Top 5 Toughest Topics in the Singapore RES Exam (And How to Prepare)

RES Exam Admin
Jan 2
3 min read

Singapore’s real estate industry is fast-paced, competitive, and full of opportunity. But before you can start your journey as a licensed property agent, you must first pass the RES (Real Estate Salesperson) Exam — a key requirement for anyone entering the profession. Many candidates find that certain RES exam topics are especially challenging and require focused preparation.

Below, we break down the five RES Exam toughest topics and explain why mastering them is essential—plus how practising with RES online mock exams can significantly improve your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Understanding the RES Exam in Singapore

If you’re planning to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Singapore, passing the RES Exam is mandatory. Before registering, candidates must complete a CEA mandatory RES training course, which prepares new entrants for the exam and the profession.

The RES Exam consists of two papers, and candidates must score at least 60% for each paper to pass. That is not all, even at 60%, there is a bell curve to restrict the number of agents joining the industry each year. Hence it is extremely important that you prepare well before the exams and not start at the very last minute. Here are the top 5 toughest topics you should keep an eye out for!

1. Property Taxes and Stamp Duties

One of the most complex areas tested in the RES Exam is property taxation. Candidates are expected to understand multiple tax components, including Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), and Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD).

The huge challenge here lies in constantly changing tax policies, so ensure you are kept up to date with the latest. Also, this is pure memory work but also guaranteed points if you can remember the figures. Practice regularly to have active recall and test yourself to become comfortable with calculations and scenarios commonly tested.

2. Grants & Eligibility

These two are best studied hand in hand as the complexity lies in the buyer profile(s). With a high number of permutations - from Singles, to Singapore citizens, PRs, foreigners and the nationalities from Singapore's Free Trade Agreement it can be mixed and matched to give you a real headache. Not forgetting age and income levels that comes into the mix!

Do up a table that helps you remember these, and more importantly keep testing yourself with the various permutations to ensure you can recall them. Once again these are non-debatable facts and if you can master them, the points will be yours!

3. Advertising Rules and CEA Guidelines

Advertising regulations are another major hurdle for many RES candidates. Property marketing in Singapore is strictly regulated by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) to ensure accuracy, fairness, and consumer protection.

You’ll need to understand what can—and cannot—be included in property advertisements, as well as the penalties for non-compliance. Exam questions in this area often test attention to detail, making realistic online mock papers especially valuable for exam preparation.

4. Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA)

The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act is a core legal topic in the RES Exam. This legislation safeguards consumers against unfair practices and misrepresentation in property transactions.

For aspiring real estate salespersons, understanding CPFTA is essential for both exam success and long-term professional credibility. Practising scenario-based questions through RES mock exams online helps reinforce how the law applies in real estate contexts and improves exam confidence.

5. Sale of Uncompleted Private Properties

Another challenging RES exam topic is the sale of uncompleted private properties, which involves detailed rules and regulations. Candidates must be familiar with frameworks such as the Housing Developers Rules and the Sale of Commercial Properties Rules.

These transactions are common in Singapore’s property market, and exam questions often test regulatory compliance and procedural knowledge. Repeated exposure to exam-style questions through mock papers is one of the most effective ways to master this topic.

Boost Your RES Exam Results with Online Mock Papers

While these topics may seem overwhelming at first, they are absolutely manageable with the right preparation strategy. One of the most effective ways to prepare is by practising with RES exam online mock papers that closely mirror the actual exam format and difficulty.

Our mock exams are designed to:

Test you on multiple scenarios to ensure you actively recall the fundamentals
Highlight commonly tested concepts with trick questions
Build speed, accuracy, and confidence

If you’re serious about passing the RES Exam and starting your real estate career in Singapore, consistent practice is key and start preparing early!

Start preparing smarter today with our RES online mock papers—and take a confident step towards passing the RES Exam on your first attempt.

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