Embarking on a career as a Real Estate Salesperson (RES) in Singapore is a structured process governed by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements to become a registered RES, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for aspiring professionals.
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To qualify as a RES, candidates must meet specific criteria:
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
2. Educational Qualifications
A minimum of four GCE ‘O’ Level passes or equivalent is required. For those without this qualification, an alternative is the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessment at Level 5 and above in Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Numeracy. The British Council administers this assessment.
Overseas qualifications, private diplomas etc. may also be considered for assessment to determine if the qualifications meet the educational qualification requirement.
3. Possess a pass in the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) examination or equivalent
Pass the RES Examination:
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- Examination Structure: The RES examination comprises two papers, each testing different aspects of real estate knowledge. Candidates must pass both papers to proceed.
- Validity Period: A pass in the RES examination is valid for two years. Candidates must apply for registration within this period; otherwise, they will need to retake the examination.
The Bachelor of Science (Real Estate) course and Diploma in Real Estate Business course are currently offered by NUS and NP respectively:
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- Students enrolled in these two courses on or after 1 April 2020 and subsequently attain these qualifications will be granted partial exemption from one RES examination paper (i.e. Paper 1) and one REA examination paper (i.e. Paper 1). They will be required to take RES examination Paper 2, and REA examination Papers 2 and 3.
- Existing students enrolled in these two courses before 1 April 2020 and subsequently attain these qualifications will not be affected by the amendments to the Regulations. These students, together with past graduates, will continue to be granted full exemption from the RES and REA examinations.
- Individuals who have passed all 3 examinations in General Practice by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) on or before 1 March 2023 shall be deemed to have obtained qualifications equivalent to a pass in the RES and REA examinations.
4. Residency Status
Applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents. If you are a SPR for less than 10 years at the point of submitting your salesperson registration application, you will be required to submit either:
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- a Certificate of No Criminal Conviction (CNCC) from your country of origin issued within 3 months from the date of submission of your salesperson registration application; or
- supporting documents e.g. local educational qualifications, IRAS statements, previous employment passes or long-term visit passes, etc. to prove that you have been residing in Singapore for 10 years or more.
5. Must not hold a moneylender’s licence and not be an employee, director, or partner of a licensed moneylender
Property agents are expected to offer impartial advice to clients involved in property transactions. However, conflicts of interest can arise if agents receive financial benefits from providing moneylending or financial advisory services in the course of a property transaction. In such cases, agents may be seen as unable to meet their obligations to clients objectively. To address this, the Estate Agents Act prohibits individuals holding a moneylender’s licence, or those employed by, directing, or partnering with a moneylender, from operating a property agency or practicing as a property agent.
6. Fulfill the fit and proper criteria under the Estate Agents Act
Applicants should not have any criminal records or undischarged bankruptcies.
Example: A person who was previously detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act or served with a detention / police supervision order under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act would generally be deemed to be not fit and proper for registration, unless CEA determines otherwise after considering all facts and matters (including circumstances of the prior detention / supervision)
Are you ready to take the first step towards your new career as a real estate salesperson in Singapore? Start by assessing your educational qualifications and researching RES courses. Your future in real estate awaits!