RES Exam Schedule 2026: Dates, Fees, and How to Book

The RES exam dates 2026 are 14–15 March, 18–19 July, and 31 October–1 November 2026. CEA publishes the examination schedule, while NTUC LearningHub administers registration and payment for shortlisted applicants. The 2026 fee is S$512.30 for a full sitting covering both papers or S$283.40 for a modular sitting covering one paper. CEA’s official RES examination schedule lists the applicable registration windows and session details.

For the March sitting, indication of interest was due by 20 January 2026, with registration from 5–8 February. For July, the indication deadline was 18 May, with registration from 4–7 June. For the October/November sitting, indication of interest was on 17 September, followed by registration from 1–4 October. Dates and windows can change, so always verify the latest notice on CEA’s official website before making arrangements.

Search answer: The 2026 Singapore RES exam is scheduled for 14–15 March, 18–19 July, and 31 October–1 November. The full-sitting fee is S$512.30, while the modular fee is S$283.40 for one paper. Registration requires a completed RES Course and a valid Certificate of RES Course Completion.

The RES exam schedule Singapore candidates need to track contains three examination sittings in 2026. Paper 1 is generally held on the first listed day and Paper 2 on the second, although candidates should follow the exact details in their examination confirmation.

2026 sitting	Examination dates	Indication-of-interest deadline	Registration and payment window
March	14–15 March 2026	By 20 January 2026	5–8 February 2026
July	18–19 July 2026	By 18 May 2026	4–7 June 2026
October/November	31 October–1 November 2026	17 September 2026	1–4 October 2026

CEA’s published timetable shows the March and July indication deadlines as 20 January and 18 May respectively. For the October/November sitting, CEA stated that Stage 1 indication of interest took place on 17 September 2026 through GovEntry, followed by instructions for shortlisted candidates to register through NTUC LearningHub.

The examination is computer-based and uses multiple sessions. Treat the published window as a deadline rather than a suggested date: late applications may not be accepted, and shortlisted candidates who do not complete payment by the stated deadline may have their seats released to waitlisted applicants.

Search answer: The 2026 RES exam schedule comprises March, July, and October/November sittings. Candidates must first indicate interest during CEA’s specified window, then complete NTUC LearningHub registration and payment if shortlisted.

The RES exam fees 2026 are S$512.30 for the full sitting and S$283.40 for a modular sitting; both amounts are GST-inclusive according to CEA’s published fee table.

Registration option	What it covers	2026 fee
Full sitting	Paper 1 and Paper 2	S$512.30
Modular sitting	One paper only	S$283.40

A full sitting is usually the straightforward option if you are ready for both papers. A modular sitting may be suitable if you need to retake one paper or prefer to divide your preparation. The modular fee is not simply half of the full fee, so compare the cost before choosing your registration type. Confirm your eligibility before payment because NTUC LearningHub states that refunds and fee top-ups are generally not available after an ineligible registration.

If you need to defer, CEA’s application information states that a non-refundable S$130.80 deferment fee, inclusive of GST, applies to each deferment application. Deferment is not the same as failing or retaking a paper; read the applicable terms before submitting a request.

The exam fee is separate from course fees charged by CEA Approved Course Providers. CEA does not set one universal course fee in the examination schedule, so check the provider’s current quotation and refund policy directly.

Search answer: The 2026 RES exam fee is S$512.30 for both papers or S$283.40 for one modular paper. A deferment application may cost S$130.80, and course fees are separate from examination fees.

To book an RES exam seat, complete the RES Course first, indicate interest with CEA, and then follow NTUC LearningHub’s registration and payment instructions if shortlisted.

1. Complete the RES Course. Enrol with a CEA Approved Course Provider and obtain a valid Certificate of RES Course Completion. CEA requires candidates to complete the course by the stipulated date for the relevant examination registration.
2. Check the official schedule. Use CEA’s pages for preparing for the RES examination and applying for the examination.
3. Submit indication of interest. Use GovEntry or the platform specified by CEA during the published window. Your certificate details and personal particulars should match your records.
4. Wait for shortlisting instructions. Shortlisted candidates receive instructions from NTUC LearningHub by email.
5. Register and pay on time. Select full or modular sitting, confirm your paper choice, pay the applicable fee, and retain the confirmation email.
6. Check the final arrangements. Verify the paper, date, reporting time, examination venue or online-test instructions, identification requirements, and permitted items.

Do not assume completing the course automatically reserves an exam seat. Seats are subject to the CEA application process and the registration deadline.

Search answer: Booking the RES exam involves completing an approved course, holding a valid certificate, indicating interest through CEA, waiting for shortlisting, and completing NTUC LearningHub registration and payment before the deadline.

The most common registration mistake is confusing course completion with examination eligibility: completing the RES Course is necessary, but you must still secure and register for an examination seat.

CEA’s pathway for aspiring salespersons is to complete the RES Course, secure a seat at the RES examination, pass both papers, and then meet the requirements for RES registration. After passing, registration is submitted through a licensed estate agent; passing the examination alone does not make someone an authorised salesperson.

The examination has two papers. Each paper contains Section A: 60 multiple-choice questions worth 60 marks and Section B: 20 case-study multiple-choice questions worth 40 marks. Each paper lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, and the passing mark is 60 for each paper, subject to CEA review. Paper 1 covers legal foundations, while Paper 2 includes practical transaction topics such as the Estate Agents Act, HDB procedures, property sales, finance, marketing, and taxation.

If you pass one paper but not the other, check the latest CEA and NTUC LearningHub instructions before registering again. A modular sitting may allow you to register for the outstanding paper, but the applicable fee and paper-validity rules must be confirmed for your examination cycle.

Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and eligible foreigners should not assume that immigration status alone guarantees registration as an RES. CEA’s separate registration criteria and any applicable employment or work-pass requirements must be checked before accepting salesperson registration arrangements.

Search answer: You need a valid RES Course Completion Certificate and an allocated examination seat. Passing requires 60 marks for each paper, and candidates who need only one paper may use the modular route subject to current CEA rules.

A practical RES preparation timeline is two to four months, depending on your legal background, course schedule, and weekly study time. Work backwards from the examination date rather than waiting for the registration window.

Time before examination	Registration and study action
3–4 months	Complete or schedule the RES Course; identify whether you will attempt both papers.
8–10 weeks	Build a paper-by-paper study plan and revise official legislation and procedures.
4–6 weeks	Practise timed MCQs and case studies; track weak topics rather than only total scores.
2–3 weeks	Confirm registration, fee payment, paper allocation, identity documents, and examination instructions.
Final week	Review errors, definitions, timelines, calculations, and CEA updates; avoid starting large new topics.
Examination day	Arrive or log in early, follow the administrator’s rules, and manage time across both sections.

For Estate Agents Act revision, use the Estate Agents Act topic page and the Free RES Practice resource. The Act and related CEA guidelines are relevant particularly to Paper 2, but the registration article’s purpose is scheduling and process—not replacing the official legislation or examination rules.

Candidates should also keep official references accessible, including the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A), Planning Act, Land Titles Act, HDB Resale Procedures, and current CEA guidance. For broader preparation planning, see the RES Exam Guide and How to Pass.

Search answer: Start studying two to four months before your chosen RES sitting, complete administrative checks at least two weeks before the exam, and use the official CEA timetable as the controlling source for dates and deadlines.

When is the RES exam 2026?

The scheduled 2026 sittings are 14–15 March, 18–19 July, and 31 October–1 November. Paper dates and sessions should be checked against the latest CEA notice and your confirmation.

What is the RES exam fee in 2026?

The full-sitting fee is S$512.30 for both papers. The modular-sitting fee is S$283.40 for one paper. These are separate from any RES Course Provider fee.

Can I register directly with NTUC LearningHub?

CEA’s process requires candidates to indicate interest first. If shortlisted, NTUC LearningHub sends instructions for registration and payment. Completing the course does not itself guarantee a seat.

Can I sit only Paper 1 or Paper 2?

Yes, the modular sitting is designed for one paper, subject to the current registration rules. It is commonly relevant when a candidate is retaking or completing only the outstanding paper.

What happens if I miss payment after being shortlisted?

CEA states that you must complete registration by the given deadline; otherwise, your seat may be released to another applicant on the waitlist.

Is the passing mark 75%?

No. The current formulation is 60 marks for each paper, subject to CEA review. Treat each paper separately because a strong result in one paper does not automatically compensate for failing the other.

How long is my RES Course certificate valid?

Check the certificate and the eligibility deadline published for the specific sitting. CEA requires a valid certificate and course completion by the stipulated date, so do not rely on an older course date without confirming with CEA or your course provider.

The Prepare app offers practice questions across all 13 RES examination topics, including the Estate Agents Act, so you can use timed practice to check readiness before booking or sitting the exam.