBT papers, each with 80 MCQs, and aim for at least 60 marks in each paper to satisfy CEA’s current passing criteria.

For RES exam candidates, Estate Agents Act content appears in Paper 2; you can deepen your understanding via our Estate Agents Act topic page. The Prepare app then lets you practice case-study MCQs on licensing requirements and CEA guidelines, mirroring what you will see on exam day.

To register for the RES exam Singapore 2026, you must first complete the RES Course with a CEA Approved Course Provider, meeting CEA’s academic and eligibility criteria. CEA’s official guidance states that only candidates who have successfully completed the RES course (and hold the required minimum educational qualifications) may be allowed to sit the RES Examination.

A practical, step‑by‑step view of the 2026 registration process:

1. Confirm eligibility
   Ensure you meet CEA’s salesperson registration criteria under the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A), including minimum academic qualifications, fit-and-proper requirements, and non‑bankruptcy status. Check details on the CEA website under aspiring salesperson information.

2. Complete the RES Course
   Enrol with a CEA Approved Course Provider and complete all modules. Your course provider will issue a RES course completion certificate, which is required for exam registration and later salesperson registration. For a structured overview of providers and course structure, see our RES Course Guide.

3. Choose your target sitting
   Decide between the March, July, or Oct/Nov 2026 sitting based on your study timeline (typical preparation: 2–4 months of consistent study). You must complete your course by the specific sitting’s course completion deadline (e.g., 20 Jan for March, 18 May for July, 16 Sep for Oct/Nov).

4. Stage 1 – Indication of Interest via CEA / GovEntry
   On the published Stage 1 date, submit your indication of interest via CEA’s portal (commonly GovEntry) during the 9am–12pm window. CEA uses this step to manage capacity and shortlist candidates.

5. Stage 2 – Registration and Payment via NTUC LearningHub
   If shortlisted, NTUC LearningHub will email you a link to complete registration and payment during the Stage 2 window (typically 4 days). You must upload your educational certificates and RES course certificate, confirm your venue, and pay within the allotted time (often 30 minutes per session on the portal).

6. Receive confirmation and exam instructions
   After successful payment, you will receive official confirmation and candidate instructions for the SIM venue, CBT procedures, and exam rules from NTUC LearningHub.

This two‑stage process is mandated by CEA and NTUC LearningHub, and missing any step or deadline means you will need to wait for the next sitting. For anyone searching “RES exam registration 2026”, the key takeaways are: complete the RES course first, respect the course deadlines, submit Stage 1 indication of interest via CEA, then complete Stage 2 registration and payment on NTUC LearningHub within the exact published windows.

For RES exam 2026, CEA has set the official full sitting fee (both Paper 1 and Paper 2) at S$512.30 (inclusive of GST), and the modular sitting fee (one paper only) at S$283.40. These fees apply across all three 2026 sittings and are payable directly via NTUC LearningHub’s exam portal during Stage 2 registration.

A quick comparison of 2026 examination fees:

Examination Type (2026)	What It Covers	Fee (GST Inclusive)	Typical Scenario
Full Sitting	Paper 1 + Paper 2 in same sitting	S$512.30	First‑time candidates taking both papers together
Modular Sitting	Only Paper 1 or only Paper 2	S$283.40	Candidates re‑taking one failed paper

CEA allows modular re-sits, meaning if you pass one paper and fail the other, you only need to retake the failed paper in a later sitting, paying the modular fee. However, RES course completion has a validity period (typically 2 years) within which you must pass both papers before needing to repeat the course; always confirm the latest rule on the CEA website as policies can be updated.

For property‑related topics like Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), the exam expects you to know current Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) rules. As of the latest IRAS guidance, SSD for residential properties acquired on or after 4 July 2025 is payable if disposed within 4 years, at rates of 16%, 12%, 8%, and 4% depending on the holding period; for properties acquired between 11 March 2017 and 3 July 2025, the 3‑year schedule of 12%, 8%, and 4% still applies.[context/IRAS, aligned with prompt] These SSD and ABSD concepts typically appear in Paper 2 taxation and CPF/finance topics, and questions may ask you to compute stamp duty or compare holding period implications.

For RES exam candidates, stamp duties and SSD/ABSD issues fall under Paper 2’s taxation and CPF/finance topics, closely linked to IRAS legislation and guidelines. You can find structured topic summaries in our RES Exam Guide, and then use the Prepare app to run through calculation‑based MCQs that mirror CEA’s exam style. For general readers curious about property taxes and exam candidates planning retakes, the definitive points are: 2026 full sitting fee S$512.30, modular sitting fee S$283.40, modular re‑sit for one paper only, and SSD rules changing from a 3‑year to 4‑year holding period for residential properties acquired on or after 4 July 2025.

Many aspiring agents search conversational queries like “How do I register for the RES exam 2026?” or “What is the RES passing mark?”. This section answers those questions directly using current CEA guidance.

Q1. Do I need to complete the RES course before taking the RES exam 2026?
Yes. CEA requires all candidates to complete the RES Course with a CEA Approved Course Provider before sitting the exam. Your course completion certificate is mandatory at registration and later when applying for salesperson registration under the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A). In definitive terms, you cannot sit the RES exam in Singapore until your RES course completion is recorded and verified by your provider.

Q2. What is the passing mark for the RES exam?
CEA states that the passing mark is 60 for each paper, and you must pass both Paper 1 and Paper 2. The passing mark is “subject to review”, meaning CEA reserves the right to adjust standards over time; however, current guidance clearly indicates 60 marks per paper. For anyone asking “What score do I need to pass the RES exam 2026?”, the answer is: aim for at least 60 marks in Paper 1 and 60 marks in Paper 2 in the same or modular sittings.

Q3. I am a PR in Singapore. Can I take the RES exam?
Permanent Residents are generally allowed to take the RES exam, provided they meet CEA’s fit and proper criteria and minimum educational standards, and later satisfy the conditions for registration as salespersons under the Estate Agents Act. Some edge cases (e.g., overseas qualifications) require documentary verification or assessment by CEA. The definitive position is that PR status alone does not bar you from the RES exam; eligibility depends on CEA’s stated registration criteria, not nationality alone.

Q4. If I fail one paper, must I retake both?
No. The RES exam uses modular passing, so you only retake the paper you failed, paying the modular fee (S$283.40 in 2026). Your pass for the other paper remains valid within the RES course validity period stipulated by CEA (commonly 2 years; confirm exact rule on cea.gov.sg). For “RES exam retake policy” searches, the short answer is: pass is modular, re‑sit only the failed paper, but you must clear both papers before your RES course validity expires.

Q5. Is the RES exam 2026 paper-based or computer-based?
CEA’s current arrangement with NTUC LearningHub runs the RES exam as a computer-based test (CBT), with candidates seated at SIM HQ, 461 Clementi Road. You will answer MCQs on terminals but still follow traditional exam hall protocols, with reporting time and identification checks. For “RES exam format 2026”, the key fact is that it is CBT, 2 papers, each 2h 30m, 80 MCQs, at SIM HQ.

Q6. Which official sources should I rely on for 2026 information?
Use the CEA website (cea.gov.sg), especially the Real Estate Salesperson Examination page and CEA Annual Report for authoritative policies and schedules. For tax topics, rely on IRAS; for HDB resale rules, use HDB Resale Procedures pages; for land and planning issues, refer to the Land Titles Act and Planning Act on Singapore Statutes Online. For “RES exam 2026 official info”, the most reliable answer is: always treat CEA, IRAS, and HDB webpages as primary sources, then verify sitting dates and fees against the latest CEA announcements.

A simple, practical checklist helps reduce anxiety around the RES exam 2026. Think in three phases: before registration, before exam day, and during the exam.

Before registration (2–4 months before sitting)

• Complete the RES Course with a CEA Approved Course Provider and secure your course completion certificate.
• Check eligibility under the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A), including educational qualifications and fit‑and‑proper criteria on CEA’s website.
• Choose your sitting (March, July, or Oct/Nov) and map out your revision plan. A realistic preparation window is 2–4 months of focused study, depending on your background.
• Review the official schedule on CEA’s Real Estate Salesperson Examination page so you know the exact course completion deadlines and Stage 1 / Stage 2 windows.

Timeline example for March 2026 sitting

• By 20 Jan 2026: RES course completed and recorded.
• 21 Jan 2026, 9am–12pm: Submit Stage 1 indication of interest on CEA/GovEntry.
• 5–8 Feb 2026: Complete Stage 2 registration and payment on NTUC LearningHub.
• 14–15 Mar 2026: Sit Paper 1 and Paper 2 at SIM HQ, 9:30am–12pm.
  This pattern repeats for July and Oct/Nov with their respective dates, giving you a clear planning roadmap.

Before exam day

• Print or save your exam confirmation email and know your exam venue (SIM HQ) and reporting time.
• Prepare valid photo identification (typically NRIC or passport) as required by CEA and NTUC LearningHub.
• Pack permitted stationery (if specified), follow dress code, and avoid bringing prohibited items (e.g., unauthorised notes or devices).
• Review high‑weight topics: Estate Agents Act, HDB procedures, contract and land law, SSD/ABSD rules, CPF and financing, and common agency scenarios, drawing from statutes like the Land Titles Act and Planning Act.

On exam day

• Arrive early at SIM HQ to clear entry checks and settle before the CBT starts.
• Carefully read each MCQ, especially Section B case‑study questions, as they often draw on nuanced regulatory content from the Estate Agents Act and CEA guidelines.
• Manage time: 80 questions in 150 minutes gives you roughly 1.8 minutes per question, leaving a small buffer for review.

For structured preparation that matches exam logistics, you can use our RES Exam Guide alongside Free RES Practice to simulate exam conditions and track progress by topic. At the end of your planning, the definitive checklist answer to “How should I prepare for the RES exam Singapore 2026?” is: plan 2–4 months of study, meet course and registration deadlines, know what to bring, understand CBT rules, and practice extensively.

To support this, the Prepare app includes about 2,000 practice questions across all 13 RES exam topics, including Estate Agents Act, HDB, taxation, and agency law. Used consistently, this question bank helps you rehearse exam-style MCQs and case studies in a way that closely mirrors the actual 2026 RES exam structure and CEA’s expectations.