Real Estate Agency (REA) Training Course Singapore

At RCN, we’re recognised as a trusted name for real estate education in Singapore. Since our inception in January 2010, Mr Ken Lim’s adept leadership has propelled us to be a CEA-approved provider for our range of training programmes, including the real estate agent course.

Our real estate agency course at RCN is curated to keep participants in the know about the shifting landscape of property market dynamics and emerging consumer preferences. Furthermore, to ensure every aspiring real estate agent gets the opportunity, our course for real estate agents is budget-friendly, with eligibility for both NTUC UTAP and SkillsFuture subsidies. With the expert guidance of our Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) certified instructors, participants are primed to emerge as stand-out professionals upon graduation.

Recognising today’s busy schedules of Singapore’s real estate salespersons, we offer the flexibility to attend our real estate agent training online via our user-friendly portal. Plus, with facilities strategically located in Queensway, Toa Payoh, and Tampines, each learning session is unparalleled.

Here, we are committed to fostering the future leaders of the real estate industry. Get started in our property agent courses and experience the unmatched RCN advantage that sets our graduates apart.

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, staying informed and prepared is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. The Real Estate Agency (REA) course emerges as a vital component in navigating this dynamic sector, particularly under the new regulatory regime administered by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA).

How to Obtain a Real Estate Licence as a Real Estate Agency

Acquiring a real estate licence for a new Estate Agency (EA) involves a set of structured criteria and prerequisites. These criteria aim to ensure that the EA operates within the legal framework and maintains high standards of professionalism and integrity. 

Below are the key steps and requirements for obtaining a real estate licence:

• Entity Registration with ACRA: The EA must be a registered entity with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), adhering to the regulatory guidelines set forth.

• Key Executive Officer (KEO) Qualifications: The EA must appoint a Key Executive Officer (KEO) who satisfies the specific requirements outlined in the Estate Agents Act and Regulations (listed below). 

• Absence of Moneylender’s Licence: The EA must not hold a moneylender’s licence. Maintaining independence from moneylending activities is a crucial stipulation.

• Fit and Proper Criteria: The KEO and all individuals holding positions of responsibility within the EA must meet the “fit and proper” criteria defined under the Estate Agents Act. The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) assesses each candidate’s suitability for registration by considering relevant facts and circumstances. 

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: The EA must have a valid Professional Indemnity Insurance policy that provides coverage not only for the EA but also for all its Registered Estate Salespersons (RESs). Partners, where applicable, must also be covered by this insurance, ensuring protection against professional liability.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The EA must establish comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines. These SOPs cover various aspects of the agency’s operations, including training and supervision of RESs, complaints handling and dispute resolution, advertising and printing of publicity materials, safeguarding the confidentiality of clients’ information, and setting service standards.

Navigating these criteria and requirements diligently is essential for new Estate Agencies seeking to obtain a real estate licence. Compliance ensures that the agency operates with integrity, professionalism, and adherence to the legal framework governing the real estate industry.

Role of a Key Executive Officer (KEO)

Central to the regulatory framework is the requirement for every estate agency to appoint a key executive officer (KEO). The KEO plays a pivotal role in the overall management of the business and is responsible for the supervision of all salespersons within the agency.

As stipulated under the Estate Agents Act 2010, the KEO has to satisfy enhanced licensing conditions, including passing the CEA’s Real Estate Agency (REA) examination or having equivalent qualifications. The KEO must also demonstrate to the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) that he has put in place the appropriate policies and procedures for the management of the business. These are stipulated in the Code of Practice under the Estate Agents (Estate Agency Work) Regulations 2010. 

It’s important to note that not only KEOs but also all practising company directors and partners within the agency are mandated to pass the CEA’s Real Estate Agency (REA) examination. This ensures that a high level of competence and adherence to industry regulations is maintained across the board.

Requirements to Qualify as an Appointed Key Executive Officer (KEO)

To be appointed as the Key Executive Officer (KEO) of an estate agent, candidates must satisfy a set of specific requirements as outlined below:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a minimum of four GCE ‘O’ Levels passes or possess an equivalent qualification.

• Passing the Real Estate Agency (REA) Examination: Within the two years preceding the application for a licence, candidates must have successfully passed the Real Estate Agency (REA) examination or hold an equivalent qualification.

• Legal Standing in the Estate Agent: The KEO must serve as a sole proprietor, director, or partner within the estate agent.

• Experience in Estate Agency Work: Candidates are required to possess a minimum of three years of experience in an estate agency, working under a licenced estate agency. 

• Property Transaction Experience: Candidates should have completed a minimum of 30 property transactions within the last three years. These transactions can be conducted on behalf of a licensed estate agent or gained through a three-year experience in managing the business of a licensed estate agent in roles such as an executive director, chief executive, key executive, key executive officer, partner, or sole proprietor.

• No Concurrent Roles in Another Licensed Estate Agency: Candidates should not currently hold positions as a sole proprietor, practising director, partner, KEO, or salesperson in another licensed estate agency.

• No Past Involvement in Revoked Estate Agent Licences: Candidates must not have previously held roles as a sole proprietor, KEO, director, or partner in an estate agency whose licence was revoked.

• No Moneylender’s License or Affiliation: Candidates should not possess a moneylender’s licence, and the KEO must not be licensees, directors, partners, or employees of a licensed moneylender.

• Financial Standing: The KEO and all directors or partners must not be undischarged bankrupt.

• Legal Record: The KEO and all directors or partners should not have been convicted in a court of law in any country.

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: The KEO must be able to provide documentary proof that the estate agent and all its salespersons are covered by a valid Professional Indemnity Insurance policy.

Meeting these criteria is vital for candidates aspiring to obtain an estate agent’s licence and assume the role of a KEO. These requirements ensure that individuals appointed as KEOs are qualified and possess the necessary experience and credentials to manage estate agency operations effectively.

What Can a Real Estate Agent Course Do for Me?

An estate agent course is your gateway to a rewarding career in the dynamic world of real estate. By enrolling in such a programme, you gain access to invaluable knowledge and skills that can set you on a path to success. 

Here’s what an estate agent course can do for you:

• Comprehensive Education: It provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry, including legal frameworks, market dynamics, and industry best practices.

• Professional Certification: Successful completion leads to professional certifications, enhancing your credibility and employability.

• Career Opportunities: It opens doors to diverse career opportunities, from property sales to real estate management.

• Self-Employment: Equipped with knowledge, you can even venture into entrepreneurship by starting your own real estate agency.

How Does the Estate Agent Course Differ from the RES Course?

While both the estate agent course and the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course are vital in the real estate industry, they serve distinct purposes. The estate agent course is tailored for those aspiring to manage and operate a real estate agency or be a Key Executive Officer. In contrast, the RES course is designed for individuals seeking to become licensed real estate salespersons. The RES course focuses on property transactions, while the estate agent course encompasses broader aspects of agency management, legal responsibilities, and leadership roles within the industry.

Focus on the REA Syllabus

The REA syllabus is prepared in the context of laws in Singapore governing real estate agencies and related work and shall focus on sale and lease transactions involving private residential, HDB, commercial and industrial properties located in Singapore. The syllabus does not include laws or regulations of other countries governing transactions of foreign properties, and real estate agents are advised to be familiar with such laws or regulations when advising their clients in foreign property transactions.

Expectations from the REA Course

Through training at the Real Estate Agency course, candidates are expected to be equipped to:

• have a good knowledge of real estate agency business and the real estate agent industry
• have sufficient knowledge of laws governing estate agency work and how they relate to practise
• be conversant with prescribed regulations and practices governing private residential, HDB, commercial and industrial property sales and tenancy transactions 
• be conversant with good business development and office management practices
• understand and apply CEA’s Estate Agents Act and Regulations, Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care and Code of Practice with respect to real estate agency business and work

REA comprises 3 papers

Paper 1: Covers the legal framework of real estate 

Paper 2: Focus is on the knowledge for carrying out estate agency work, such as marketing, knowledge of various regulations and policies when dealing with different types of properties, financial assessment etc. 

Paper 3: Covers the knowledge and skillset for managing and operating an estate agency business.

Click here for the full syllabus. 

Please click here for the REA course schedule.

Minimum Requirements:

• Singapore/Permanent Resident
• At least 21 years old
• Possess any 1 of the following local Academic Qualifications:
  • GCE ‘O’ level with min 4 credit passes. CEA accepts combined GCE ‘O’ level results taken at not more than 2 sittings
  • Higher NITEC (ITC, CBS, Master NITEC, NTC1)
  • GCE ‘A’ level
  • Diploma attained from accepted local Polytechnics only (NYP/NP/RP/SP/TP)
  • Degree or Higher, attained from accepted local Universities only (NTU/NUS/SIT/SMU/SUSS/SUTD)
  • Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) – Attained level 5 and above for the WPLN assessment in these 5 components (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Numeracy)
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma

Applicants are required to attach the following documents in their application

• Their academic certificate transcript, supporting documents
• The educational qualification assessment request form 

*PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT OF QUALIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO COURSE COMMENCEMENT

*Registration for Classroom Learning will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

*Available for Online and Classroom Format

Please note that Mid career support credits are not applicable on our RES/REA Courses.
Only “Available credits” and “One-Off Skillsfuture Credits” are applicable.

(For registration, please indicate your FULL NAME as per NRIC)

Course Schedule 

Under the new regulatory framework, persons who intend to assume the role of the Key Executive Officer (KEO) or Practicing Director or Practicing Partner of an estate agent are required to possess a pass in the Real Estate Agency (REA) examination or equivalent.

Please ensure that you have met the minimum criteria before registering for the course.

Important Notice:

Please be informed that attending the REA course and passing the REA examination does not automatically qualify an individual to be a real estate salesperson. The applicant has to comply with the full registration requirements stipulated under the Estate Agents Act, which include meeting the fit & proper criteria. Please check the complete list of registration criteria on CEA’s website before registering for the REA course.

For REA, please click here

For foreigners who wish to register with CEA as salespersons, they will need to have a valid Employment Pass (EP) issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to work in the real estate agency industry. They should consult an estate agent that is prepared to support their future registration application who would then check with CEA. Thereafter, when they register for the RES/REA course, they will need to produce a letter of support from the estate agent.

Trainers:

Our team of REA trainers include:

• Mr Harry Yeo
• Mr Kent Soo

Under the new regulatory framework, persons who intend to assume the role of the Key Executive Officer (KEO) or Practicing Director or Practicing Partner of an estate agent are required to possess a pass in the Real Estate Agency (REA) examination or equivalent.

The REA examination is administered by CEA’s appointed examination administrator, NTUC LearningHub. Candidates who wish to register or find out more about the REA examination may contact our appointed examination administrator at:

NTUC LearningHub (LHUB)

Website: https://rea.ntuclearninghub.com/

Tel no: 6336 5482

Email: rea@ntuclearninghub.com

Exam Fees:

Full Sitting (3 Papers): $566.80

Modular Re-Sitting (2 Papers): $446.90

Modular Re-Sitting (1 Paper): $294.30

Exam Format:

• 3 papers (2.5hrs per paper) with 8 essay questions each
• Candidates to answer any 5 out of the 8 questions for each paper
• Candidates who obtain a modular pass (in one or two papers) from the July 2015 REA examination onwards will be allowed to retake only their failed paper(s) in the subsequent exam
• Candidates must pass all 3 papers within 2 years after completing the REA course

REA Examination Schedule 2025 :

*CEA may reschedule the REA examination dates and/or registration period without prior notice. The changes will be updated in the table above.

Please note that under exceptional circumstances, the REA examination dates are subject to change. Please check the examination timetable with CEA prior to examination registration.

Enrol in the Real Estate Agency (REA) Course Today

Embark on your journey to career success with the Real Estate Agency (REA) training course at Real Centre Network today! If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ page or contact us.