How much is the RES 5 exam fee?

For non-members (most individuals), the fee is $218.00 for day sessions and $236.53 for evening sessions (inclusive of GST). Retakers pay the same full fee.

Do I need a calculator for RES 5?

SCI states that no calculators are provided. You should bring an approved financial calculator (e.g., Casio FC 100V or TI BA2+) just in case, although RES 5 focuses more on rules and ethics than complex math.

Can I reschedule my exam date?

Yes, if you request it more than 7 days in advance, the first change is free. If you request it between 2-7 days before, there is an admin fee of $32.70. No changes are allowed within 2 days of the exam.

Can I appeal my result if I fail by a small margin (e.g., 74%)?

No. SCI has a strict policy that all results are final. They do not entertain any appeals or requests to re-check the exam paper, regardless of how close you were to the passing mark.

Is there a limit on how many times I can retake RES 5?

There is no limit. You can retake the exam as many times as necessary until you pass. However, there is no discount for retakes; you must pay the full registration fee for every single attempt.

How to Register for CMFAS RES 5 Exam (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

So, you've decided to take the CMFAS RES 5 exam. You go to the official website, and… it's a bit confusing.

You are not alone. The Singapore College of Insurance (SCI) portal can be tricky to navigate if you are a first-time candidate.

We have put together a plain-English, step-by-step guide to help you secure your exam slot quickly so you can focus on what actually matters: studying to pass.

✨ TL;DR: Quick Registration Facts

Exam Body: Singapore College of Insurance (SCI).
Format: Computer Screen Examination (CSE).
Fee (Non-Member): $218.00 (Day) / $236.53 (Evening).
Booking Lead Time: Slots fill up fast. Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance.

Step 1: The "Hidden" Prerequisites

Important: The SCI website does not list age or education requirements because they allow anyone to sit for the exam.

However, passing the exam does not guarantee you a license.

To actually be appointed as a Financial Adviser Representative by MAS later, you typically need:

Age: At least 21 years old.
Education: A full GCE 'A' Level certificate (at least 2 passes) OR a Polytechnic Diploma (or equivalent).

Warning: If you do not meet these MAS requirements, do not book the exam yet. You will pass the test but get rejected for the license.

Step 2: Create an Account

Go to the official SCI Website.
Look for "Candidate Login" or "Register Account".
Tip: Use your personal email, not a company email, so you retain access to your records if you change jobs.

Step 3: Select the Correct Module

There are dozens of exams (M5, M9, M9A, HI, BCP).

Once logged in, look for "Register for Exams".
Select "CMFAS" (Capital Markets and Financial Advisory Services).
In the dropdown list, select "RES 5" (Rules, Ethics and Skills for Financial Advisory Services).

* Note: Do not select the old "M5" module.

Step 4: Choose Your Slot (Day vs. Evening)

There is a price difference depending on when you take the exam.

Day Session (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM): ~$218.00 (Non-Member)

Evening Session (After 5:00 PM): ~$236.53 (Non-Member)

Pro-Tip: Save the ~$18 and book a morning slot. Our data also shows candidates focus better in the morning than after a long day of work.

Step 5: Study Materials (eBook Only)

SCI no longer issues hard copy study texts.

Once you pay, you will receive an email with a link to access the RES 5 eBook.

Check Spam: If you don't see the email immediately, check your Junk folder.
Updates: Any syllabus updates are automatically incorporated into the eBook version.

Snapshot: What Topics are Covered?

The syllabus is massive. It is divided into two parts, and remember: you must pass both parts separately (75% and 80%).

Part I: Rules & Regulations (110 Questions)

The Financial Advisers Act (FAA) & Regulations
MAS Notices (AML/CFT, Investment-Linked Policies, etc.)
Market Conduct & Securities Dealing
Central Provident Fund (CPF) Schemes
And roughly 10 other regulatory guidelines...

Part II: Ethics & Skills (40 Questions)

Ethical Behaviour & Conflict of Interest
Fact Finding & Financial Needs Analysis (FNA)
Developing Strategies & Solutions
Client Portfolio Review

The full list of chapters can be found in the official SCI website.

Note: Part II is where most candidates fail because the "Situational" questions are subjective.

Step 6: You're Booked. Now What?

Congratulations! You have a deadline.

Most candidates make a fatal mistake here: They relax.

They think, "I have 3 weeks, I'll start studying next week."

This is dangerous. The RES 5 exam is notoriously difficult. With the exam fee now costing over $200, failing is an expensive mistake.

Before you buy any notes, read our review of the best RES 5 mock exams to ensure you are getting the 2026 syllabus.

💰 Retaking the exam costs $218+.

Don't waste money on a retake. Use our simulator to identify your weak chapters today and pass on your first try.

👉 Start Your RES 5 Preparation ($39)

Important Exam Day Logistics

Bring ID: You MUST bring your physical NRIC or Employment Pass.
Calculator Policy: SCI does NOT provide calculators. You must bring your own.

* Approved Models: Casio (FC 100/100V/200/200V), HP (10b/10b2), TI (BA2+), Sharp (EL735/738).

* Note: While RES 5 is mostly theory, having a calculator is safe for any financial planning questions in Part II.

The "Flag" Button: Use the "Flag" feature on the screen to mark questions you are unsure about and come back to them later.

Summary

Booking the exam is the easy part. Passing the Two-Part Scoring System is the hard part.

The 2026 syllabus has introduced tricky Situational Questions that trip up many candidates. (We broke down 5 examples of these tricky questions here).

Make sure you use your prep time wisely!