Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 150 multiple choice: Part I 110, Part II 40 |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Pass mark | 75% Part I and 80% Part II, each passed separately |
| Run by | Singapore College of Insurance (SCI) |
| Fee | S$150 members / S$180 non-members before GST, plus a S$21.80 registration fee |
What's tested
- The regulatory framework: the FAA, MAS notices and guidelines.
- Representatives: notification, fit and proper, competency and CPD.
- Advising: gathering client information, reasonable basis, disclosure, CKA and CAR.
- Fair dealing, conflicts of interest and complaint handling.
- AML/CFT, suspicious transaction reporting and the PDPA.
- Part II: ethics and professional skills applied to client situations.
Why people fail
Mostly Part II. Its 80% pass mark means you can miss only 8 of 40 questions, and ethics questions often have two reasonable-looking answers. The one that wins is honest, client-first and follows the process. Practise Part II separately until you score 85% or more.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free RES5 practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
A 4-week plan
- Week 1: framework and representatives; flashcards daily.
- Week 2: advising clients, fair dealing and AML/CFT.
- Week 3: Part II ethics and skills; first full timed mock.
- Week 4: mistakes bank until empty, second full mock, light review in the last two days.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on RES5?
150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours: 110 in Part I and 40 in Part II.
What is the RES5 pass mark?
75% for Part I and 80% for Part II. Each part must be passed on its own.
Is RES5 the same as M5?
RES5 replaced M5 on 1 April 2024. It's longer (150 questions versus 100) and adds ethics and skills.
How long is a RES5 pass valid?
It lapses if you aren't appointed as a representative within 3 years of passing.
Official sources
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked October 2026, not legal advice. SCI or IBF rules change; confirm with SCI or IBF before you apply.
