How difficult is the RES 5 exam in Singapore?

The RES 5 exam is challenging, with a unique two-part scoring system that requires candidates to pass both Part I (75% minimum) and Part II (80% minimum) separately. Many candidates fail not because they lack knowledge, but because they don't understand this scoring format or focus too much on one part over the other.

How long does it take to prepare for RES 5?

With a structured 4-week study plan, most candidates can adequately prepare for the RES 5 exam. However, the exact time depends on your background knowledge and how consistently you study. Following our proven strategy helps you maximize your preparation efficiency.

What's the difference between RES 5 and the old M5 exam?

RES 5 replaced the CMFAS M5 exam with an updated syllabus that reflects current regulations and best practices in Singapore's financial advisory industry. The two-part scoring system is a key differentiator that makes RES 5 more challenging than its predecessor.

Can I pass RES 5 on my first attempt?

Yes, absolutely! Many candidates pass RES 5 on their first try by following a strategic study plan, understanding the two-part scoring system, taking realistic mock exams, and focusing on their weak areas. The key is preparation, not memorization.

What happens if I fail one part but pass the other?

If you fail either Part I or Part II, you fail the entire RES 5 exam, regardless of how well you did on the other part. You must retake the entire exam and pass both parts in the same sitting. This is why understanding the two-part scoring is crucial.

How to Pass CMFAS RES 5 Exam Singapore: Complete 2026 Study Guide & Strategy

The RES 5 exam (also known as CMFAS RES 5) is a notorious hurdle for aspiring finance professionals in Singapore.

With its vast syllabus, tricky two-part scoring, and high stakes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a clear strategy, you can study smarter, not harder, and significantly increase your chances of passing the RES 5 exam on your first try.

This comprehensive CMFAS RES 5 study guide provides a proven, step-by-step plan to help you conquer the RES 5 exam Singapore and achieve certification as a financial adviser.

✨ TL;DR: The Winning Strategy

To pass the RES 5 exam, you must go beyond simple memorization. The key is a four-week structured plan:

Weeks 1-2: Build a strong foundation by understanding the core concepts of the entire RES 5 syllabus, focusing on Part I then Part II.
Week 3: Shift to active testing by taking a full-length, timed RES 5 mock exam that replicates the real exam's two-part scoring.
Week 4: Analyze your mock exam results to identify your weakest chapters, then use targeted practice quizzes to turn those weaknesses into strengths.

Understanding the Challenge: The RES 5 Exam Format

Before you can create a study plan, you need to understand exactly what you're up against.

The CMFAS RES 5 exam Singapore, which replaces the older CMFAS M5 exam (We wrote a full deep-dive on the RES 5 vs. M5 syllabus changes here), has a unique structure that is the #1 reason many well-prepared candidates in Singapore unexpectedly fail the RES 5 exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions over 3 hours, but it's split into two distinct parts with separate passing scores:

Part I (Rules & Regulations): Forms about 70% of the exam (110 questions). You must score at least 75% on this section.

Part II (Ethics & Skills): Forms about 30% of the exam (40 questions). You must score at least 80% on this section.

You only pass if you meet both minimum scores. Getting 95% on Part I but only 79% on Part II results in a fail.

This is why a targeted study approach is essential.

The Common Pitfalls: Why Most People Fail the RES 5 Exam

From our experience, candidates who fail often fall into the same traps (We did a deep dive on the 2026 pass rates and why the CMFAS RES 5 exam is so difficult here).

Here's how to pass RES 5 by avoiding them:

Inefficient Studying: Many candidates simply read the textbook cover to cover without knowing where to focus. They spend 80% of their time on topics they already know while neglecting their weak spots.

Using Outdated Materials: The RES 5 syllabus changes. Using old PDFs or question banks from friends who took the M5 exam years ago is a recipe for disaster, as you'll be studying irrelevant or incorrect information.

Ignoring the Two-Part Scoring: The most common mistake is getting a good overall score in practice without realizing you are consistently failing the high-stakes Part II (Ethics) section. We wrote a full 2026 Breakdown of the RES 5 Passing Score here.

Your 4-Week Study Plan to Pass the RES 5 Exam

This structured plan is designed to build your knowledge systematically and then shift your focus to targeted, intelligent practice.

Week 1: Build Your Foundation (Part I)

Your first week is about understanding, not memorizing. Focus exclusively on the core concepts of Part I of the RES 5 syllabus:

Financial Advisers Act (FAA) & Regulations
MAS Notices & Guidelines
Prevention of Money Laundering (AML/CFT)
CPF & Investment Schemes

Read the official study guide, take notes, and aim to grasp the "why" behind the rules.

Week 2: Deep Dive into Part II & Practice Quizzes

Now, shift your focus to the high-stakes Part II (Ethics & Skills). These chapters require a deep understanding of principles and application.

ExamPrep.sg has a practice mode to give you instant feedback and clear explanations to help you understand the concepts better.

RES 5 Practice Exam with Instant Feedback and Explanations - Week 2 Study Strategy

ExamPrep.sg provides instant feedback and explanations to help you understand the concepts better

After every practice exam, the ExamPrep.sg platform also analyzes your results and tells you which chapters you are weakest in. You can then focus your study on those chapters by using the "Practice by Chapter" mode.

RES 5 Practice by Chapter Mode- Week 2 Study Strategy

Drill on your weakest chapters by using the "Practice by Chapter" mode

We have also compiled 5 examples of the new situational question format here.

Week 3: Full-Scale Simulation & Analysis

This is the most critical week. It's time to stop passively reading and start actively testing under pressure. You must take a full-length, timed RES 5 mock exam.

RES 5 Full-Scale Simulation Exam Results - Week 3 Mock Exam Analysis

ExamPrep.sg gives you the separate Part I and Part II scores to help you identify your weakest chapters

The ExamPrep.sg platform is designed to replicate the computer-based exam environment, manage your time, and—most importantly—give you the separate Part I and Part II scores. This is the only way to get a true, honest assessment of your readiness.

While you can try to time yourself with a book, a platform built for this purpose is far more effective. We wrote a full comparison guide on the best mock exam platforms here, and why you should NOT buy mock exams from Carousell.

(Hint: Most of the mock exam papers from Carousell are out of syllabus, and also expensive!)

🕒 Test your Exam Stamina

Don't let the 3-hour timer surprise you on exam day. Practice with our dynamic platform that mimics the real test.

👉 Take a Practice Simulation

Week 4: Targeted Weakness Drilling

Your final week should not be about re-reading the entire syllabus. It should be about surgically fixing your problem areas.

After your mock exam, you need to analyze your results and identify your 3-4 weakest chapters. Your goal is to turn these into strengths. This is where a smart platform can save you dozens of hours.

RES 5 Progress Tracking - Week 4 Weakness Drilling

Track your progress and see your improvements over time

The AI Recommendation Engine in ExamPrep.sg does this automatically, creating personalized quizzes filled with RES 5 practice questions from your specific weak spots.

What's more, you can also track your progress and see your improvements over time. This ensures your final study days are spent as efficiently as possible.

RES 5 Performance by Chapter - Week 4 Weakness Drilling

You can also see your performance by chapter to help you focus your study on your weakest chapters

Exam Day Tips

Get Enough Sleep

Don't cram the night before. Your brain needs rest to perform.

Manage Your Time

You have about 1.2 minutes per question. If you're stuck, flag it and move on. You can come back later.

Read Every Word

Pay close attention to words like "except," "not," or "always," as they can completely change the meaning of a question.

Your Path to Certification Starts Now

Passing the RES 5 exam isn't about memorizing everything; it's about strategic preparation, simulating real exam conditions, and intelligently drilling your weaknesses. By following this plan, you can walk into the exam room with confidence.

Ready to put this strategy into action?

ExamPrep.sg is the tool built to help you execute this plan perfectly. Get started today and take the guesswork out of your exam preparation.