Best RES Exam Study Materials & Resources (2026)

To succeed in the 2026 Singapore Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination, candidates must prioritize high-quality, up-to-date resources. TL;DR: The most effective RES exam study materials include the comprehensive course manuals provided by CEA-approved course providers, the official RES exam textbook, and digital practice platforms like the Prepare app. Candidates should dedicate 2 to 4 months of intensive study to master the 13 topics across both papers.

Before you can sit for the exam, you must complete the mandatory RES Course through an approved provider. The course notes serve as your primary RES exam study guide, covering critical legislation such as the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A), the Land Titles Act, and the Planning Act. For 2026, the examination fee for a full sitting of two papers is S$512.30, while a modular sitting for a single paper costs S$283.40.

The official RES exam textbook remains a cornerstone of preparation, providing the theoretical depth required for Paper 1's legal foundations. However, theory alone is insufficient; you must apply these concepts to the 20 case-study MCQs found in Section B of each paper. The passing mark is 60 for each paper, subject to CEA review, making precision and time management essential during the 2.5-hour sessions at SIM HQ.

To pass the RES exam in 2026, candidates must score at least 60 marks per paper, covering legal foundations in Paper 1 and practical transactions in Paper 2. Utilizing official CEA-approved course materials and practicing with simulated exam questions are the most effective ways to ensure exam readiness.

Understanding the structure of the exam is vital for selecting the right RES exam resources. The examination, administered by NTUC LearningHub, is a paper-based test held at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ). It is not a computer-based test (CBT). The table below outlines the differences between the two papers you will encounter in the 2026 schedule (14-15 Mar, 18-19 Jul, and 31 Oct-1 Nov).

Feature	Paper 1: Legal Foundations	Paper 2: Practical Transactions
Focus	Land Law, Contracts, Agency, Tort	HDB, Sales, CPF, Taxation, Marketing
Section A	60 MCQs (1 mark each)	60 MCQs (1 mark each)
Section B	20 Case Study MCQs (2 marks each)	20 Case Study MCQs (2 marks each)
Duration	2.5 Hours	2.5 Hours
Topics	8 Competency Units	5 Competency Units

For RES exam candidates, mastering Paper 1 requires a deep dive into the Land Titles Act and Landlord and Tenant law, while Paper 2 focuses on the HDB Resale Procedures and IRAS taxation rules. You can find more details on the specific syllabus requirements in our RES Exam Guide.

The 2026 RES examination format consists of two 2.5-hour papers, each featuring 60 standard MCQs and 20 case-study questions. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 60 per paper to pass, navigating topics ranging from Singapore land law to complex HDB resale and private property transaction procedures.

Paper 2 is often considered the more 'practical' paper, as it deals with the day-to-day mechanics of Singapore real estate. One of the most critical RES exam study materials for this section is the current Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) schedule. For properties acquired on or after 4 July 2025, a 4-year holding period applies with rates of 16% (Year 1), 12% (Year 2), 8% (Year 3), and 4% (Year 4). Properties acquired between 11 March 2017 and 3 July 2025 follow the older 3-year schedule (12%, 8%, and 4%).

Candidates must also be well-versed in HDB Resale Procedures and CPF usage for property purchases. This includes understanding the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) rates and how they affect different buyer profiles. For RES exam candidates, these topics fall under Unit 4 (Financial and Taxation) in Paper 2. You can practice questions on these specific tax calculations in the Prepare app.

Success in RES Paper 2 requires a thorough understanding of Singapore's property taxation and HDB regulations, including the 2025 revised Seller’s Stamp Duty rates. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in calculating stamp duties and navigating HDB resale policies to meet the 60-mark passing requirement set by the Council for Estate Agencies.

While you are likely aiming for the 2026 sittings, it is important to note that the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) has announced a revised RES syllabus that applies to exams from 1 January 2027. If you do not pass all modules in 2026, you will face a broader syllabus in 2027. The new syllabus adds units on professional ethics and conduct, prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing (AML/CFT), and green buildings and leases.

Because the 2027 syllabus is more expansive, the best RES exam study guide for current students is one that helps them pass within the 2026 calendar year. The structure of 60 Section A and 20 Section B MCQs remains the same, but the content density will increase. Focusing on the current 13 topics now is the most efficient path to becoming a licensed salesperson.

Candidates sitting for the RES exam in 2026 should aim to pass both papers before the 2027 syllabus revision takes effect. The upcoming changes will introduce new competency units regarding green buildings and anti-money laundering regulations, potentially increasing the study load required to achieve the necessary 60-mark passing score.

How long should I study for the RES exam? Most candidates require 2 to 4 months of study. This includes attending the mandatory course and spending at least 10-15 hours a week on self-revision and practice questions.

Where is the RES exam held in 2026? The exam is a paper-based test held at the Singapore Institute of Management Headquarters (SIM HQ) at 461 Clementi Road. It is administered by NTUC LearningHub on behalf of the CEA.

What is the passing mark for the RES exam? The passing mark is 60 for each paper. However, this is subject to review by the CEA. You must pass both Paper 1 and Paper 2 to be eligible for registration as a salesperson.

Can I use a calculator in the exam? Yes, but it must be a CEA-approved model. Financial calculators are often recommended for Paper 2's mortgage and taxation calculations. For more tips on exam day essentials, visit our Free RES Practice page.

Preparing for the Singapore RES exam involves a dedicated 2-to-4-month study period, focusing on the 13 syllabus topics administered by NTUC LearningHub. Candidates must sit for the paper-based examination at SIM HQ and achieve a minimum score of 60 marks on both papers to qualify for their salesperson license.

Active recall is the most effective way to retain the vast amount of legal and procedural information required for the RES exam. While reading the RES exam textbook is a good start, testing your knowledge through simulation is what builds exam-day confidence. Many candidates find that case-study questions in Section B are the most challenging due to the complex scenarios involving the Estate Agents Act and Land Titles Act.

To supplement your notes, look for RES exam resources that offer topical drills. This allows you to identify weaknesses in specific areas, such as Paper 1's Law of Tort or Paper 2's Marketing topics. Check our Pricing for access to comprehensive preparation tools.

The Prepare app offers practice questions across all 13 RES exam topics, providing over 2,000 questions designed to simulate the actual exam environment. By consistently practicing both standard MCQs and Section B case studies, you can refine your ability to apply Singapore property laws and regulations under the 2.5-hour time limit.

Utilizing a comprehensive database of practice questions is essential for mastering the Singapore RES exam's two papers. By engaging in active recall across all 13 competency units, candidates can better prepare for the 60-mark passing requirement and the specific challenges posed by the 2026 paper-based examination at SIM HQ.