RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide 2026
Download RE5 Online’s free RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 and learn how to use the official FSCA/Moonstone exam framework, qualifying criteria, mock exams, study planning and readiness checks properly before booking your regulatory exam.
What this free guide helps you understand
- The difference between RE1 and RE5
- How the official preparation guide works
- What qualifying criteria actually mean
- How RE1 and RE5 questions are structured
- How to use mock exams properly
- When you are ready to book your Moonstone exam
Free RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide 2026
This RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 was created to help South African candidates understand the regulatory exam process before they start studying, booking, or rewriting their official examination.
The RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 explains the difference between RE1 and RE5, how the official preparation framework works, what qualifying criteria mean, how mock exams should be used, and how to check whether you are ready before booking your Moonstone exam.
If you are looking for a practical RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 that explains the official framework in plain English, this free download is a strong starting point before choosing study material, mock exams, webinar support or a readiness assessment.
Preparing for RE1 or RE5 should not feel like decoding a government document with a headache.
The official preparation guide gives you the structure of the regulatory exams. The real challenge is knowing how to turn that structure into a practical study plan.
What the official preparation guide does
The official preparation guide explains the exam background, format, question development, reference material, study approach, qualifying criteria and exam-day information.
In simple language, it shows you what the exam is built on.
What the RE5 Online guide does
RE5 Online’s free RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 helps you understand the official preparation framework in plain English and shows you how to use the guide, study material, mock exams and readiness checks properly.
It is the bridge between “I downloaded the PDF” and “I actually know what to do next.”
Official resources to use with this RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026
This page and free guide are designed to help you understand the preparation process, but candidates should still refer to official examination and regulatory sources when preparing.
Moonstone Regulatory Exam Library
Use Moonstone’s library to access official regulatory examination information and preparation guideline documents.
Visit Moonstone LibraryMoonstone Exam Registration
Candidates register and book their official RE1 or RE5 examination through the Moonstone FAIS exam registration website.
Visit FAIS Exam RegistrationFSCA FAIS Information
The FSCA website provides access to FAIS-related regulatory information, legislation and supervisory updates.
Visit FSCA InformationNeed help understanding the Moonstone RE5 preparation guide?
Many candidates first search for the official Moonstone preparation guide before they realise they still need a practical study plan, mock exam strategy and readiness check. We created a separate plain-English explanation to help you understand how to use the official guide correctly.
Read the full explanation here: Moonstone RE5 preparation guide PDF download .
What is the difference between the official preparation guide and RE5 Online’s guide?
The official preparation guide is the map. It explains the exam structure and points you to the reference material. RE5 Online helps you understand the map, follow it, study the right areas and check your readiness before booking.
This RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 gives candidates a practical way to understand the official preparation guide without confusing it with full study material, official past papers or exam booking information.
| Official Preparation Guide | RE5 Online Preparation Support |
|---|---|
| Explains the regulatory exam framework | Explains the framework in plain English |
| Shows qualifying criteria | Shows how to study and apply the criteria |
| References legislation | Helps students understand the legal wording |
| Explains question formats | Teaches exam technique and mock exam review |
| Does not replace full study material | Connects students to study material, mock exams, webinars and support |
Who should download this free RE1 and RE5 guide?
This guide is built for candidates who want direction before they waste time, money and emotional stability on the wrong preparation method.
RE5 Candidates
For Representatives preparing to write the RE5 exam and needing a clear starting point.
RE1 Candidates
For Key Individuals who need to understand the RE1 exam structure, criteria and study expectations.
Repeat Writers
For candidates who failed before and need to prepare differently before booking again.
Not Sure Which Exam?
For people who are not sure whether they need RE1, RE5 or both.
FSP Managers
For managers helping representatives or key individuals prepare properly.
Almost Ready to Book
For students who want to check readiness before paying for their Moonstone exam.
Which regulatory exam do you need?
The RE5 exam is mainly for Representatives who render financial services to clients for or on behalf of a Financial Services Provider.
The RE1 exam is mainly for Key Individuals who manage or oversee the FAIS-related activities of an FSP.
Some candidates may need both RE1 and RE5 if they perform both functions. Confirm your requirement with your FSP, compliance department, appointment documents, licence category or fit and proper obligations.
| Exam | Main audience | Main focus | Questions | Duration | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE1 | Key Individuals | Management and oversight of FAIS-related business | 80 questions | 2 hours 30 minutes | 65% |
| RE5 | Representatives | Rendering financial services as a Representative | 50 questions | 2 hours | 66% |
How the RE1 and RE5 exams work
The regulatory exams are multiple-choice, closed book exams. They test whether you understand the regulatory role, duties, timeframes, role-players, legal wording and practical application of FAIS-related rules.
Multiple-choice
You must select the correct option. Multiple-choice does not mean easy. It means the correct answer is hiding among options that can look legally attractive.
Closed book
You may not use notes, legislation, study guides, phone material or written prompts in the exam room.
No negative marking
You do not lose extra marks for a wrong answer, but wrong remains wrong. Guessing is not a study strategy. It is stationery-based gambling.
What are qualifying criteria and why do they matter?
Qualifying criteria are the official knowledge and skill requirements used to build regulatory exam questions. They tell you what may be tested.
A proper RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 should help candidates understand how qualifying criteria connect to tasks, knowledge, skills, legislation and exam questions.
| Term | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|
| Task | A major exam area, such as maintaining an FSP licence or adhering to the General Code of Conduct. |
| Knowledge criterion | Something you must know, explain or recognise. |
| Skill criterion | Something you must be able to apply in a scenario. |
The RE5 Online study approach
A strong study process helps you move from confusion to structure. And structure, unlike motivation, usually shows up again tomorrow.
The practical study loop
- Understand the official exam framework.
- Study the correct material in the correct order.
- Learn role-players, duties, timeframes and exceptions.
- Practise application-based questions.
- Review every wrong answer properly.
- Complete a readiness check before booking.
What should RE5 students study first?
Not all areas feel equally heavy in preparation. RE5 students should pay close attention to the topics below because they often carry important practical application value.
Chapter 12
General Code of Conduct
Advice, disclosures, conflict of interest, custody of funds, advertising and complaints.
Chapter 8
FSP Licensing
Licence conditions, changes, suspension, withdrawal, directives and undesirable practices.
Chapter 4
Representatives
Fit and proper, DOFA, supervision, competency and debarment.
Chapter 10
Recordkeeping
Records, retention, retrieval, outsourcing and regulatory access.
Categories
Categories and subcategories
Licence categories, product categories, subcategories and authorisation.
Complaints & FICA
Ombud and FIC duties
Complaints, jurisdiction, identification, verification, reporting and tipping-off.
How mock exams should really be used
Mock exams are useful, but only if used correctly. A mock exam should help you identify weak topics, practise reading questions carefully, improve time management, spot wording traps and review incorrect answers.
Mock exams should not be used to memorise answers. The real exam uses random question selection and tests application of knowledge.
- Use mock exams to diagnose weak areas.
- Review why each wrong answer was wrong.
- Connect mistakes back to the study guide.
- Retest only after revision, not immediately to chase a score.
Before you book your Moonstone exam, check if you are ready.
You should not book simply because you are tired of studying. Being tired is not a readiness assessment. It is just your brain asking for mercy.
- You have completed your study plan.
- You understand the main chapters and role-players.
- You know the key timeframes and exceptions.
- You understand categories and subcategories.
- You have completed and reviewed mock exams.
- You can explain why wrong answers are wrong.
- You have completed a readiness assessment.
What if you failed RE1 or RE5 before?
A failed attempt must become information, not a disaster. The next step is not simply booking again as quickly as possible.
First identify what went wrong
- Content gaps
- Poor exam technique
- Rushing through questions
- Weak chapter understanding
- Misreading legal wording
- Memorising mock answers
- Booking too early
Then prepare differently
The goal is not to write again quickly. The goal is to write again differently.
RE5 Online can help you review weak areas, improve exam technique, practise mock questions properly and prepare with a better plan.
Download the Free RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide 2026
Download the free RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 by RE5 Online and use it as your starting framework before studying, practising mock exams or booking your official regulatory examination.
This RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 helps candidates understand the official preparation guide, the exam format, qualifying criteria, study planning, mock exam review and readiness checks.
- Plain-English RE1 and RE5 explanation
- Exam format and question guidance
- Qualifying criteria explained
- Study planning guidance
- Mock exam and readiness direction
- Next-step support options
After downloading, you can also take our free RE5 mock exam or ask us which study option fits your timeline and budget.
Get the free guide
The RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 is free to download and can help first-time writers, repeat writers, Representatives, Key Individuals and FSP staff understand the regulatory exam preparation journey.
File: RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide 2026 by RE5 Online
Format: PDF
Best for: RE1 candidates, RE5 candidates, repeat writers, first-time writers and FSP staff preparing for regulatory exams.
Tip: Save the guide and use it with your study plan, mock exam review and readiness check before booking your official examination.
How RE5 Online can help you prepare properly
Whether you are starting from scratch, rewriting, studying alone or preparing through your FSP, RE5 Online can help you move from “I hope I pass” to “I know where I stand.”
Study Material
Use our updated 2026 RE1 and RE5 study guide to study the correct content in a structured way.
View Study MaterialMock Exams
Practise exam-style questions, identify weak areas and learn how to review mistakes properly.
Take Free Mock ExamLive Webinar
Join structured evening online classes with recordings, resources, support and a clear preparation path.
View RE5 Online ClassesMore RE1 and RE5 exam preparation resources
Use these guides together with the main RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 to understand the official framework, study smarter and avoid booking before you are ready.
Moonstone RE5 Preparation Guide
Understand where to find the official Moonstone guide, what it explains, and why it is not the same as full study material.
Moonstone RE5 preparation guide PDF downloadRE5 Qualifying Criteria
Learn how tasks, knowledge criteria, skill criteria and legislation references become RE5 exam questions.
FSCA RE5 Preparation Guide ExplainedRE1 vs RE5
Not sure which regulatory exam you need? Understand the difference between Representatives and Key Individuals.
Coming next: RE1 vs RE5 guideRE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Questions
Straight answers, because students have enough to deal with without hunting through twelve tabs like digital archaeologists.
What is the RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide?
The RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide explains how the regulatory exams are structured, what the qualifying criteria are, which reference material is used, how questions are asked, and how candidates should prepare before booking their official exam.
Who should use the RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026?
The RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026 is useful for first-time writers, repeat writers, Representatives, Key Individuals, FSP staff, and candidates who downloaded the official preparation guide but still need a practical study path.
Is the RE5 Online guide the official Moonstone guide?
No. RE5 Online is an independent training provider. Moonstone is the current examination body for the regulatory exams. The RE5 Online guide is a plain-English preparation support guide and does not replace the official FSCA/Moonstone preparation guide or legislation.
Is the official preparation guide enough to pass RE5?
The official preparation guide is important, but it is not full study material. It tells you what the exam is based on, but candidates still need to study the legislation, use proper study material, practise mock exams, review mistakes and confirm readiness before booking.
What is the difference between RE1 and RE5?
RE5 is mainly for Representatives who render financial services for or on behalf of an FSP. RE1 is mainly for Key Individuals who manage or oversee the FAIS-related activities of an FSP. Some people may need both exams depending on their role.
How many questions are in the RE5 exam?
The RE5 exam has 50 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam, and the pass mark is 66%.
How many questions are in the RE1 exam?
The RE1 exam has 80 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam, and the pass mark is 65%.
What are qualifying criteria?
Qualifying criteria are the official knowledge and skill requirements used to build the exam questions. They show what can be tested in the RE1 and RE5 exams.
Should I memorise mock exam answers?
No. Mock exams should be used to practise, test understanding and review weak areas. Memorising mock answers is risky because the official exam uses random question selection and tests application of knowledge.
When should I book my Moonstone exam?
Candidates should book only once they have completed structured study, reviewed mock exam mistakes, understand the key chapters, know the role-players and timeframes, and have passed a readiness assessment.
Can RE5 Online help me if I failed before?
Yes. RE5 Online can help repeat writers identify weak areas, improve exam technique, review mock exam mistakes and build a better rewrite plan before booking again.
Prepare properly. Write when ready. Give yourself the best chance to pass.
Start with the RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026, test yourself with a mock exam, and speak to RE5 Online if you need help choosing the right study option.