How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

If you want to work in parts of South Africa’s insurance, banking or financial-services industry, you may come across vacancies asking for an RE5 certificate.

The RE5 is the Regulatory Examination for Representatives. It is part of the competency requirements that apply to many representatives who provide financial advice or intermediary services on behalf of a Financial Services Provider (FSP). The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) confirms that RE5 applies to representatives across FSP categories, subject to certain exceptions. (FSCA)

This MoreJobApply.com guide explains what RE5 is, how much it costs in 2026, how to register, what to study, how the examination works and how to get your certificate after passing.

RE5 Certificate 2026: Quick Overview

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

The FSCA’s current regulatory-examination information says RE5 consists of 50 questions. Because each question is worth 2%, 32 correct answers equal 64%, while 33 correct answers equal 66%, so you need at least 33 correct answers to pass. (FSCA)

What Is an RE5 Certificate?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

RE5 stands for Regulatory Examination 5.

It tests whether a financial-services representative understands the laws and rules that apply when providing financial services to clients.

It is important to understand that RE5 is not a university qualification, learnership or ordinary training course. Moonstone describes the regulatory examination as a competency examination, rather than a qualification. (Moonstone)

After you successfully pass the examination, the examination body can issue your RE5 certificate. The FSCA says candidates who have passed but have not received their certificate should contact the examination body where they wrote the exam. (FSCA)

Who Usually Needs RE5?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

RE5 mainly applies to people working as representatives of Financial Services Providers.

This may include certain people working in financial advice, insurance, investments or other regulated financial-services positions.

RE5 is different from RE1. RE1 is generally associated with FSPs and key individuals, while RE5 applies to representatives. (FSCA)

Not every person working at a bank or insurance company automatically needs RE5.

For example, the FSCA lists exceptions for some representatives dealing only with particular funeral or friendly-society benefits, Tier 2 products, or certain execution-of-sales activities. (FSCA)

If you are unsure whether a particular job requires RE5, check the vacancy or ask the employer’s compliance department.

How Long Do Representatives Have to Pass RE5?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

Under the applicable supervision requirements, a supervised representative who is required to complete a regulatory examination generally has two years from their date of first appointment to meet the applicable RE requirement. (FSCA)

Your employer or compliance officer should help you understand the deadline that applies to your appointment.

How to Get Your RE5 Certificate in 2026

Step 1: Check Whether RE5 Is the Correct Exam

Before paying anything, make sure you actually need RE5.

The FSCA identifies RE5 as:

Regulatory Examination: Representatives in all Categories of FSPs. (FSCA)

If you are being appointed as a key individual rather than a representative, a different regulatory examination may apply.

Step 2: Prepare Your Registration Information

The FSCA and Moonstone say candidates need information such as:

• South African ID number or passport number
• FSP number
• Personal information
• Contact details
• Professional details, such as your area of financial services

Moonstone’s official registration information confirms these requirements. (Moonstone)

What if you do not have an FSP number?

Do not invent an FSP number.

If you are not currently attached to an FSP but want to obtain RE5 for future employment, contact Moonstone before registering and ask how your circumstances should be captured.

Moonstone’s Regulatory Examination Registration Call Centre can provide the current registration instructions. (Moonstone)

Step 3: Register Through the Official Examination Body

The FSCA’s January 2026 preparation guide identifies Moonstone as the current examination body and provides its official registration system. (Moonstone)

You can start here:

Official Moonstone Regulatory Examination information

Or use the registration portal identified in the official preparation guide:

FAIS Regulatory Examination Registration Portal

Moonstone also accepts individual registrations by telephone or email. Its current information lists the telephone numbers 021 883 8000 and 021 888 9796, with the registration email faisexam@moonstoneinfo.co.za. (Moonstone)

Step 4: Pay the Examination Fee

The current FSCA fee schedule linked from its 2026 Fit and Proper information lists the fee for a regulatory examination conducted in South Africa as:

R1,300 per examination

The same schedule lists a regulatory-examination remark application at R407. (FSCA)

Because regulatory fees can be amended, confirm the amount shown on your invoice when registering.

Moonstone says payment normally needs to be made within 24 hours after registration to confirm a booking. (Moonstone)

Step 5: Choose Your Examination Date and Venue

After registration, Moonstone sends booking information containing the examination date, time and venue. (Moonstone)

Moonstone also states that registration normally closes 11 working days before an examination date, so do not wait until the last minute.

Check the available examination schedule before making travel arrangements.

Step 6: Download the Latest 2026 RE5 Preparation Guide

This is one of the most important steps.

The FSCA currently provides an RE1 and RE5 Preparation Guide dated 17 January 2026 on its Fit and Proper resources page. (FSCA)

Use:

FSCA Fit and Proper and Regulatory Examination Resources

Moonstone also provides access to the same current preparation resources through its Regulatory Examination Library. (Moonstone)

Moonstone Regulatory Examination Library

Avoid studying only from old summaries circulating on social media. Regulatory requirements can change.

What Should You Study for RE5?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

The FSCA provides the official preparation material and legislation applicable to RE5.

Important material includes the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act), the General Code of Conduct, Fit and Proper requirements and other rules and notices relevant to representatives. (FSCA)

The preparation guide maps the exam tasks and qualifying criteria to the legislation you need to study.

The current guidance strongly recommends reading the actual legislation, rather than relying only on summaries and mock questions. (FSCA)

How Many Topics Are Tested?

The official preparation material identifies eight tasks for RE5. (FSCA)

Do not skip a task simply because you think it does not apply to your current job. The preparation guidance says every task can be covered in the examination. (Moonstone)

What Is the RE5 Exam Like?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

The RE5 exam has:

50 multiple-choice questions

2 hours to complete the paper

Four possible answers per question

One correct answer

No negative marking

and it is a:

Closed-book examination. (Moonstone)

You cannot take your study material into the examination.

What Mark Do You Need to Pass RE5?

You need at least:

33 correct answers out of 50

The FSCA explains that:

32/50 = 64% — not enough.

33/50 = 66% — passes the regulatory threshold. (FSCA)

A useful target when studying is therefore to aim well above 33 correct answers rather than preparing only for the minimum.

What Should You Take on Exam Day?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

Follow the instructions in your booking confirmation.

Moonstone advises candidates to arrive approximately 30 minutes before the exam and to make sure they understand how to reach their venue. Its registration information also requires candidates to use valid identity documentation. (Moonstone)

Check your confirmation email carefully before travelling.

How to Get Your RE5 Certificate After Passing

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

Once you pass, the examination body is responsible for providing your certificate. (FSCA)

Candidates who wrote through Moonstone can access results and certificates through its FAIS examination system.

Moonstone explains the process as follows: access its FAIS exam system, choose the section for personal details/results, enter the ID or passport number used for registration, receive the login password through your registered email address, and then access your results and certificate. (Moonstone)

Use:

Moonstone Results and Certificates Information

Save your certificate somewhere safe and keep a backup copy.

What If You Fail RE5?

How to Get an RE5 Certificate in South Africa in 2026

You can write again.

The current preparation guide states that there is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate may make to achieve competence. (Moonstone)

However, each new examination registration may require another examination fee.

Before rewriting, look at the areas where you struggled and return to the official preparation guide and legislation.

Simple RE5 Study Plan

A practical way to prepare is:

1. Download the latest 2026 FSCA preparation guide.
2. Work through all eight RE5 tasks.
3. Follow the legislation references listed beside each criterion.
4. Read the actual FAIS legislation and applicable codes.
5. Make short notes in your own words.
6. Practise multiple-choice questions to improve your exam technique.
7. Review difficult areas again before exam day.

The key is to understand the rules rather than memorising answers from old question banks.

Can You Buy an RE5 Certificate Without Writing the Exam?

No legitimate route involves simply buying an RE5 certificate.

RE5 is a regulated competency examination. You need to register with the recognised examination body and successfully pass before receiving a certificate.

Be careful with advertisements claiming they can sell you a genuine RE5 certificate without an examination.

Does a Degree or Diploma Exempt You From RE5?

Not automatically.

The FSCA states that having an appropriate qualification does not itself exempt a person from the Level 1 regulatory-examination requirement. Qualification requirements and regulatory-examination requirements are separate Fit and Proper requirements. (FSCA)

Specific statutory exceptions or exemptions can exist, so check your exact circumstances with the FSCA or your compliance officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does RE5 stand for?

RE5 is the Regulatory Examination for Representatives in all Categories of FSPs. (FSCA)

How many questions are in RE5?

There are 50 multiple-choice questions.

How long is the exam?

You have two hours.

What mark do I need?

You need at least 33 correct answers out of 50, which equals 66%. (FSCA)

How much does RE5 cost in 2026?

The current official FSCA fee schedule lists R1,300 per regulatory examination conducted in South Africa. Confirm the current invoice amount when booking. (FSCA)

Where can I write RE5?

Register through Moonstone and select from the available examination sessions and venues.

Can I study for RE5 for free?

Yes. The FSCA provides official preparation information and legislation online free of charge. (FSCA)

Is RE5 a qualification?

No. Moonstone explains that the regulatory exam is a competency examination, not a qualification. (Moonstone)

Who gives me my certificate?

The examination body that administered your exam issues the certificate after you successfully complete the examination. (FSCA)

Official RE5 Links for 2026

Use official sources instead of relying only on third-party training websites:

FSCA Regulatory Examination FAQ

FSCA RE5 Preparation Material

Moonstone Regulatory Examination Body

Official FAIS Exam Registration Portal

Final Reminder

Getting your RE5 certificate in 2026 involves more than completing a short online course.

The correct process is:

Check whether you need RE5 → register with the recognised examination body → pay the examination fee → study the current FSCA material → write the 50-question exam → achieve at least 33 correct answers → access your certificate after passing.

RE5 can be an important requirement for certain careers involving financial advice and intermediary services, but it is only one part of the wider FAIS Fit and Proper requirements. (FSCA)

Editorial and Verification Note

This guide was prepared for MoreJobApply.com and checked against FSCA and Moonstone information available in September 2026. The FSCA currently provides a preparation guide dated 17 January 2026, while its current Fit and Proper page directs candidates to official regulatory-examination resources. (FSCA)

Disclaimer

MoreJobApply.com is an independent career-information and application-guidance website.

MoreJobApply.com is not the FSCA or Moonstone, does not conduct RE5 examinations and cannot issue RE5 certificates.

Candidates should register and obtain their certificates through the recognised official examination process.