Council for Estate Agencies’ Real Estate Salespersons Examinations' Average Annual Passing Rate of 30% for 2011-2019

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development in respect of the Council for Estate Agencies’ Real Estate Salespersons Examinations, (a) whether the average annual passing rate of 30% for the years 2011-2019 was due to a deliberate passing mark imposed by the examining body or any other authority; (b) whether the Government will consider reviewing whether such a mark is appropriately set; (c) whether an upward adjustment may be necessary; and (d) what are the reasons for its conclusions.

The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) sets the passing mark for the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) examination at 60 (which is published on the CEA website), but it does not set a passing rate for the examination.

Property transactions are significant financial commitments that Singaporeans make. The RES examination ensures that real estate salespersons have the necessary knowledge and skill to guide and advise consumers. This helps to protect the interests of consumers. While CEA regularly reviews the RES examination and passing mark, it is important to ensure that the examinations are of sufficiently high standard.