Compare RE1 and RE5 Study Options
Before you waste money on the wrong RE5 or RE1 course – find the option that suits you.
Not everyone learns the same way. It doesn’t matter if you’re preparing for your RE5 exam as a representative or RE1 exam as a key individual; this page will help you choose the right course based on your study style, time, budget, and learning needs.
To help you prepare wisely, ask yourself:
❓ Do I prefer live classes or self-paced RE5 learning?
❓ Do I need extra help or can I study for the RE5 exam on my own?
❓ Am I confident with legal language?
❓ What is the difference between RE5 and RE1?
❓ How do I pass the RE5 or RE1 exam on my first attempt?
Understanding the difference betwee RE1 and RE5 certificates
In the financial services industry, the RE5 and RE1 certificates are essential licenses that professionals need to demonstrate their knowledge and compliance with the regulations set forth by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand which FAIS certification suits your career path and to help you choose between RE1 and RE5 courses or perhaps find the correct study material for the FAIS RE5 RE1 regulatory exam.
Who Needs an RE5 Certificate?
An RE5 is a must for professionals in the financial services industry, particularly those working as financial advisors, representatives, or intermediaries. Whether you are entering the industry, seeking to enhance your qualifications, or aiming to comply with regulatory requirements, the RE5 Certificate is a crucial credential. It demonstrates your understanding of the regulatory framework and your commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism.
- Financial advisors and representatives who provide financial advice and intermediary services.
- Individuals looking to enhance their credentials and career opportunities in the financial services industry.
If you are looking to improve your career opportunities, it is important to consider both RE5 and RE1, as knowing the difference between these RE certificates will increase your chances of finding better employment.
Benefits of Having an RE5 Certificate
Getting an RE5 Certificate is a significant milestone for professionals in the financial services industry. This certification not only validates your knowledge and understanding of the regulatory environment but also enhances your credibility and marketability. The RE5 Certificate opens up a range of job opportunities, increases your earning potential, and ensures compliance with industry regulations.
How to Compare RE1 and RE5?
Use the tables below to compare RE5 and RE1 to help you decide on which regulatory exam you will prepare for. Both the RE5 and RE1 is important, based on important factors and understanding the difference between RE5 and RE1 will help you make the right choice!
Comparison of RE1 Certificate vs RE5 Certificate | ||
Aspect | RE1 Certificate | RE5 Certificate |
Purpose | For Key Individuals | For Representatives |
Regulatory Requirement | Required for managing and overseeing financial services providers (FSPs) | Required for financial advisors and representatives |
Scope of Knowledge | Covers broader management, compliance, and supervision aspects | Focuses on the fundamentals of financial advice and intermediary services |
Target Audience | Senior management, compliance officers, and supervisors | Financial advisors, sales representatives, and agents |
Exam Focus | Governance, risk management, compliance, and business processes | Financial product knowledge, FAIS Act, and ethical conduct |
Difficulty Level | Higher due to broader scope | Moderate, focused on practical application |
Job Opportunities | Executive roles, compliance officers, and senior managers | Financial advisors, client-facing roles, and sales agents |
Preparation Required | An extensive study due to broad coverage | Focused study on specific financial advice areas |
Career Advancement | Higher-level positions, executive roles | Entry- to mid-level positions, client advisory roles |
Key Individuals vs Representatives | ||
Benefit | Key Individuals | Representatives |
Career Opportunities | Executive and senior management roles | Financial advisor and representative roles |
Industry Compliance | Ensures compliance with higher-level regulatory requirements | Ensures compliance with the FAIS Act for financial advisors |
Skill Enhancement | Comprehensive understanding of business and compliance | In-depth knowledge of financial products and advisory services |
Professional Credibility | High due to senior management’s focus | High due to client-facing role focus |
Job Market Demand | Lower-niche, high-level roles | Higher, more common advisory roles |
Networking Opportunities | Extensive with senior industry professionals | Significant with peers in financial advisory roles |
Exam Comparison: RE5 vs RE1 | ||
Aspect | RE1 Exam | RE5 Exam |
Content Coverage | Governance, compliance, risk management, business processes | Financial product knowledge, FAIS Act, ethical conduct |
Exam Duration | RE1 Exam duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes | RE5 Exam duration is 2 hours |
Number of Questions | 80 Multiple Choice Questions | 50 Multiple Choice Questions |
Difficulty Level | Higher due to broader and deeper coverage | Moderate, focused on practical application |
Preparation Required | Extensive, covering a wide range of topics | Focused and specific to financial advice and intermediary services |
Pass Rate | Overall result of 65% in the actual Moonstone Exam | Overall result of 66% in the actual Moonstone Exam |
Preparation Comparison: RE1 vs RE5 | ||
Aspect | RE1 Preparation | RE5 Preparation |
Study Material | Extensive, covering broad governance and compliance topics | Focused on financial products and advisory principles |
Study Duration | Longer, requiring more in-depth study | Shorter, with focused study sessions |
Training Options | Workshops, webinars, and comprehensive courses | Workshops and webinars, specific to financial advisory roles |
Support Resources | Extensive, including compliance guides and management training | Specific to the FAIS Act and financial advisory practices |
Practice Exams | Numerous due to the broad range of topics | Targeted practice exams for specific advisory scenarios |
Cost of Preparation | Generally higher due to extensive material | Moderate, specific to financial advisory preparation |
RE5 Job Opportunities vs RE1 Job Opportunities | ||
Aspect | RE1 Certificate | RE5 Certificate |
Job Roles | Compliance officers, senior managers, and executives | Financial advisors, sales agents, and client-facing roles |
Industry Sectors | Corporate governance, compliance departments, and executive management | Financial advisory firms, insurance companies, investment firms |
Geographical Mobility | High, with opportunities in large organizations globally | High, with opportunities in various financial advisory roles |
Career Path | Senior-level career advancement | Entry- to mid-level career opportunities |
Demand in Job Market | Moderate, niche, high-level positions | High, widespread demand for financial advisors |
RE5 Job Seekers vs RE1 Job Seekers | ||
Aspect | RE1 Candidates | RE5 Candidates |
Career Stage | Senior-level, experienced professionals | Entry- to mid-level, early career professionals |
Job Responsibilities | Overseeing operations, compliance, and management | Providing financial advice, client-facing roles |
Experience Level | Higher, with a focus on management and compliance | Moderate, with a focus on financial advisory skills |
Motivation | Seeking to advance to executive roles | Seeking to establish or enhance a career in financial advisory |
Skill Set | Leadership, compliance, risk management | Financial product knowledge, client interaction |
Career Goals | Executive and senior management positions | Client advisory and sales roles |
Industry Knowledge | Broad, encompassing governance and compliance | Specific, focused on financial products and advice |
We have over 20 ways to help you pass the RE5 Exam!
Now that you’ve seen how to compare RE5 and RE1, you are probably wondering about the different study materials for RE5 and RE1 and the study options available. Find the right option in preparation for your Moonstone RE5 and RE1 exams! RE5 Online is here to make it easy for you. Compare any of our RE5 and RE1 options and find out which option is better for you and aligns with your career goals.
It is important to remember that RE5 is not better than RE1 and vice versa. Your RE1 certificate does not substitute your RE5 certificate! If you are going to give financial advice, you have to write the RE5 exam to get your RE5 license! With this being said, it is always better to do both RE5 and RE1, as having both these FAIS regulatory licenses is important, and having an RE1 certificate could open many other doors in your future career in the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services sector.
RE5 and RE1 Options Overview:
Before we dive in, let’s understand the basics of these FAIS role players. The FAIS Act identifies a list of key role players that pertain to the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services sector; the most common are the representatives, key individuals, and compliance officers.
- RE5: Ideal for representatives providing financial advice.
- RE1: Geared towards key individuals managing financial services providers.
A Table to Compare the RE5 Certificate vs the RE1 Certificate
| RE5 Certificate | RE1 Certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Job Role | Financial Representatives | Key Individuals |
| Exam Focus | Client interactions and advice | Management and oversight responsibilities |
| Study Material | RE5 Study Guide, RE5 Mock Exams, RE5 Slides, RE5 Videos, RE5 Apps | RE1 Study Guide, RE1 Mock Exams, RE1 Slides, RE1 Videos, RE1 Apps |
| Preparation | Self-Study, RE5 Interactive Online Learning, RE5 Webinars and Workshops | RE1 Self Study, RE1 Interactive Online Learning, RE1 Webinars and RE1 Workshops |
| Guarantee | 100% RE5 Exam Pass Guarantee | 100% RE1 Exam Pass Guarantee |
| Career Impact | Advances in Representative Roles | Elevate to Key Individual and compliance positions |
How to Choose the Right Regulatory Exam
Consider your career path, current role, and aspirations. Use our detailed FAIS role players’ information to guide your decision. Still unsure? Let your friends and family help you compare RE5 and RE1 options by sharing your comparison of the RE5 and RE1 options on social media and asking them for their insights to help you choose between options that will benefit your career!
We aren’t just another RE5 provider. The RE5 Online team is passionate about regulatory exam preparation! When you join us, you will receive the following RE5 tools and resources to study:
💡 Choose the Right RE5 or RE1 Course
Compare our most popular 2025 RE1 and RE5 course options — including:
✅ Live webinars
📚 Self-study packages
🎥 Video replays
🧑🏫 One-on-one VIP coaching
💻 Study guides and mock exams
💸 Price comparisons (starting from R390)
RE5 Online offers various RE5 and RE1 exam preparation options aligned with your regulatory exam needs and budget. Download RE5 Online’s exclusive exam options and let us help you get your RE5 and RE1 certificates.
Popular Questions People Ask (And We Answer!)
What is the difference between RE1 and RE5?
RE5 is for Representatives giving advice under a licensed FSP. RE1 is for Key Individuals managing and overseeing the business. The responsibilities – and the exam questions – are different.
Which is harder, RE1 or RE5?
RE1 generally requires a deeper understanding of compliance, licensing, and oversight. RE5 focuses more on day-to-day advice and services. Your role in the FSP will determine which one you need.
Can I do RE5 online?
Yes! RE5 Online offers both self-study and live webinar options for RE1 and RE5. You can study at your own pace or join live, instructor-led classes with full support.
How long does it take to study for RE5 or RE1?
Most students take between 2 to 4 weeks to prepare for RE5 or RE1, depending on the study option and daily commitment. We recommend at least 25 hours of study time.
Which RE5 course should I take?
It depends on your needs. If you’re confident, you might only need mock exams and the guide. If you want structure and support, choose the RE5 Webinar or VIP Package with our 100% Pass Guarantee.
We are based in Johannesburg, Gauteng for RE1 and RE1 Workshops.<br> If you are not in the area, we suggest you select one of our online learning options for RE5 and RE1!
If you’re ready to take control of your career, we’re ready to help you pass the RE1 and RE5 Exams.
✅ Why Students Choose RE5 Online
Up-to-date 2025 study material
Unlimited Mock Exams with feedback
Easy-to-use Learner Dashboard
Access to replays, videos & slides
WhatsApp support for quick help
100% Exam Pass Guarantee on selected packages