7 RES Exam Tips to Pass on Your First Try

The RES exam isn't about raw intelligence — it's about preparation and exam technique. Here are seven tips that separate first-time passers from re-sitters.

1. Practise far more than you read

The single biggest mistake is passive reading. You retain far more by answering questions and reviewing why you got them wrong. Aim for a high volume of practice questions rather than re-reading notes.

2. Don't neglect Section B case studies

Section B (20 case-study questions per paper) is where many candidates bleed marks because it tests application, not recall. Practise scenario questions deliberately and reason through them.

3. Understand the principle, don't memorise the number

Figures like stamp-duty rates, TDSR (55%) and MSR (30%) can be tested, but blindly memorising them is fragile. Understand whya rule exists and you'll answer variations correctly.

4. Master the high-yield topics

The exam rewards depth in the dense areas:

• Basic land law, estates and interests in land
• Law of contract and agency duties
• Regulation, ethics and CEA practice rules
• Stamp duties, CPF and property finance

5. Simulate exam conditions

Sit full timed mock exams in the real format (60 + 20 questions, 2h30m). This builds time management and stamina, and shows you exactly where you stand against the 60% pass mark.

6. Manage your time in the paper

With 80 questions in 150 minutes, that's under two minutes each. Don't get stuck — flag hard questions, move on, and come back. An unanswered easy question later is a wasted mark.

7. Know when you're ready

Don't book the real paper on hope. Aim to comfortably clear 60%+ on mock exams first. Track your readiness, then sit the exam with confidence.

See the full RES study plan and the exam format guide to put these tips into a plan.