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Singapore candidate checklist

RES exam dates, fees and registration

Plan around the final 2026 RES 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

Final 2026 registration window

October / November 2026 sitting

Put the three-hour Stage 1 window in your calendar and check that Singpass works before it opens. Demand is high, and submitting your interest does not guarantee a seat.

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.

How to register: complete both stages

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Your checklist before registration opens

  • 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.

Your next deadline is set. Start preparing now.

Use the time before your sitting to practise applying the rules. Start with free questions, understand each explanation and carry the points you missed into your next study session.

No login needed for the sample. A free account saves your answers and progress. No payment required.