Two papers, same structure
According to CEA, the RES examination has two papers. Both follow the same format:
- Section A: 60 multiple-choice questions, 60 marks.
- Section B: 20 multiple-choice questions on one or two case studies, 40 marks.
- Duration: 2.5 hours per paper.
What that means for pacing
150 minutes for 80 questions is under two minutes each. But Section B questions are worth two marks each, so they carry 40% of the paper from only a quarter of the questions. Budget roughly 70 minutes for Section A and 60 minutes for Section B, leaving about 20 minutes to review flagged items.
What is tested
Paper 1 covers the industry overview, land law and dealings with interests in land (contract, agency, tenancy, mortgage, co-ownership, succession and more). Paper 2 covers regulation of the agency industry, marketing, and property transactions, including HDB sales, leasing, property tax and stamp duties, and property finance. See the Paper 1 and Paper 2 topic guides.
Policy changes close to the exam
CEA states candidates will not be tested on government policy changes announced or implemented within one month before the exam. Check the passing mark, dates and permitted items on CEA’s examination page before your sitting.