RES Exam Day Tips: What to Bring and How to Prepare

TL;DR: To enter the RES exam test centre at SIM HQ, you must bring your physical NRIC or passport, a printed copy of your NTUC LearningHub entry proof, 2B pencils, and a CEA-approved non-programmable calculator. Arriving 45 minutes before the 2.5-hour session ensures you have sufficient time for identity verification and settling into your assigned seat.

Preparation for the RES exam day tips starts with your stationery kit. Since the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination is a paper-based test, you will use an Optical Mark Sheet (OMS) to shade your answers. Use only 2B pencils, as lighter leads may not be read correctly by the scanner. Avoid bringing programmable calculators or those with communication capabilities; refer to the CEA list of approved calculators (opens in a new tab) to ensure your device is permitted.

Regarding documentation, digital copies of your NRIC or entry proof are generally not accepted as substitutes for physical copies or the official Singpass app verification. For the 2026 sittings, candidates should also bring a jacket, as the examination halls at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ) are known to be quite cold during the 150-minute papers.

To pass the Singapore RES exam in 2026, candidates must bring a physical NRIC/Passport, a printed entry proof, 2B pencils, an eraser, and a CEA-approved non-programmable calculator to the SIM HQ test centre. These items are mandatory for entry and completing the paper-based Optical Mark Sheet (OMS).

The RES examination is held at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ), located at 461 Clementi Road. It is crucial to note that this is a paper-based examination and never a computer-based test (CBT). For 2026, the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) has scheduled the exams for 14–15 March, 18–19 July, and 31 October–1 November.

Understanding the financial commitment is also part of your preparation. The 2026 examination fees are S$512.30 for a full sitting (both Paper 1 and Paper 2) and S$283.40 for a modular sitting if you are retaking only one paper. Candidates must have completed the mandatory RES Course at a CEA Approved Course Provider before they are eligible to register for these dates.

Feature	Details
Venue	SIM HQ, 461 Clementi Road
Format	Paper-based (Section A & B MCQs)
2026 Full Fee	S$512.30 (inclusive of GST)
2026 Modular Fee	S$283.40 (inclusive of GST)
Duration	2.5 hours per paper

The 2026 RES exam test centre is located at SIM HQ, 461 Clementi Road, where candidates sit for two 2.5-hour papers. The full examination fee for both papers in 2026 is S$512.30, and the exam is conducted three times a year in March, July, and October/November.

Each RES exam paper consists of two sections. Section A contains 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) worth 1 mark each. Section B features 20 case-study-based MCQs worth 2 marks each, totaling 40 marks. To pass, you must achieve a minimum mark of 60 for each paper, though this is subject to final review by the CEA.

Paper 1 focuses on legal foundations, including the Land Titles Act, Landlord and Tenant law, and the Planning Act. Paper 2 covers practical transactions, such as HDB Resale Procedures, CPF housing usage, and the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A). For those appearing for the exam before 1 January 2027, the current syllabus applies. However, candidates should be aware that a revised syllabus will take effect for exams from 2027 onwards, introducing new units on green buildings and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

For RES exam candidates, mastering Paper 2 requires a deep understanding of HDB policies and taxation. You can practice questions on these specific areas in the Prepare app.

The RES exam passing mark is 60 for each paper, subject to CEA review, with each paper lasting 2.5 hours. Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 consist of 60 standard MCQs and 20 case-study MCQs, requiring a total score of 60 out of 100 to pass.

With 80 questions to answer in 150 minutes, time management is the difference between passing and failing. A recommended strategy is to allocate approximately 60 to 70 minutes for Section A (the 60 MCQs) and 60 to 70 minutes for Section B (the 20 case studies), leaving 10 to 20 minutes at the end to double-check your Optical Mark Sheet (OMS).

Section B is often where candidates struggle because it requires reading lengthy scenarios before answering. Do not spend more than 3-4 minutes on any single case-study question. If a calculation regarding the Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) or Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) is proving difficult, mark it and move on. Remember that for residential properties acquired on or after 4 July 2025, the SSD holding period is 4 years with rates of 16%, 12%, 8%, and 4% respectively.

Effective RES exam day tips for time management include spending no more than one minute per Section A question and reserving at least 70 minutes for the complex case studies in Section B. This ensures all 80 questions are completed within the 2.5-hour limit at the SIM HQ test centre.

How long should I study for the RES exam? Most successful candidates dedicate 2 to 4 months of consistent study, depending on their prior familiarity with Singapore land law and property regulations. It is highly recommended to start with the RES Exam Guide to understand the breadth of the 13 topics.

What happens if I fail one paper? You can opt for a modular sitting in the next exam window. The fee for a single paper in 2026 is S$283.40. You must pass both papers within a specific timeframe (currently 2 years from the date of your RES course completion certificate) to be eligible for licensing.

Is the exam very math-heavy? While there are calculations involving the Land Titles Act (e.g., share value) and financial planning (e.g., Mortgage Servicing Ratio or Total Debt Servicing Ratio), the majority of the exam tests your understanding of principles, ethics, and the Estate Agents Act. Check our Pricing page for access to comprehensive practice banks that include these calculation scenarios.

Candidates typically require 2 to 4 months of study to pass the RES exam, which covers 13 topics across two papers. If a candidate fails one paper, they may take a modular sitting for S$283.40, provided they pass both papers within two years of completing their RES course.

On the morning of the exam, avoid cramming new information. Instead, review your summary notes on key legislative frameworks like the Land Titles Act and HDB Resale Procedures. Ensure you have a heavy breakfast, as the 2.5-hour duration per paper is mentally taxing.

When you receive the paper at the RES exam test centre, quickly flip through to ensure no pages are missing. Read the case studies in Section B carefully; often, the answer is hidden in a small detail regarding the dates of the transaction or the citizenship status of the buyers. For example, knowing that the current SSD rules apply a 4-year holding period for properties bought from 4 July 2025 onwards is a specific detail that could appear in a Paper 2 case study.

To stay updated on the latest exam trends and practice your timing, utilize the Prepare app, which offers practice questions across all 13 RES exam topics. Consistent practice with Free RES Practice questions will build the stamina needed for the actual exam day.

To prepare for the RES exam day, candidates should focus on reviewing key HDB and SSD regulations, arrive at SIM HQ 45 minutes early, and use a structured time management plan to ensure all 80 questions are answered within the 150-minute window for each paper.