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How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Singapore? (Updated 2026)

  • Writer: Vivian Chong
    Vivian Chong
  • 4 days ago
  • 8 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

How To Become A Real Estate Agent In Singapore?

Are you thinking of becoming a real estate agent?


You may be a fresh graduate, someone planning a mid-career change, a stay-at-home mum returning to the workforce, or someone who has spent decades in the corporate world and now wants work that feels meaningful and closer to your heart.


A property agent career in Singapore is attractive for many reasons: time flexibility, a potentially lucrative income, and the option to work from home.


In this article you will learn:


  • The eligibility criteria you must meet

  • How to complete the required course and pass the exam

  • What it takes to register with an agency

  • How to make your first move and build a successful start


Step 1: Check that you fulfil the criteria to become a property agent


Before you begin, it is important to understand the CEA eligibility requirements to become a property agent in Singapore.


1) Be a Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) for more than 10 years


In Singapore, only Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) with more than 10 years of residency can apply to be a real estate agent or property agent.


What if I am a SPR for less than 10 years? Can I still join the real estate agent industry?


If you are a SPR for less than 10 years, you must submit a Certificate of no criminal conviction or a proof that you have stayed in Singapore for 10 years or more.


Check out how one of our teammates, Gigi Wang, who is an American expat and PR in Singapore got her CEA license.


Read her real estate journey in this article:


For foreigners looking to join the industry, your estate agent must approach CEA for a preliminary eligibility assessment and submit the required documents, such as a work pass or employment contract.


2) Be 21 years old and above


If you are not more than 21 years old, congrats! You have a long road ahead to make this your dream career. Just wait a while more :)


3) Have a minimum of 4 'O' level passes or equivalent


If you do not have a minimum of 4 'O' level passes, you may also submit a Level 5 and above Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessment in these 5 components: Reading, listening, speaking, writing and numeracy.


You may register for the WPLN Assessment at the British Council.


Other qualifications, such as overseas qualifications and private diplomas etc, can also be submitted for assessment through the Approved Course Providers (ACP) with whom you intend to enrol in the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course.


real estate property agent career
You must have a minimum of 4 'O' level passes or equivalent to take the RES examination.

4) Fulfil the Council For Estate Agencies (CEA) “Fit & Proper” criteria


To be deemed fit and proper to be a real estate agent, you must fulfil the criteria set by CEA.


CEA will assess your background before allowing you to register as a property agent. This means you must not have past issues involving fraud, dishonesty, breach of trust, or serious criminal matters. You also must not be an undischarged bankrupt, and you must declare all previous convictions, including those from other countries.


CEA may also consider any other relevant facts before making their decision. You can find more details on these criteria on the CEA website.


If you fulfil the above 4 criteria, congratulations!


You may now move on to the next step - Attend the Real Estate Agent Course!


pass RES exam
Congratulations for fulfilling the 4 basic criteria to embark on a real estate career!

Step 2: Attend the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Course


CEA requires all new entrants to take the Real Estate Agent course through its Approved Course Providers (ACP) before taking the RES exam.


Below are the CEA Approved Course Providers:










5) Ngee Ann Polytechnic











After you have completed the property agent course, you will be issued with the Certificate of RES Course Completion, provided that you have a minimum attendance rate of 75%.


Do note that the certificate of RES course completion has a validity period of 2 years. You must take the RES examination within 2 years from the completion date,


If you cannot pass the exam within 2 years (ouch, touchwood!), you are required to attend and complete the RES course again.



RES course
The certificate of RES course completion has a validity period of 2 years.

Step 3: Take the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) examination


The RES examination is entry-level for all new entrants who wish to become a real estate salesperson.


The exam is held three times a year — in March, July, and October/November.


Every RES course certificate for exam registration is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass both papers within 2 years of getting your RES course completion certification, you need to attend and complete the RES course again.


You may attempt the exam for both papers as many times as needed during the 2 years validity, unless you are under suspension by CEA or have breached some professional code.


  • RES Exam Dates 2026


The RES Exam 2026 will be held in March, July and October/November.


RES exam dates 2026


  • Examination Format


There are 2 papers for the exam.


The format of both Paper 1 and Paper 2 is as follows:


Section A: 60 MCQs (60 marks)

Section B: 20 MCQs with reference to 1 or 2 case studies (40 marks)


Duration: 2.5 hours for each paper


If you have only passed one paper, you are allowed to retake the other paper within the 2 years timeframe from the date of issuance of the RES course completion certificate.



  • Examination Syllabus


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.


RES Exam Syllabus


  • Examination Fees


For a full sitting of 2 papers, the exam fees (including GST) is $512.30.


For modular re-sitting, the exam fees (including GST) is $283.40.


If you are an NTUC member, you can enjoy up to 50% funding (capped at $250 per year) under the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP).


NTUC members 40 years old and above can enjoy higher funding up to $500 per individual each year.



  • Examination Results Notification


You will receive an email notification in 4 to 6 weeks informing you if you have passed your exams.

If you have passed your examination, congratulations! You may now proceed to step 4.


If you have not passed your exams, don't be discouraged. Many teammates tried a few times before finally passing their exams!


Don't give up!


RES exams revision


Step 4: Apply to a Real Estate Agency and register as a Real Estate Agent


Once again, congrats on passing your exam. It's no small feat!


You may now proceed to your chosen property agency in Singapore and register as a salesperson through them. Do note that this has to be done within 2 years from the month you sat for the exam. Not sure which property agency in Singapore to join?




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


If you are exploring a career in real estate, you may have many questions on your mind. These FAQs will help you understand the process better so you can take your next step feeling more prepared and supported.


  1. How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Singapore?


It will take about 6 months. This includes attending the RES course, the exam, and registering with an agency.


  1. Is the RES exam difficult?


It can be challenging because it covers many policies and the MCQs options are close. You will need to set aside time to do proper revision and practice.


Check out this article that I have written: Top 5 RES Exam Questions You Need To Know To Pass The Exam.


  1. How many times can I retake the RES exam?


You can retake the exam as many times as you need within the 2-year validity of your RES course certificate.


However, do note that CEA only conduct 3 exams per year.


  1. How long is the RES course completion certificate valid?


It is valid for 2 years. If you do not pass both papers in that period, you must retake the course.


  1. Where can I get help to prepare for the RES exam?


Both Huttons and Navis conduct RES revision classes to support aspiring agents. We have received wonderful feedback from past attendees who found the classes very helpful.

Contact me if you would like to join our next revision class.



Navis RES exam revision
Our Navis RES revision classes have received many good reviews from past attendees.

  1. Can foreigners become real estate agents in Singapore?


Only if they are SPRs who have been in Singapore for more than 10 years.

For SPR of less than 10 years, you must submit a Certificate of no criminal conviction or a proof that you have stayed in Singapore for 10 years or more.


  1. What qualifications do I need before taking the RES course?


You need at least 4 O-level passes or an equivalent qualification.


If you do not have the minimum 4 O-Level passes, you have two options. You can take the WPLN assessment, and CEA accepts Level 5 and above for all five components as an equivalent qualification.


Or, you can email your foreign or private qualifications to CEA for assessment by submitting the required documents.


  1. How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?


For a start, you will need to pay for the RES course and exam fees. At Huttons, we reimburse the RES exam fees if you meet certain criteria.


After you pass the exam and are ready to register, Huttons also supports aspiring agents by absorbing the initial costs such as the CEA fees and Professional Indemnity Insurance.


  1. Can I do real estate part-time?


Yes, some of our teammates started as part-time realtors. A few of them move to full-time when they feel more confident.


You might want to read this article that I have written for those considering to do part time: Can I Be A Part-Time Property Agent In Singapore?



Conclusion


real estate career mentor leader women


Real estate can be a meaningful journey. If you are thinking about starting this career, take the first step today.


If you need guidance or a mentor to walk with you in this new season, let’s have a conversation.


Drop me a Whatsapp or schedule an appointment using the link below.






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About The Author

property agent career female leader mentor

Vivian joined the real estate industry in 2002.


Having been in the real estate business for more than 2 decades, she knows the rewards and challenges that a real estate agent faces.

While the real estate career offers lucrative income and flexible work hours, it also presents many challenges - financial insecurity as we do not have basic pay and time management as we juggle work, children and family all at once.


Only those who have walked the same journey will understand.

Vivian would now like to pay it forward by mentoring fellow agents, especially women who want to build a real estate career.


It is her vision to see women achieving their dreams, and live their lives with purpose and passion through a successful real estate career.

Call Vivian at 98577714 to embark on this journey.

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