2026 Updated · RE1 & RE5 · Free Plain-English Guide
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.
This free guide helps first-time writers, repeat writers, Representatives, Key Individuals and FSP staff understand the RE exam preparation journey before wasting time, money and perfectly good emotional stability.
2026 Updated
Plain-English
RE1 & RE5
Mock Exam Path
Study Support
South African FAIS Prep
Free RE1 and RE5 Exam Preparation Guide 2026
What this free guide helps you understand
This guide was created to help South African candidates understand the regulatory exam process before they start studying, booking, or rewriting their official examination.
It 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.
- 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
Start Here Before You Study
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 guide helps you understand the official preparation framework in plain English and shows you how to use 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.”
RE5 Online is an independent training provider. Moonstone is the current examination body through which candidates register for and write the official regulatory examinations. RE5 Online does not administer the official RE1 or RE5 exams and is not endorsed by Moonstone or the FSCA.
This guide does not replace the official FSCA/Moonstone preparation guide, the FAIS Act, the General Code of Conduct, the FIC Act, Board Notices, FAIS Notices, licensing conditions or any other official regulatory source. Students remain responsible for using the latest official documents and legislation when preparing for their examination.
Official Exam Resources
Official resources to use with this RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide
This page and free guide 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.
Moonstone Exam Registration
Candidates register and book their official RE1 or RE5 examination through the Moonstone FAIS exam registration website.
FSCA FAIS Information
The FSCA website provides access to FAIS-related regulatory information, legislation and supervisory updates.
Related Official Guide Explanation
Need 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.
Official Guide vs Study Support
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.
Official Preparation Guide
- Explains the regulatory exam framework
- Shows qualifying criteria
- References legislation
- Explains question formats
- Does not replace full study material
RE5 Online Preparation Support
- Explains the framework in plain English
- Shows how to study and apply the criteria
- Helps students understand the legal wording
- Teaches exam technique and mock exam review
- Connects students to study material, webinars and support
Who This Is For
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.
RE1 vs RE5
Which regulatory exam do you need?
RE5 is mainly for Representatives. RE1 is mainly for Key Individuals. Some candidates may need both.
RE5 Exam
The RE5 exam is mainly for Representatives who render financial services to clients for or on behalf of a Financial Services Provider.
- Main audience: Representatives
- Main focus: Rendering financial services
- Questions: 50
- Duration: 2 hours
- Pass mark: 66%
RE1 Exam
The RE1 exam is mainly for Key Individuals who manage or oversee the FAIS-related activities of an FSP.
- Main audience: Key Individuals
- Main focus: Management and oversight
- Questions: 80
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Pass mark: 65%
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 Format
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.
Qualifying Criteria
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.
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.
Study System
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
Consistent study beats last-minute cramming. Revolutionary, apparently.
RE5 Study Priorities
What should RE5 students study first?
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 and subcategories
Licence categories, product categories, subcategories and authorisation.
Complaints and FIC duties
Complaints, jurisdiction, identification, verification, reporting and tipping-off.
Mock Exams
How mock exams should really be used
Mock exams are useful, but only if used correctly. They should help you identify weak topics, practise reading questions carefully, improve time management, spot wording traps and review incorrect answers.
Study, test, review, fix weak areas, check readiness, then book
- 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
- Do not memorise mock exam answers
- Do not book just because you are tired of studying
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.
- Content gaps
- Poor exam technique
- Rushing through questions
- Weak chapter understanding
- Misreading legal wording
- Memorising mock answers
- Booking too early
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.
Free PDF Download
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.
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.
- 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
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.
Next Steps
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.
Mock Exams
Practise exam-style questions, identify weak areas and learn how to review mistakes properly.
Live Webinar
Join structured evening online classes with recordings, resources, support and a clear preparation path.
Explore More RE Exam Resources
More 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.
RE5 Qualifying Criteria
Learn how tasks, knowledge criteria, skill criteria and legislation references become RE5 exam questions.
RE1 vs RE5
Not sure which regulatory exam you need? Understand the difference between Representatives and Key Individuals.
FAQ
RE1 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?
It is a free plain-English guide from RE5 Online that helps candidates understand the RE1 and RE5 exam framework, qualifying criteria, study planning, mock exam review and readiness checks.
Who should use the RE1 and RE5 exam preparation guide 2026?
It is useful for RE1 candidates, RE5 candidates, repeat writers, first-time writers, Representatives, Key Individuals and FSP staff preparing for regulatory exams.
Is the RE5 Online guide the official Moonstone guide?
No. RE5 Online’s guide is an independent plain-English preparation support guide. Candidates must still refer to official Moonstone and FSCA resources when preparing.
Is the official preparation guide enough to pass RE5?
The official preparation guide shows the framework and criteria, but most candidates still need structured study material, mock exam practice, exam technique and readiness checks.
What is the difference between RE1 and RE5?
RE5 is mainly for Representatives who render financial services, while RE1 is mainly for Key Individuals who manage or oversee FAIS-related activities of an FSP.
How many questions are in the RE5 exam?
The RE5 exam has 50 questions, a 2-hour duration and a 66% pass mark.
How many questions are in the RE1 exam?
The RE1 exam has 80 questions, a 2 hour 30 minute duration and a 65% pass mark.
What are qualifying criteria?
Qualifying criteria are the knowledge and skill requirements used to build regulatory exam questions. They show what may be tested.
Should I memorise mock exam answers?
No. Mock exams should be used to test readiness, identify weak areas and improve exam technique. Memorising answers does not prepare you for application-based questions.
When should I book my Moonstone exam?
Book only after completing your study plan, reviewing weak areas, practising mock exams and confirming that you are genuinely ready.
Can RE5 Online help me if I failed before?
Yes. RE5 Online can help repeat writers identify what went wrong, improve exam technique and prepare with a better rewrite plan.
Prepare Properly
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.
Choose Your RE5 Path
Not sure where to start with RE5?
Choose the situation that matches you best. We will guide you to the right RE5 page, support option or next step so you do not waste time on the wrong route.
I failed RE5 before
Failed once or more? Do not just book again. First find out what went wrong and build a proper rewrite plan.
- Review why you failed
- Check weak chapters
- Improve exam technique
- Plan your rewrite properly
I need RE5 for job opportunities
Trying to enter financial services? Learn how RE5 can support your CV, jobseeker profile and FAIS career path.
- Build your RE5 career path
- Improve CV visibility
- Register as a jobseeker
- Become visible to FSPs
I am under supervision / my DOFA started
If you are a representative under supervision, your RE5 preparation should be treated as part of your FAIS pathway.
- Understand DOFA pressure
- Plan your RE5 timeline
- Choose the right support
- Avoid last-minute panic
I need RE5 training for FSP staff
For FSP owners, KIs, HR, compliance and training managers who need staff to prepare properly for RE5.
- Train representatives
- Track learner progress
- Ask about group rates
- Request corporate support
Still Not Sure?
Let us help you choose the right RE5 option
Complete one short form and tell us what you need help with. We will route you to the correct RE5 support path.