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If you’re considering a career change or looking to establish a career as a real estate agent in Singapore, you’re in the right place.
Real estate can be a lucrative career that gives you the privileges of managing your own time and having a high income potential. The commissions you can make from successful property transactions are some of the benefits that make this profession attractive.
So how do you become a property agent in Singapore?
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about becoming a real estate agent in Singapore.
You’ll need to follow a certain path to become a property agent in Singapore, which includes pursuing an education, getting official permission, and keeping professional knowledge up-to-date throughout your career.
Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a property agent in Singapore.
Step 1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria
The first step to becoming a real estate agent in Singapore is meeting the eligibility criteria. Here are the criteria that you need to fulfil:
| Eligibility criteria | |
| Residency status | Either a Singaporean citizen or a permanent resident of the country for at least 10 years.* |
| Age | Minimum 21 years |
| Educational qualification | At least 4 GCE ‘O’ Level or equivalent qualifications.** |
* If you are a Singapore permanent resident for less than 10 years, you should submit a certificate of no criminal conviction or proof that you have stayed in Singapore for at least 10 years.
** If you do not meet the above-mentioned educational requirement, there’s an alternative pathway through the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessment. Achieving Level 5 or higher in the WPLN assessments will make you eligible to become a real estate agent in Singapore.
Step 2: Complete the Real Estate Salesperson (RSE) Course
Once you’re eligible to become a real estate agent in Singapore, the next step is to take and complete the RES course. The course will provide aspiring property agents with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate effectively and ethically in the real estate industry of Singapore.
Course structure: The RES course includes lectures, interactive sessions, and assessments. It is designed for both new entrants and people with some experience but require formal education to be certified as professional agents.
Duration and commitment: Based on your availability, it can take two to three weeks to go through the comprehensive curriculum thoroughly. If you can commit to a full time schedule, you’ll be able to complete the course in 9 days. Keep in mind that you should attend at least 75% of the total course to be able to take the assessment and get a completion certificate.
Assessment and certification: You must pass an assessment to demonstrate your understanding and readiness for the next step. Successfully completing the assessment will earn you a certificate, which is a prerequisite for you to take the RES exam.
There are a few course providers approved by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). The list can be found on the CEA’s official website.
Step 3. Pass the RES examination
The next step to becoming a real estate agent in Singapore is to pass the RES examination. The RES course completion certificate has a validity period of 2 years, meaning you must take the RES exam within 2 years of obtaining the certificate.
If you can’t pass the exam within 2 years of obtaining your RES course completion certificate, you must, unfortunately, repeat the RES course again to renew your completion certificate.
Purpose of the examination
The purpose of the RES exam is to test your understanding of the laws, regulations, and operational aspects related to the real estate industry in Singapore. Passing this exam will ensure you have sufficient knowledge in areas critical to ethical practice and consumer protection.
Examination Format
The examination consists of two papers, with each containing a mix of multiple-choice questions and case study scenarios. Paper 1 focuses on the regulatory framework, especially the role of the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) and the Estate Agents Act, along with subjects like professional ethics and client care. Paper 2 is about real estate transactions, including marketing, property law, and financial calculations related to property transactions.
How to prepare for the examination
Understanding the format and types of questions typically asked can help you focus your efforts more effectively. To prepare for the exam, you may also want to revisit course materials, take mock tests, and engage in study groups. Many course providers offer revision sessions or additional resources to help you prepare.
How to register and book your place
RES exams are held periodically throughout the year. You can choose a convenient time to take the exam after completing your RES course. Keep in mind that you should register for the exam within the validity period of your course completion certificate (which is 2 years). Details on exam scheduling, registration procedures, and fees can be found here on the CEA’s website.
You must score a passing grade in both papers to move forward in the process of becoming a property agent. If you don’t pass both papers in one sitting, you can retake the exams in subsequent sessions.
Step 3. Join a real estate agency
Passing the RES examination means that you are now eligible to work for a CEA-licensed real estate agency. Working in a real environment will allow you to apply your knowledge practically, develop your skills, and kickstart your career in real estate.
You may want to conduct a thorough research on real estate agencies in Singapore to find the agency that suits you. Research the support they offer to their agents, their market presence, and their culture. You may also want to look at training opportunities, mentorship, the commission structure, and the types of properties the agencies specialise in. Once you have the list of agencies you want to join, apply for the job.
Joining a real estate agency is an important milestone in your journey to becoming a property agent. It marks the transition from learning and certification to practical application and career development. The agency will also be responsible for registering you as a salesperson with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).
Step 5. Register with the CEA through your agency
Your employer agency plays a direct role in your registration process with the CEA. Your agency will submit the application on your behalf. And don’t worry! Agencies often guide their new agents through the registration process, advising on the necessary paperwork, fees, and any additional requirements by the CEA.
Documents and information required to register with the CEA include personal information, educational and professional qualifications, such as proof of having passed the RES examination or any other relevant qualifications, and declaration of “fit and proper” criteria.
What is the approval process
Once your application is submitted, the CEA reviews it to ensure you meet all criteria, including the “fit and proper” criteria. The process can take several weeks. During this time, you may also be asked for additional information or clarification on the application.
The registration number and renewal
Upon approval of your application, you’ll be issued a unique CEA registration number. The number will serve as proof of your status as a registered property agent in Singapore and is required to be shown in your real estate transactions and marketing materials. Do note that your registration as a property agent is only valid for two years. You’ll need to renew your CEA registration number to continue working in real estate. You must fulfil the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements set by the CEA while renewing your CEA registration number.
Step 6. Meet the “fit and proper” criteria
The next step involves meeting and maintaining the “fit and proper” criteria set by the CEA. This step ensures that you as a property agent adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity.
Here are some aspects of the “fit and proper” criteria:
- Honesty and integrity: You must demonstrate a track record of honest and ethical behaviour in both your professional and personal lives. This includes a clean criminal history, especially related to fraud, dishonesty, or any other serious offence.
- Financial responsibility: Under financial responsibility, you should demonstrate that you do not have a history of financial mismanagement. If you are undischarged bankrupt, you must obtain permission from the high court to work as a property agent.
- Professional conduct: You should have a history of professional conduct in previous employment or businesses. This includes not having any record of disciplinary action for misconduct at the workplace.
- Legal compliance: You must comply with all legal obligations, including those relating to the real estate profession, such as the Estate Agents Act and regulations under the CEA.
Meeting the “fit and proper” criteria is not a one-time requirement during registration. You must continue to adhere to these standards throughout your career. Failing to meet or maintain this criteria can lead to the rejection or the revocation of an existing registration.
Step 7. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
The final step to becoming a property agent in Singapore involves a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CPD ensures that you, as a registered agent, maintain your professional knowledge and skills by staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards, practices, and regulatory changes.
CPD Requirements
After becoming a registered property agent, you should fulfil CPD requirements annually by completing a certain number of learning hours through courses approved by the CEA. It usually covers core CPD activities such as regulatory, ethical, and other mandatory topics set by the CEA, and non-core CPD activities, which include other relevant real estate-related topics.
You’ll have the flexibility to choose from a variety of CPD activities that include seminars, workshops, courses, and e-learning modules. As an agent, you’ll usually select activities that fulfil the CPD requirement and also contribute to your professional growth.
How to document and report CPD Hours
You’ll be responsible for keeping track of your CPD hours and reporting these hours to your agency and to the CEA, typically through your agency’s administrative processes. You’ll need to submit the documentation of CPD participation, such as certificates of completion as a proof of your commitment . Failure to comply with CPD requirements can result in disciplinary actions by the CEA, including the suspension or revocation of the registration.
Conclusion
Your career as a property agent in Singapore is a journey full of opportunities but also requires hard work. You will need more than just initial training and real estate knowledge to succeed. You should also be skilled at using technology, such as digital marketing tools and CRMs. You’ll keep learning about the property market and improving your negotiation skills along the way. So while you stay updated with the property market, don’t forget to update your technical knowledge too.
