Singapore candidate checklist
RES exam dates, fees and registration
The next RES registration window is for the final 2026 sitting: finish the course by 16 September, indicate interest on 17 September, then shortlisted candidates register and pay from 1–4 October. Paper 1 is on 31 October and Paper 2 is on 1 November. A Stage 1 submission does not guarantee a seat.
Verified against CEA on
Next registration opportunity
October / November 2026 sitting
Stage 1 is a three-hour indication-of-interest window. A submission is not a seat: CEA warns that demand is high and not every eligible applicant can be allocated one.
Read the live CEA application instructions (opens in a new tab)Final 2026 sitting: every deadline
- Complete the RES course by
- 16 September 2026 (Wednesday)
- Stage 1: indicate interest
- 17 September 2026 (Thursday), 9am–12 noon
- Stage 2: register and pay
- 1–4 October 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)
- Paper 1
- 31 October 2026 (Saturday), 9.30am–12 noon
- Paper 2
- 1 November 2026 (Sunday), 9.30am–12 noon
CEA may reschedule examination dates or registration periods without prior notice. Re-check the official schedule before making plans.
How much does the RES exam cost?
$512.30
Full sitting
Both papers. Fee includes GST.
$283.40
Modular sitting
One paper, only for a candidate who has already passed the other.
These are 17 July 2026 CEA-listed fees and are subject to revision. A qualifying deferment application costs $130.80 including GST and is non-refundable.
Registration is a two-stage process
- 01
Indicate interest on GovEntry
Authenticate with Singpass, select full or modular sitting and make one accurate submission. Only one submission per NRIC or FIN is allowed; eligible applicants are shortlisted on a first-come-first-served basis.
- 02
Register and pay with NTUC LearningHub
If shortlisted, follow the email instructions and complete payment by the stated deadline. Miss it and the seat can be released to an applicant on the waitlist.
What must be ready before Stage 1?
- A valid Certificate of RES Course Completion from a CEA-approved provider. The course requires at least 75% attendance.
- The certificate must still be within its two-year validity period on your examination date; CEA does not extend it.
- The required educational qualification: generally four GCE O-Level passes or the stated WPLN alternative, unless an official exemption applies.
- A valid, working Singpass account for GovEntry authentication.
- Your correct sitting type. An erroneous Stage 1 submission can disqualify the application.
Check exemptions and qualification details on the CEA examination requirements page (opens in a new tab).
If you cannot attend
CEA considers deferment only for specified circumstances: hospitalisation on the exam day, a qualifying family death within 14 days, or National Service duties covering the exam day. Apply with documents through NTUC LearningHub within five working days after the exam. An absence without approved deferment is treated as a failed examination.
Use the wait before the sitting
A deadline tells you when to act. Topic practice tells you what to fix before Paper 1 and Paper 2 arrive.
No payment required for either option. Registration saves your answers and progress.