What topics are covered in the RES Course & Exam Syllabus (2026)?
- Stuart Chng
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Preparing for the RES Exams? Here’s the Latest Syllabus Overview
If you’re getting ready for the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) exams, it’s important to understand what the current examination syllabus covers.
The existing RES examination syllabus was last revised and implemented on 1 January 2017, and it remains the framework that all candidates are tested on today.
All CEA-approved course providers are required to structure their Real Estate Salesperson courses according to this official syllabus, which is endorsed by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). This ensures consistency between what is taught in class and what appears in the exams.
The syllabus is carefully designed to reflect Singapore’s real estate landscape, focusing on:
Local laws and regulations governing estate agency work
Industry best practices for property transactions
The buying, selling, and leasing of HDB flats
Transactions involving private residential, commercial, and industrial properties
Ethical conduct and professional standards expected of property agents in Singapore
By aligning closely with real-world estate agency practices, the syllabus prepares aspiring agents not only to pass the exams, but also to operate competently and compliantly once licensed.
RES Exams Paper 1
Competency Unit 1: Real Estate Agency Industry Overview & Basic Land Law Concepts
Real Estate Agency Industry Overview 1.1 Real estate markets and submarkets 1.2 Real estate market players and government intervention
Basic Land Law Concepts 1.3 Introduction 1.4 Land 1.5 Estates in land 1.6 State Lands Act 1.7 Rights in another’s land 1.8 Registration of titles
Competency Unit 2: Dealing with Interest in Land
2.1 Law of Contract 2.2 Law of Agency 2.3 Landlord and tenant law 2.4 Negligence 2.5 Conveyance inter vivos 2.6 Mortgage 2.7 Gift 2.8 Trust 2.9 Succession 2.10 Future interests 2.11 Co-ownership 2.12 Restrictions on capacity to hold land 2.13 Planning and development of land
RES Exam Paper 2
Competency Unit 3: Regulation of Real Estate Agency Industry & Real Estate Marketing
3.1 Regulation of real estate agency industry 3.2 Role and functions of salespersons and their requisite knowledge and skills 3.3 Principles of real estate marketing 3.4 Types of listing 3.5 Methods of sale 3.6 Regulations on advertisements 3.7 Marketing of residential property 3.8 Marketing of commercial property 3.9 Marketing of industrial property 3.10 Marketing of special properties 3.11 Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act
Competency Unit 4: Property Transactions
4.1 Sale of uncompleted private properties 4.2 Sale of completed private properties 4.3 Collective sale of private properties 4.4 Sale of HDB flats 4.5 Leasing of private properties 4.6 Subletting of HDB flats 4.7 Foreign worker housing 4.8 Taxes on property 4.9 Property finance and financial calculations
RES Examination Objectives and What Candidates Are Expected to Know
To pass the RES exams, candidates are expected to possess:
Strong foundational knowledge of real estate concepts, including market fundamentals, contract law, agency law, development control, and property marketing principles
Practical understanding of estate agency work, particularly in handling the sale and leasing of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This includes competency in title searches, immigration checks, and financial calculations
Clear understanding of ethical standards, along with the ability to apply relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices in real-life scenarios
Up-to-date knowledge of market conditions, as well as current government policies and regulatory frameworks affecting the property sector
These competencies ensure that licensed salespersons can serve clients professionally, ethically, and in compliance with Singapore’s regulatory environment.
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Cognitive Levels Tested in the RES Examination
The RES examination syllabus clearly outlines the learning outcomes and cognitive levels candidates are expected to achieve for each topic. Understanding these levels helps candidates prepare more effectively.
Level 1: Remembering
At this foundational level, candidates must be familiar with key terminology and core concepts. They should be able to identify, list, define, and describe laws, rules, regulatory requirements, and standard procedures.
Level 2: Understanding
At this stage, candidates should be able to interpret and explain concepts in context. This includes classifying information, paraphrasing rules, and applying understanding to simple scenarios or case studies.
Level 3: Applying
This is the highest cognitive level tested. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations, such as analysing client needs and providing accurate, professional advice based on real-world circumstances.
Progression through these levels is sequential. Candidates must first master Level 1 before advancing to Levels 2 and 3. For example, achieving Level 3 requires solid competency in both remembering and understanding the subject matter.
To assess Level 3 competency, the RES examination may include scenario-based or case study questions, in addition to direct questions.
RES Course Requirement Before the Exam
Before sitting for the RES examination, candidates are required to complete the RES Course, which consists of at least 50 hours of classroom learning. This course must be conducted by a CEA-approved Course Provider (ACP).
CEA-approved providers are encouraged to structure their lessons in ways that help participants effectively develop the required knowledge, skills, and professional judgement needed to succeed in both the examination and their future careers.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the objectives, cognitive expectations, and course requirements of the RES examination gives candidates a clear advantage. With the right preparation and structured learning approach, aspiring property agents can not only pass the exams but also build a strong foundation for a successful real estate career.
Find out more about the costs, recommended course providers and other topics on getting your RES licence in the next article!
Stuart Chng, Executive Group District Director at Huttons, is a renowned leader and personality in the real estate industry.
He adores music and can play a few instruments decently without upsetting his neighbours. When not doing so, he enjoys pillow fighting with his son and coming up with silly puns which barely amuses his wife.
Professionally, he is a licensed real estate agent, avid investor in options, stocks and real estate, team leader, speaker and columnist for several property newsletters and blogs and is often quoted in media interviews on 938FM, Channel 8, PropertyReport, PropertyGuru and other publications.
Throughout his career, he has helped many clients grow their wealth through selecting great real estate investments and managing their portfolios actively. Read his clients' reviews here.
Stuart has also coached many top million dollar producing agents from top Singapore real estate agencies. Read his agents' reviews here.
P.S. Brand new and interested in the RES Course? Find out how to get your property agent licence and become a property agent in Singapore!
P.P.S. Passed your RES Exams? Find out what steps to take next to quickly reach your goals!
P.P.P.S. Find out which real estate agency is most suitable for you.
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