How to Register for the RES Exam: Step-by-Step

To register for the RES exam in Singapore, you must first complete the RES Course at a CEA Approved Course Provider (ACP) and receive a Certificate of Completion. Once eligible, you can book your exam slot online through the NTUC LearningHub portal during the official registration window. For 2026, the full-sitting fee for both papers is S$512.30, and the exam is a paper-based assessment held at SIM HQ.

Before you begin, ensure you meet the basic CEA eligibility criteria: you must be at least 21 years old, possess a minimum of 4 GCE 'O' Level passes (or equivalent), and satisfy the fit and proper criteria. The RES Course certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance; if you do not pass both papers within this period, you must retake the entire course before re-registering. For more details on the journey, check our RES Exam Guide.

How do I register for the RES exam? To register for the RES exam, log in to the NTUC LearningHub exam portal during the specific registration window, select your required papers, and pay the fee of S$512.30 for a full sitting or S$283.40 for a single modular paper.

The registration process is managed by NTUC LearningHub, the official exam administrator appointed by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Follow these steps to secure your seat:

1. Complete the RES Course: You cannot register without a valid course completion certificate. Ensure your ACP has updated your status in the system.
2. Monitor Registration Dates: CEA typically holds exams three times a year. For 2026, the dates are 14-15 March, 18-19 July, and 31 October-1 November. Registration usually opens 1-2 months prior.
3. Access the NTUC LearningHub Portal: Visit the official NTUC LearningHub RES Exam page (opens in a new tab) and log in using your credentials.
4. Select Your Papers: You can choose a full sitting (Paper 1 and 2) or a modular sitting if you are retaking a specific paper.
5. Make Payment: Fees must be paid online via credit card or other accepted digital payment methods.
6. Receive Confirmation: You will receive an Examination Notification Letter (ENL) via email, which you must bring to SIM HQ on exam day.

Candidates should note that registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand, slots at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ) can fill up within hours of the portal opening. CEA exam registration requires a valid RES course certificate and must be completed through the NTUC LearningHub portal during the announced window, with fees of S$512.30 for a full sitting.

Understanding the costs and timelines is crucial for planning your study journey. The 2026 examination fees include GST and are non-refundable. If you fail one paper, you only need to register for a modular sitting for that specific paper in the next round, provided your course certificate is still valid.

Feature	Full Sitting (Paper 1 & 2)	Modular Sitting (1 Paper)
2026 Exam Fee	S$512.30	S$283.40
Duration	2.5 Hours per paper	2.5 Hours
Format	60 MCQs + 20 Case Study MCQs	60 MCQs + 20 Case Study MCQs
Passing Mark	60 per paper	60
Location	SIM HQ (Paper-based)	SIM HQ (Paper-based)

The 2026 examination schedule published by CEA is fixed for 14-15 March, 18-19 July, and 31 October-1 November. Candidates are advised to start their RES Course Guide at least 3-4 months before these dates to ensure they have sufficient time for both the course and self-study. What are the 2026 RES exam fees? The 2026 fee for a full sitting of the RES exam (Papers 1 and 2) is S$512.30, while a modular sitting for a single paper costs S$283.40, payable to NTUC LearningHub during registration.

The RES exam tests your knowledge across 13 comprehensive topics. Paper 1 focuses on legal foundations, including the Land Titles Act and the Planning Act. Paper 2 covers practical transactions, heavily featuring the Estate Agents Act and HDB resale procedures.

Candidates must be aware of current regulations, such as the Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD). For properties acquired on or after 4 July 2025, a 4-year holding period applies with rates of 16%, 12%, 8%, and 4%. This is a common area for calculation questions in Paper 2. Furthermore, a revised RES syllabus will apply to exams from 1 January 2027, introducing new units on green buildings, professional ethics, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

For RES exam candidates, the Estate Agents Act falls under Topic 3 in Paper 2. This section tests your knowledge of licensing requirements, CEA guidelines, and professional conduct. You can practice questions on this specific topic in the Prepare app to ensure you meet the passing mark of 60. What is the RES exam format? The RES exam consists of two papers, each lasting 2.5 hours and featuring 60 multiple-choice questions in Section A and 20 case-study-based multiple-choice questions in Section B, requiring a passing mark of 60 per paper.

Q: Can I change my exam date after registering? No, once registration is confirmed and payment is made to NTUC LearningHub, fees are non-refundable and dates are non-transferable. Ensure you are available for the specific 2026 dates (March, July, or October/November) before booking.

Q: Where is the exam held? The exam is a paper-based examination at Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ), 461 Clementi Road. It is not a computer-based test (CBT), so you must bring appropriate stationery and an approved calculator.

Q: What happens if I fail one paper? If you pass one paper but fail the other, you only need to register for the failed paper (modular sitting) in the next exam cycle. However, you must pass the remaining paper within the 2-year validity period of your RES course certificate.

Q: How long should I study before registering? Most successful candidates spend 2-4 months studying. Given the complexity of the Estate Agents Act and various land laws, consistent practice is key. Where is the RES exam held? The RES exam is conducted as a paper-based test at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ) located at 461 Clementi Road, administered by NTUC LearningHub on behalf of the CEA.

Before the registration portal opens, ensure your digital documents are ready. You will need your NRIC/FIN and your RES Course Certificate number. If you are applying for a modular sitting, have your previous result slip ready. Remember that the passing mark is 60 for each paper, subject to CEA review, so every mark counts.

To increase your chances of passing on the first try, we recommend utilizing the Free RES Practice resources available. The Prepare app offers over 2,000 practice questions across all 13 RES exam topics, including detailed sections on Paper 2's practical transaction rules and Paper 1's legal frameworks. You can view our full range of study tools on our Pricing page.

Registration is just the beginning of your professional journey. By staying updated on CEA announcements and using comprehensive practice tools, you can navigate the 2026 RES exam with confidence and secure your future as a Singapore Real Estate Salesperson. How long is the RES course certificate valid for registration? The RES course completion certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, during which a candidate must register for and pass both papers of the RES exam.