Overview

From 22nd October 2010, under the new regulatory regime administered by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), one of the salesperson registration criteria for entry into the real estate industry is to pass the mandatory examination required by CEA or possess equivalent qualification. Prior to taking the examination, applicants will be required to complete the preparatory RES course conducted by a CEA Approved Course Provider (ACP). This is to ensure that Salespersons intending to do estate agency work are well qualified, professionally competent and be able to work effectively in the real estate industry. Equally important is that they must uphold good ethical standards. The syllabus is prepared in the context of laws in Singapore governing real estate agency work and shall focus on sale and lease transactions involving residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The syllabus does not include laws or regulations of other countries governing transactions of foreign properties and Real Estate Salespersons are advised to be familiar with such laws or regulations when advising their clients in foreign properties transactions.

The RES examination syllabus is designed to ensure Real Estate Salespersons meet the expectations required as follows:

Have a good knowledge of the concepts of real estate and agency practice.
Have a basic knowledge of the legal requirements and laws governing property transactions and real estate agency work.
Have a basic knowledge of the terminology and concepts of real estate sale and leasing and the need to comply with the requirements of the law.
Understand the requirements of the Estate Agents Act 2010 and subsidiary legislation including Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and of the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).
Be able to handle typical property transactions effectively and in compliance with the law, government policies, rules and CEA’s prescribed regulations and practice guidelines.