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Compare RE5 and RE1 Study Options

Compare RE5 and RE1 Study Options Before Choosing a Course

Use this guide to compare RE5 and RE1 study options before paying for study material, mock exams, online self-study or live classes. We explain the difference between RE1 and RE5, who normally needs each examination and which preparation route may suit your circumstances.

You may already know that you need a regulatory examination but still feel unsure whether you need RE5, RE1 or both. You may also know which examination applies but be struggling to choose between a study guide, mock exams, self-study, live webinars or personal support.

This page helps you compare RE5 and RE1 study options according to your FAIS role, previous attempts, available study time, budget, confidence with legal wording and the amount of support you realistically need.

The lowest-priced option is not always the least expensive decision. Selecting too little support, booking too early and paying for another examination attempt can cost considerably more than choosing the right preparation route from the beginning.

RE5 for Representatives RE1 for Key Individuals Updated 2026 Material Live Online Webinars Mock Exams Payment Options
Compare RE5 and RE1 study options
Start with the correct route

What do you actually need?

Before comparing products, first confirm whether you need RE5, RE1 or both examinations.

  • RE5 is mainly for representatives
  • RE1 is mainly for Key Individuals
  • Some people perform both roles
  • Your employer or FSP should confirm your requirement
  • Your preparation should match your learning needs
🎓

RE5

Mainly for representatives who render financial advice or intermediary services for or on behalf of an FSP.

🧑‍💼

RE1

Mainly for Key Individuals who manage or oversee the FAIS-related activities of an FSP.

📚

Both Exams

A person who acts as both a representative and a Key Individual may need to complete RE5 and RE1.

?

Not Sure?

Confirm your role with your employer, compliance department, appointment documents or FSP before registering.

RE1 vs RE5 Explained

What Is the Difference Between RE1 and RE5?

RE1 and RE5 are regulatory examinations linked to different FAIS roles. One does not automatically replace the other, and neither examination is better or more valuable in isolation. The relevant examination depends on what the person is appointed to do.

Comparison RE5 RE1
Main role Representative Key Individual
Primary responsibility Rendering financial advice or intermediary services for or on behalf of an authorised FSP. Managing or overseeing the FAIS-related activities of the FSP.
Exam focus Representative duties, client conduct, advice, disclosures, supervision, record-keeping, complaints, fit and proper requirements and related obligations. FSP licensing, governance, operational ability, representatives, compliance, internal controls and ongoing regulatory responsibilities.
Number of questions 50 multiple-choice questions 80 multiple-choice questions
Exam duration 2 hours 2 hours and 30 minutes
Pass mark 66% 65%
Main audience Financial advisors, insurance representatives, banking representatives, sales representatives and other people rendering financial services. Approved Key Individuals, future Key Individuals, FSP owners or managers responsible for regulatory management and oversight.
Can one replace the other? No. Passing RE1 does not automatically replace RE5, and passing RE5 does not qualify a person to perform the role of a Key Individual.

An RE certificate is not an FSP licence

Passing RE1 or RE5 is one part of the applicable fit and proper framework. Your appointment, supervision status, competency requirements, experience, qualifications and the FSP’s authorisation still matter.

Representative Route

Who Normally Needs RE5?

RE5 is mainly associated with representatives who render financial services to clients for or on behalf of an authorised FSP.

A job title alone does not determine whether RE5 is required. A sales consultant, call-centre employee, banker or insurance agent may need RE5 when the work performed falls within regulated advice or intermediary services.

  • Financial advisors
  • Insurance representatives
  • Banking representatives
  • Brokerage representatives
  • Client-facing FAIS employees
  • Representatives working under supervision
  • People appointed to render advice or intermediary services
🎯

RE5 preparation must cover application

The RE5 exam does not only test whether you remember definitions. It tests whether you can understand and apply regulatory requirements to scenarios involving clients, representatives, FSPs, Key Individuals and compliance duties.

  • General Code of Conduct
  • FSP licence requirements
  • Representatives and supervision
  • Record-keeping
  • Complaints and the FAIS Ombud
  • FICA responsibilities
  • Categories and subcategories
🧭

RE1 focuses on management and oversight

A Key Individual is responsible for managing or overseeing the regulated activities of an FSP. It is not simply a more senior version of the representative role.

  • FSP licensing and licence maintenance
  • Fit and proper oversight
  • Operational ability
  • Management of representatives
  • Systems and internal controls
  • Compliance and governance
  • Ongoing regulatory responsibilities
Key Individual Route

Who Normally Needs RE1?

RE1 is mainly for Key Individuals who manage or oversee the rendering of financial services within an FSP.

A business owner, branch manager or senior employee does not automatically become a Key Individual merely because of their job title. The person must be appointed and approved for the relevant management-and-oversight role.

  • Approved Key Individuals
  • Future Key Individuals preparing for appointment
  • FSP owners who will oversee regulated activities
  • Managers responsible for FAIS oversight
  • People performing both KI and representative functions

Compliance Officer and Key Individual are different roles

A Compliance Officer and a Key Individual perform different regulatory functions. Confirm your actual appointment and examination requirement instead of relying only on a job title.

Compare Properly

How to Compare RE5 and RE1 Study Options Properly

When you compare RE5 and RE1 study options, do not look only at the product name or price. Two packages may both mention study material while offering very different levels of access, explanation, practice, support and accountability.

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Compare the learning material

Check whether the option includes an updated study guide, slides, videos, interactive learning or only practice questions.

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Compare the support level

Decide whether you can study independently or need live explanations, recordings, WhatsApp support and accountability.

Compare readiness testing

A strong preparation route should help you practise, review mistakes and decide whether you are ready before booking.

Compare access periods

Confirm how long you can use the platform, recordings, mock exams and supporting resources.

Compare rewrite support

Repeat candidates may need a result review and revised preparation plan rather than merely another question bank.

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Compare total value

Consider the possible cost of another official exam booking when deciding whether the cheapest preparation route is really cheaper.

A useful comparison rule

The purpose is not merely to compare prices. It is to compare RE5 and RE1 study options according to whether you will use the resources, understand the work, remain consistent and complete the preparation process.

Before Comparing Prices

Ask These Questions Before Choosing a Study Option

Your best route depends on more than which package has the smallest price tag. Start with your actual learning needs and current position.

1

Have you written before?

A first-time candidate needs orientation. A repeat writer needs to identify why the previous preparation did not produce a pass.

2

Are you comfortable with legal wording?

If legislation feels difficult or confusing, a PDF alone may not provide enough explanation and application support.

3

Can you study alone consistently?

Self-study works when you follow a plan. Buying a guide and postponing it daily is technically ownership, not preparation.

4

When do you plan to write?

Your exam date must allow enough time for learning, revision, mock reviews and a readiness assessment.

5

Do you need accountability?

Live classes and support may suit you better when you need a timetable, follow-up and help staying on track.

6

What must your budget include?

Compare study material, mock exams, recordings, support, access duration, readiness guidance and pass-guarantee conditions.

Quick Recommendation

Which RE5 or RE1 Preparation Option Fits Your Situation?

Your situation Recommended starting point Why
Writing RE5 for the first time RE5 Live Webinar Provides structure, explanations, recordings, study material, mock exams and support.
Writing RE1 for the first time RE1 Live Webinar Works through the broader Key Individual tasks in a structured sequence.
Failed once Live Webinar plus result review Helps correct both content and exam-technique gaps before rewriting.
Failed more than once Webinar plus personal support Repeated failure often needs proper diagnosis instead of another random mock exam.
Disciplined self-study candidate Study Guide plus Mock Exams Combines complete written content with online testing and correction.
Prefer videos and flexibility Online Self-Study Combines written, visual, interactive and practice resources without fixed classes.
Already studied the content Mock Exams Useful for checking understanding, identifying weak tasks and practising exam technique.
Official exam already booked Readiness assessment and guidance Checks whether the booking date is realistic before relying on optimism and calendar notifications.
Employer registering a group Corporate Live Webinar Provides structured group training, progress reporting and management visibility.
Compare Study Options

Compare RE5 and RE1 Study Options Side by Side

Use the options below to compare RE5 and RE1 study options, including the 2026 study guide, online mock exams, study packages, self-study resources, live webinars and one-on-one support.

Each option serves a different purpose. A study guide teaches the content. Mock exams test what you understand. Online self-study adds videos, slides and interactive learning. A live webinar adds scheduled classes, recordings, explanation, accountability and ongoing support.

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Minimum structured route

2026 RE1 and RE5 Study Guide

Best for independent candidates who need the complete written content in one structured source.

Good choice when:

  • You learn well by reading
  • You can follow a daily plan
  • You need an affordable complete-content route
  • You want combined RE1 and RE5 material

Consider more support when:

  • You struggle with legal wording
  • You have failed before
  • You postpone independent study
  • You need explanation and accountability
Practice and testing

RE5 or RE1 Mock Exams

Best for candidates who have already studied and now need to test their understanding and exam technique.

Good choice when:

  • You have studied the syllabus
  • You need readiness testing
  • You want to identify weak task areas
  • You need practice with exam wording

Mock exams cannot:

  • Replace full study material
  • Teach every concept from the beginning
  • Guarantee repeated official questions
  • Help when answers are memorised blindly
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Popular self-study combination

Study Guide and Mock Exams

Best for disciplined candidates who want complete written content together with online practice.

Good choice when:

  • You want to learn and test
  • You can correct mistakes independently
  • You have enough time before writing
  • You prefer reading and questions

Consider upgrading when:

  • You need videos or visual explanations
  • You struggle to understand wrong answers
  • You need a fixed timetable
🖥️
Written and visual learning

Study Material Exclusive Package

Adds slides or visual summaries to the study guide and mock-exam combination.

Good choice when:

  • You want visual summaries
  • You prefer several formats
  • You still want to work independently
  • You need help organising the guide

Consider more support when:

  • You need direct explanations
  • You have repeated misunderstandings
  • You need someone to keep you accountable
🎥
Flexible online learning

RE5 or RE1 Online Self-Study

Combines study material, mock exams, videos, slides and interactive learning for candidates who cannot attend live classes.

Good choice when:

  • You need flexible access
  • You learn from videos and visual material
  • You want several learning formats
  • You can manage your own timetable

Consider a webinar when:

  • You need fixed class dates
  • You struggle to stay consistent
  • You need live interaction
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Most recommended route

RE5 or RE1 Live Webinar

Best for candidates who need live explanation, scheduled classes, recordings, study material, mock exams and support.

91.35% RE5 webinar success rate based on internal RE5 Online results

Good choice when:

  • You are writing for the first time
  • You failed before
  • You need accountability
  • You want evening classes
  • You need recordings and support
  • You want a qualifying pass-guarantee route
🧑‍🏫
Personal support

One-on-One RE5 or RE1 Support

Best for candidates who need targeted help with weak sections, exam technique or repeated failed attempts.

Good choice when:

  • You need individual attention
  • You have a specific content gap
  • You rush or misread questions
  • You need a mock-exam review
  • You failed more than once

Not always the first step when:

  • You have not studied the syllabus
  • You need a full course rather than targeted help
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FSP and employer groups

Corporate RE5 and RE1 Training

Best for FSPs requiring structured group preparation, learner reporting, progress monitoring and flexible scheduling.

Corporate support may include:

  • Separate group registration
  • Agreed class times
  • Managerial access
  • Learner progress reporting
  • Group rates
  • Readiness tracking
Feature Comparison

Compare What Is Included in Each Preparation Route

Exact inclusions may differ between products. Confirm the applicable product details before purchasing.

Feature Study Guide Mock Exams Self-Study Live Webinar One-on-One
Updated study material Included Not included Included Included Depends on booking
Online mock exams Optional add-on Included Included Included Used where applicable
Videos No No Included Included Used where applicable
Slides and visual material No No Included Included Used where applicable
Live classes No No No Included Personal session
Class recordings No No Recorded resources Included Depends on session
Interactive learning No Practice only Included Included Used where relevant
WhatsApp support General support General support Available Ongoing student support Personal support
Fixed schedule Self-managed Self-managed Self-managed Live class timetable Agreed individually
Pass guarantee No No No Available subject to conditions Only where expressly included
Best suited to Independent readers Students who have studied Flexible self-study candidates Students needing structure and support Candidates with targeted personal needs
Why Our Main Route Changed

Why We Recommend Webinars Instead of Two-Day Workshops

RE5 Online no longer focuses on traditional two-day workshops. After reviewing student performance and the learning process, we found that sitting in a classroom for two full days creates too much information overload.

The syllabus contains legislation, role-player duties, definitions, timeframes, exceptions and application-based questions. Trying to absorb everything in one concentrated weekend may create temporary familiarity, but not necessarily lasting understanding.

A live webinar spreads learning across evening sessions. Students have time between classes to revise, replay difficult explanations, ask questions, complete assignments and strengthen weaker areas.

91.35% RE5 Live Webinar success rate based on internal RE5 Online learner results

Why spaced learning works better

  • Content is divided across several sessions
  • Students revise between classes
  • Recordings can be replayed
  • Questions can be raised while studying
  • Mock exams identify weak areas
  • A structured study period follows class
  • Readiness is checked before booking
More Than Buying a Product

What Proper RE5 or RE1 Preparation Should Include

A package is only one part of preparation. The examinations test understanding and application, so your process must include learning, practice, review, revision and evidence of readiness.

1

Learn the content

Work through updated material covering the official task and qualifying-criteria areas.

2

Understand the wording

Learn who must act, what must happen, when it must occur, which exceptions apply and what the consequence is.

3

Practise application

Use mock questions to apply rules rather than merely recognising familiar phrases.

4

Review mistakes

Separate content gaps from reading mistakes, role-player confusion, timeframe errors and rushing.

5

Revise weak areas

Return to your guide, replay, slides or support before immediately taking another mock exam.

6

Check readiness

Book only when your preparation shows consistent understanding, not merely growing impatience.

Different Candidates Need Different Routes

Writing for the First Time or Rewriting After Failure?

🌱

Writing for the first time

Your main risk is not understanding the size of the syllabus or how the examination applies legal knowledge.

Your preparation should include:

  • Orientation to RE1 or RE5
  • Updated study material
  • A structured study order
  • Question-technique training
  • Mock exams after studying
  • A readiness check before booking

Failed before and rewriting

Your first step is not immediately booking another exam. It is identifying why the previous preparation did not result in a pass.

Your review should consider:

  • How many times you have written
  • Your most recent result
  • Your weakest task areas
  • How you prepared
  • Whether you rushed questions
  • Whether you memorised mock answers
  • Whether the next exam is already booked
Affordability Matters

Do Not Choose the Wrong Option Only Because It Costs Less Upfront

Some candidates need only the study guide. Others need live structure, recordings and support. Selecting too little support may become more expensive when it leads to another official exam fee, another booking and another cycle of preparation.

RE5 Online offers several payment methods and selected payment arrangements to help candidates access a preparation route that fits their actual needs.

  • EFT and card payments
  • Selected debit-order arrangements
  • Mobicred
  • RCS where available
  • Selected instalment options
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Compare total value, not only price

  • How long is platform access?
  • Is the study guide included?
  • Are mock exams included?
  • Are videos and slides included?
  • Are class recordings available?
  • Is student support included?
  • Does a pass guarantee apply?
  • Which conditions must be followed?
We Will Help You Choose

Still Not Sure Which RE5 or RE1 Option Is Right for You?

Complete our short options form and tell us about your role, previous attempts, planned exam date, current preparation method and budget.

We will help you compare RE5 and RE1 study options and identify a practical route instead of pushing you toward a package that does not match your situation. A surprisingly sensible use of a sales conversation.

1

Tell us what you need

RE5, RE1, both exams, a rewrite plan, self-study, live classes or corporate support.

2

Tell us your situation

First attempt, previous failure, exam date, current material and available study time.

3

Receive a recommendation

Our team will guide you toward the option that best matches your needs.

Continue Your Research

Helpful RE5 and RE1 Preparation Resources

RE5 Live Webinar

Structured online evening classes for representatives preparing for RE5.

RE1 Live Webinar

Structured online classes for Key Individuals preparing for RE1.

2026 Study Guide

Updated combined RE1 and RE5 study material for structured preparation.

Free RE5 Mock Exam

Test your current RE5 understanding before choosing a paid option.

Failed RE5 Rewrite Plan

Get guidance before repeating the same study method and booking again.

RE5 Exam Venues

Find venue information after checking that you are properly prepared.

RE5 Exam Dates

Check exam dates and plan backwards from your intended writing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare RE5 and RE1 Study Options FAQ

Still trying to compare RE5 and RE1 study options?

Start by confirming which examination applies to your role. Then decide whether you need content only, content plus practice, flexible online learning or live supported preparation.

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 responsible for managing or overseeing the FAIS-related activities of an FSP.

Do I need RE1, RE5 or both?

Representatives generally need RE5, while Key Individuals generally need RE1. A person who performs both roles may need both examinations.

Does RE1 replace RE5?

No. Passing RE1 does not automatically replace RE5. A Key Individual who also acts as a representative may still need RE5.

Is RE1 harder than RE5?

RE1 covers more tasks and contains 80 questions, while RE5 contains 50 questions. Difficulty depends on the candidate’s experience, role, preparation and understanding.

Which RE5 option is best for a first-time candidate?

The RE5 Live Webinar is generally the strongest option for a first-time candidate who needs structured classes, recordings, study material, mock exams and support.

Can I pass using only mock exams?

Mock exams help with testing, diagnosis and exam technique, but they do not replace learning the syllabus and understanding the relevant requirements.

Should I buy the study guide before mock exams?

Candidates who have not studied the full content should usually begin with updated study material or a package that includes the guide. Mock exams become more useful after the content has been studied.

Is the webinar better than self-study?

The webinar is generally better for candidates who need explanation, accountability and fixed class dates. Self-study can work well for disciplined learners who manage their time consistently.

Why does RE5 Online no longer focus on two-day workshops?

Two concentrated classroom days can create information overload. Spaced webinar learning allows time for revision, replay, questions and structured self-study between sessions.

Which option has the highest RE5 success rate?

RE5 Online’s internal statistics show a 91.35% success rate for the RE5 Live Webinar, making it the main recommended supported preparation route.

What should I choose after failing RE5?

Start with a review of your result, previous preparation, weak task areas and exam technique. The most suitable route may be a webinar, rewrite plan, mock review or one-on-one support.

How long should I study before writing?

RE5 Online recommends consistent structured study instead of cramming. Webinar candidates should follow the course process and complete at least 25 days of daily self-study before writing, subject to progress and readiness.

Are payment options available?

Selected payment options are available, including EFT, card, Mobicred, RCS and selected debit-order or instalment arrangements.

Do the webinars include a pass guarantee?

Qualifying RE5 and RE1 webinar routes include the RE5 Online 100% Exam Pass Money Back Guarantee, subject to the published attendance, study, assessment and examination conditions.

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