Step 8: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Becoming a real estate agent in Singapore isn’t just about getting a license and calling it a day. It takes effort, networking, and a willingness to learn. You’ve got to find the right agency that fits your style and goals.
Don’t skip the mentorship part either; having someone experienced to guide you can make a big difference. Once you’re set up, stay on top of market trends and keep building your connections. It’s a journey, and while it can be tough at times, the rewards can be pretty great. So, if you’re ready to dive in, go for it! Your real estate career awaits.
RES Examination Deferment
Candidates who do not attend the examination will be marked as "Absent" and considered to have failed the exam.
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CEA may approve deferment requests only under the following circumstances:
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Hospitalization on the examination day
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Passing of an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild) within 14 days before the exam
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National Service duties that coincide with the exam date
A non-refundable fee of $130.80 (including GST) applies for each deferment request. Candidates must submit their application along with supporting documents via LHUB’s online system within 5 working days after the examination. Approved deferments will be assigned to the next available examination, and no further deferments will be granted.
RES Examination Rules
The RES examination is conducted by NTUC LearningHub Pte Ltd (“LHUB”), the appointed examination administrator of CEA. Candidates can visit LHUB’s website for a comprehensive list of examination rules and regulations.
Below are key examination rules that candidates should be aware of:
The RES examination begins at 9:30 AM. Candidates must arrive on time. Those who report to the exam counter after the 15-minute grace period (9:45 AM) will not be permitted to take the examination, and no refund will be provided.
Candidates must bring a physical form of identification, such as their NRIC, passport, driving licence, or employment pass. Digital IDs are not accepted. Candidates who fail to present a valid physical ID will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
Mobile devices are strictly prohibited during the examination. All devices must be switched off (not on vibration or airplane mode) and placed in the designated area. Candidates found in possession of their mobile devices during the exam may face disqualification and/or be barred from future examinations.
Examination materials are CEA’s property and must be returned to the invigilator after the exam. Recording or copying examination questions in any form is strictly prohibited. Any candidate who records exam questions or removes exam papers from the hall will be disqualified immediately and reported to CEA, which reserves the right to bar them from future examinations.
CEA and LHUB have a zero-tolerance policy for cheating. Candidates who attempt to gain an unfair advantage—whether by violating exam rules or other means—may be barred from future examinations at CEA’s discretion.
Validity of RES Examination Results
Candidates must pass the RES examination within two years from the date their RES course completion certificate is issued. Those who achieve a partial pass must complete the remaining paper(s) within this two-year period. Failure to do so will render the partial pass invalid, requiring candidates to retake the RES course before attempting the full examination again.
Upon passing the RES examination, candidates will receive an RES examination certificate. If they intend to become a registered real estate salesperson, they must submit their registration application through a licensed estate agent within two years from the month of their examination. If the application is not submitted within this timeframe, the examination results will no longer be valid for registration purposes.
For instance, if a candidate passes the RES examination in September 2023, the results will remain valid for salesperson registration until 30 September 2025. After this date, candidates must retake both the RES course and examination to qualify for registration in the real estate industry.
RES Examination Results Notification
Candidates who have taken the RES examination will receive an email from the designated examination administrator appointed by CEA, informing them of their results within 4 to 6 weeks after the exam.
🎉 Passed the exam? Congratulations! You can now proceed to the next step and apply for your real estate license.
If you didn’t pass on your first try? Don’t worry! Many successful real estate agents took the exam multiple times before passing. Stay motivated, review your weak areas, and retake the exam with confidence!
Request for Review of RES Examination Results
CEA has established strict procedures and verification processes to ensure the accuracy of RES examination results.
However, candidates who wish to request a review of their RES examination results may submit an appeal to CEA's appointed examination administrator using the official appeal form within 5 working days of the result release. A non-refundable fee of $87.20 (including GST) is required for each appeal, covering the cost of reviewing the answer script and rechecking the awarded marks. Please note that answer scripts will not be disclosed as part of the appeal process.
The appointed examination administrator will notify candidates of the appeal outcome approximately 14 working days after the appeal submission deadline. If a high volume of appeals is received, processing may take longer.
RES Exam Fees & NTUC Funding
💰 Exam Fees (Including GST):
✔ Full Exam (Both Papers): $512.30
✔ Modular Re-sitting (One Paper): $283.40
🎓 NTUC Member Funding:
If you are an NTUC member, you can receive up to 50% funding (capped at $250 per year) through the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP).
🔹 NTUC members aged 40 and above can enjoy an enhanced subsidy of up to $500 per year!
Paper 1 & Paper 2 Format:
✅ Section A: 60 multiple-choice questions (60 marks)
✅ Section B: 20 multiple-choice questions based on 1 or 2 case studies (40 marks)
⏳ Duration: 2.5 hours per paper
Important: If you pass only one of the two papers, you can retake the failed paper within two years from the issuance date of your RES course completion certificate.
RES Exam Dates 2025
The RES examination is conducted three times a year, typically in March, June, and October. It is essential to plan your preparation accordingly and register early, as slots are limited.
RES Exam Syllabus
The RES examination consists of two papers, each designed to evaluate different aspects of real estate knowledge. The current RES exam syllabus was revised and took effect from 1 Jan 2017.
It consists of 4 competency units:
1) Real estate agency industry overview and basic land law concepts.
2) Dealings with interest in land.
3) Regulation of real estate agency industry and real estate marketing.
4) Property Transactions
You will not be tested on policy changes announced or implemented within one month before the RES exam.
The Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination is a mandatory entry-level test for anyone aspiring to become a licensed real estate agent in Singapore. This exam assesses your understanding of industry regulations, property transactions, and legal frameworks essential for a real estate career.
How to Study for the RES Exam
To study for the RES exam in Singapore, start by thoroughly reviewing the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) syllabus and study materials.
Focus on key topics such as real estate law, regulations, and industry practices.
Create a study schedule, break down complex topics into manageable sections, and use past exam questions to test your understanding.
Joining a RES preparatory course can provide structured learning and expert guidance. Finally, stay updated on industry trends and practice ethical scenarios to enhance your real-world application of knowledge.
RES Exam Preparation & Revision Classes
Preparing for the RES exam can be challenging, but revision classes can significantly improve your chances of passing.
If you’re looking for highly effective RES revision classes, we have expert trainers who can guide you through the key topics and exam techniques.
Comparison of Top RES Course Providers
Which RES Course is Best?
Your ideal RES course depends on your availability and learning preference. Here’s a quick guide:
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Fastest Completion: Benchmark Pro (8 days full-day course) or Pioneer (6 days full-day course)
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Best for Working Professionals: Weekday evening courses from Hastor, Benchmark Pro, or Pioneer
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Most Flexible Weekend Option: RCN’s 5-weekend course
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Best for Group Sign-Ups: Pioneer (buddy discount available)
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Most Affordable: Hastor & Benchmark Pro ($650, No GST)
1. Hastor Property Training Academy
Location: 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #02-514, Singapore 310190 (Above KFC)
Why Choose Hastor?
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High passing rate among new RES candidates.
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Renowned trainers Daryl Ou and Celeste Ng, recognized for their effective teaching methods.
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Well-structured course materials designed for efficient exam preparation.
Course Options:
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Weekday Evenings
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Duration: 6 weeks (18 evening sessions)
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Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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Ideal for: Full-time employees available only in the evenings.
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Express Weekday Morning/Afternoon Course
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Duration: 14 sessions (half/full-day classes)
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Schedule: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM / 5:00 PM
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Ideal for: Individuals needing to complete the course quickly.
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Weekends Only
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Duration: 10 weekends over 6 weeks
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Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM / 5:00 PM
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Ideal for: Working professionals who can only attend on weekends.
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Course Fee: $650 (No GST)
4. Real Centre Network (RCN)
Locations: Toa Payoh & Tampines
Why Choose RCN?
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Offers the most diverse course structures.
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Two training venues for added convenience.
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SkillsFuture credits applicable.
Course Options:
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Weekend Crash Course
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Duration: 5 weekends
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Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Shorter sessions on some days)
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Ideal for: Those who need longer preparation time.
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Saturday-Only Course
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Duration: 2 months
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Schedule: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Ideal for: Those preferring a gradual approach with free Sundays.
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Full-Day Weekday Crash Course
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Duration: 8 days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
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Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Ideal for: Those with flexible weekday availability.
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Course Fee: $834.60 ($780 + GST)
3. Pioneer Training Centre
Locations: Jurong East & Sunshine Plaza, Bencoolen Street
Why Choose Pioneer?
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Various learning schedules to accommodate different lifestyles.
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Discounts available for group sign-ups.
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SkillsFuture credits applicable.
Course Options:
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Weekend Course
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Duration: 4 weekends
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Schedule: Half-day or full-day sessions on alternate weekends.
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Ideal for: Working professionals with limited weekend availability.
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Full-Day Weekday Course
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Duration: 6 days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
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Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Ideal for: Those seeking the fastest route to completion.
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Weekday Nights Course
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Duration: 9 weeks
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Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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Ideal for: Learners preferring gradual learning.
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Express Weekday Nights Course
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Duration: 19 days (Weeknights with rest days in between)
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Ideal for: Those needing a semi-intensive schedule.
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Course Fee: $738 per person ($650 if signing up with a buddy)
2. Benchmark Pro
Location: 151 Chin Swee Road #03-31, Manhattan House, Singapore 169876
Why Choose Benchmark Pro?
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Taught by David Huan, an experienced industry trainer.
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Flexible course schedules catering to different needs.
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SkillsFuture credits applicable.
Course Options:
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Weekend Crash Course
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Duration: 3 weekends
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Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
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Ideal for: Those with busy weekdays.
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Full-Day Weekday Crash Course
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Duration: 8 days (Monday-Thursday for 2 weeks)
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Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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Ideal for: Those on leave or self-employed professionals.
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Weekday Nights Course
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Duration: 14 sessions
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Schedule: Weeknights, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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Ideal for: Professionals preferring a slower-paced learning approach.
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Course Fee: $650 (No GST)
RES Course Requirements
Before diving into the comparison, here are some key points to keep in mind:
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The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) mandates a minimum attendance of 75% to qualify for the RES exam.
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Completing an accredited RES course is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Attendance, required for exam registration.
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If you are taking the course for knowledge only and do not plan to sit for the exam, you are not required to meet admission criteria but will not receive a Certificate of Attendance.
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Course fees typically do not include RES exam registration costs.
NTUC members can claim UTAP subsidies of up to $250 for RES exam fees.
1) Citizenship or Permanent Residency Status
To qualify as a real estate agent, you must be:
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A Singapore Citizen, or
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A Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) for at least 10 years.
What if I am an SPR for less than 10 years? If you have been an SPR for less than 10 years, you will need to provide additional documentation, such as:
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A Certificate of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC) from the Singapore Police Force.
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Proof of residence in Singapore for at least 10 years.
Foreigners aspiring to enter the industry Foreigners who wish to become real estate agents must first undergo an eligibility assessment.
Their sponsoring estate agency must submit a request to the CEA, along with supporting documents such as a valid work pass or employment contract, for evaluation.
2) Educational Qualifications
To be eligible, you must have at least four (4) GCE ‘O’ Level passes or an equivalent qualification.
What if I do not meet this educational requirement? If you do not have four ‘O’ Level passes, you may qualify by taking the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessment, where you need to achieve a minimum Level 5 in the following five components:
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Reading
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Listening
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Speaking
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Writing
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Numeracy
The WPLN assessment is conducted by the British Council, and you can register for it online.
Alternatively, individuals with overseas qualifications or private diplomas must submit their academic certificates to an Approved Course Provider (ACP) for verification before enrolling in the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course.
Having the necessary academic qualifications ensures that all agents have the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills needed to perform their role professionally.
3) Minimum Age Requirement
You must be at least 21 years old to register as a property agent.
If you are younger, take this time to build relevant experience, network within the industry, and prepare for your future career in real estate.
4) Meeting the CEA Fit and Proper Criteria
Beyond academic and residency requirements, you must also satisfy the fit and proper criteria set by CEA. This assessment ensures that all real estate agents uphold integrity and professionalism in the industry. Some key disqualifying factors include:
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Any previous or ongoing criminal record related to fraud, dishonesty, or other serious offences.
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Any history of unethical business practices or breaches of financial trust.
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Any disciplinary actions taken against you in professional capacities.
It is advisable to review the full set of criteria on the CEA website to confirm your eligibility.
Interested In A Career In Real Estate?
Are you thinking about a career as a real estate agent in Singapore?
With the Singapore property market seemingly always booming, more and more people in Singapore are inspired to get their property license to be a RES agents.
As of January 1, 2025, there were 36,058 property agents in Singapore, marking a record high since the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) was established in 2010. This is an increase from the 35,251 agents registered at the start of 2024.
As a property agent with over a decade of experience, I get to enjoy a flexible work-life balance and coach multiple new agents to become successful district directors.
It can be a rewarding path, but getting there takes time. From understanding the role to getting your license, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started in the real estate business.
Choosing the Best RES Course Provider in 2025
Becoming a real estate agent in Singapore is a structured process governed by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Before you embark on this rewarding career, you must first ensure that you meet the necessary eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to qualify:
Step 2: Attend the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Course
Since the pandemic, RES course providers are now offering flexible learning options to suit different schedules. Whether you need evening classes(either working for your full-time job or stay-at-home mom), weekend-only sessions, or accelerated courses, there are options available to fit your needs.
Choosing the right training provider is a crucial first step toward becoming a licensed real estate agent. Be sure to consider factors such as course structure, trainer experience, and scheduling flexibility.
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Step 3: Take the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right RES course provider is key to your success in the real estate industry. Consider your schedule, preferred pace of learning, and budget before making a decision.
With the right course, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the RES exam and begin your career in Singapore’s thriving property market.
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