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Who needs RE5, and how can it help you?

If you want to work in the South African financial services industry, chances are high that you must have an RE5 certificate.

The RE5 (Regulatory Examination for Representatives) is a legal requirement under the FAIS Act for many roles. Without it, you cannot legally provide advice, intermediary services, or represent a licensed FSP.

If you’re unsure whether RE5 applies to you, this page will make it clear.

The Short Answer

You need an RE5 certificate if you are involved in selling, advising, explaining, or assisting with financial products or services to clients.

If your role has any impact on a client’s financial decision, RE5 is not optional = RE5 legal requirement!

You Need RE5 If You Are Any of the Following

It’s no secret who must write the RE5. You must have your RE5 certificate if you work or plan to work as:

- A financial advisor or financial planner
- A short-term or long-term insurance representative
- A bank consultant selling financial products
- A call centre agent handling financial services
- A broker or intermediary
- A representative under a licensed FSP
- A person giving advice or intermediary services to clients

Even if your title is “consultant,” “agent,” or “sales,” RE5 may still apply depending on what you do.

What Happens If You Work Without RE5?

Working without a valid RE5 certificate can result in:

- Inability to be appoint or retained by an FSP
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Delays in starting or continuing your career in the FAIS Sector
- Not being given a chance to apply for vacancies or being invited for interviews.

In short, RE5 is a gatekeeper. Without it, progress stops. You must write your RE exam if you are serious about finding your footprint in the FAIS sector

Who Does NOT Need RE5?

You generally do not need RE5 if you:

- Work purely in administration with no client advice
- Perform back-office processing only
- Have no client interaction related to financial decisions

However, many “admin” roles gradually shift into client-facing work. When that happens, RE5 becomes compulsory.

If you’re unsure, it’s safer to confirm than to risk non-compliance.

Roles That Often Cause Confusion

Many people think they don’t need RE5 because of their job title. In reality, job function matters more than job title.

You likely still need RE5 if you:

- Explain financial products to clients
- Assist clients with applications or changes
- Influence a client’s financial decision
- Handle advice-related queries

If clients rely on your input, RE5 usually applies.

The RE5 Legal Requirement

The RE5 certificate exists to protect consumers and ensure that representatives understand:

- The FAIS Act and regulatory framework
- Ethical conduct and disclosure requirements
- Client protection and compliance obligations
- The consequences of non-compliance

Without RE5, an FSP cannot legally appoint you as a representative.

Do I need RE5 and RE1?

No, it is not a requirement to have your RE5 and RE1 certificate if you don’t fill the roles of both Representative or Key Individual. If you do, you must remember, that the one certificate does not substitute the other.

What is an RE5 Certificate?

An RE5 certificate is your license to SELL financial products!

From your Date of First Appointment, also known as DOFA, you have 2 years to pass your RE5 exam and get the RE5 License.

But, many FSP's require you to have an RE5 Certificate before they will hire you!

The RE5 certificate (also referred to as an RE5 License) will be issued to you after you successfully pass the regulatory exam for representatives (the RE5 Exam can only be taken through Moonstone). Financial service providers (FSPs) require their representatives to have their RE5, if they provide financial advice or offer an intermediary service on their behalf. Important to remember, the RE5 certificate is not a qualification. These regulatory exams are part of the fit and proper requirements as per the FAIS Act, and the FSCA regulates this market conduct of financial institutions.

To pass the RE5 exam, you need to score at least 33 out of 50 (66%). Passing the RE5 exam is difficult, to successfully write your RE5 exam, do an RE5 Course at RE5 Online!

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FAIS Career Growth with RE5 Online

Getting your RE5 Certificate is the key to getting a job in the FAIS sector! The Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services sector is dynamic with many working opportunities, but you can’t go knocking on these doors just yet. RE5 compliance is a must!

Due to the compliance risks FSPs face when their representatives (advisors) don’t meet the fit and proper requirements of the FAIS Act, they rarely hire staff without a RE5 Certificate. So in all honesty, if you want to be a representative of a business that offers advice or an intermediary service in the FAIS sector, you need your RE5 Certificate. Meaning RE5 legal requirement. Full Stop. Once you have written the RE5 exam and received this license, many doors can open!

A Career in Financial Advisory Services

In the dynamic realm of financial services, where expertise and integrity are paramount, regulatory exams serve as a cornerstone for professionals seeking to excel and make a lasting impact. Having your RE5 certificate, is one of the top RE5 career requirements.

RE5 Online, a distinguished division of F5 Academy, stands as your ally in preparing representatives (RE5) and key individuals (RE1) to navigate these exams successfully. Explore the possibilities and discover how RE5 can reshape your career trajectory.

Passing the RE5 exam is not easy, and looking at the number of times candidates write and fail the RE5 exam, the questions in the RE5 exam will be difficult, even though it is multiple choice questions. These specific questions are often direct and can be confusing, especially if you do not understand the questions, the roleplayers, the code of conduct, and other elements related to providing financial advice.

The fastest way to prepare for the RE5 Exam and get a RE5 Certificate is to:

Get HELP to PASS your RE1 and RE5 Exams!

Understanding the RE5 Exam Essentials

You can only write your RE5 exam at Moonstone and it will most probably be the most difficult exam that you will ever write in your life! Be prepared! Learn more about the RE5 exam requirements.

Who Needs RE5?

As the financial landscape evolves, so do the demands for knowledgeable and ethical professionals who can guide clients toward sound financial decisions. Those who need RE5, falls under the regulation set out in the FAIS act, regulated by the FSCA. The RE5 exam is designed to cater to individuals operating within the financial advisory sector, including:

Financial Advisors and Representatives

If you’re a financial advisor or representative entrusted with guiding clients through their financial journey, RE5 is your key to demonstrating competence and instilling confidence. This exam equips you with the necessary knowledge to uphold ethical standards and provide accurate advice within the bounds of industry regulations.

Key Individuals and Compliance Experts

For key individuals within financial institutions, compliance is paramount. The RE5 exam offers a comprehensive understanding of compliance management, governance, and ethical conduct, ensuring that institutions operate with transparency and integrity.

Talk to us about your situation, or a payment plan!

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What can you do with a
RE5 Certificate?

Now that you know who needs RE5, it’s important to understand what you can do with a RE5 Certificate.

When you have your RE5, you can work for a Financial Services Provider as a representative, in a call center or as a Financial Advisor. You can also be offered a position, offering intermediary services!

- - Elevate Your Expertise: RE5 empowers you with in-depth knowledge of industry regulations, ethics, and best practices, elevating your advisory skills and enriching your client interactions.
  - Build Trust and Confidence: Successfully passing the RE5 exam showcases your commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct, instilling trust and confidence in clients.
  - Expand Your Opportunities: With RE5 certification, doors to new career opportunities within the financial advisory sector swing wide open, enabling you to take your career to new heights.
  - Navigate Regulatory Landscapes: Gain the expertise to navigate complex regulatory frameworks with finesse, ensuring your advice remains compliant and in line with industry standards.
  - Shape the Future: By passing the RE5 exam, you contribute to shaping a future where financial services are guided by knowledgeable professionals dedicated to ethical conduct.

Ready to transform your Financial Advisory career?

Enroll for the best RE5 Course today!

Discover the RE5 advantage and unlock a future filled with opportunities and expertise. Connect with us today to explore our range of preparation services and take the first step toward elevating your career.

How RE5 Online can help you in your exam preparation!

RE5 Online invites everyone who is asking themselves “Who needs RE5 Certificate?” The RE5 certificate is your license to work as a representative in the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services sector and the key to your career success! Embrace the power of preparing for the RE5 exam with RE5 Online.

Our tailored RE5 workshops, RE5 study materials, RE5 mock exams, and interactive RE5 e-learning options equip you with the tools to pass the RE5 exam. Whether you choose face-to-face RE5 classes or online RE5 learning, our offerings cater to diverse RE5 learning styles, ensuring you’re well-prepared for RE5 exam success.

Connect with RE5 Online today to start your journey of growth, integrity, and career advancement.

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RE5 FAQ: Who needs it, why it matters, and how to get it fast

Quick answers to the most searched questions (Google, social media, AI tools, and “I saw it on TikTok” research).

What is an RE5 certificate and why is it required?

The RE5 is a regulatory exam requirement for many roles in South Africa’s financial services environment. It’s not “just a certificate”, it’s proof you meet the regulatory competence requirement to operate in certain FAIS-related roles.

It protects clients (and the FSP) through regulated conduct and fit-and-proper standards.
It improves hiring chances because many roles require it before you can be appointed or progress.
It’s a compliance requirement, not a nice-to-have.

Who exactly needs RE5?

In plain terms: if your role involves rendering financial services (advice or intermediary services) in a FAIS environment, RE5 is commonly required.

New entrants trying to enter an FSP environment
Representatives whose employer requires regulatory exams for appointment/retention
People whose career progression is blocked without compliance competence

Is RE5 a UNISA certificate?

No. RE5 is a regulatory exam requirement (industry compliance), not a UNISA academic certificate. People mix it up because they search “RE5 certificate” and expect a university-style qualification path.

You can study with different providers, but the exam itself is a regulatory requirement.
Don’t waste time hunting for “RE5 UNISA PDF” links.
Focus on exam-aligned preparation, mock feedback, and readiness checks.

Can I download RE5 study material as a PDF and pass?

You can download material, sure. Passing is the problem.

Free PDFs are often outdated, incomplete, or missing exam-relevant application skills.
Many learners memorise content but fail scenario-based questions.
The fastest path is structured prep plus a mock exam readiness review before booking.

Can I use Udemy or random online courses for RE5?

Be careful. Generic “finance courses” are not the same as RE5 regulatory exam preparation.

RE5 is compliance and conduct-focused, not general finance theory.
You need exam-aligned structure, revision strategy, and feedback on weak areas.
If a course can’t explain how to prepare for the exam format, it’s probably not built for RE5.

How much does the RE5 cost?

There are usually two cost buckets:

Exam booking fee (paid when you book your exam with the exam provider)
Preparation cost (study material, mock exams, classes, support)

If you want the cheapest outcome overall, don’t “save” money by failing and paying twice.

Can I write my RE5 online?

Many learners ask this because they want convenience, but exam rules and formats can vary.

What you can do online: prep, mock exams, feedback reviews, and readiness checks.
Before booking anything, confirm the current exam booking method and venue options.
Our recommendation: prep first, book second. Always.

Where can I write the RE5 exam in South Africa?

RE5 exams are written via authorised exam channels and venues (often marketed under “Moonstone” by many candidates).

Use the official booking process for the most current venue list.
Choose a venue based on availability and travel risk (late arrival = disaster).
Do a readiness check before you lock in a date and pay the booking fee.

Is the RE5 exam difficult?

It’s difficult for people who:

Only memorise notes instead of learning how to apply rules to scenarios
Use mock exams as “study material” instead of feedback training
Book too early, panic-study, and hope for a miracle

With the right prep process, it becomes manageable and predictable.

How long do I need to study for RE5?

It depends on your background, time available, and whether you follow a structured plan.

Most successful candidates follow a consistent daily study plan (not weekend cramming).
Use mock exams to identify weak sections, then fix them with targeted revision.
Book only after you can pass a readiness check confidently.

Will RE5 help me get a job?

For many FAIS-related roles: yes, it improves your chances because it removes a compliance barrier.

Some employers won’t shortlist you without progress on RE requirements.
It signals seriousness and readiness for regulated environments.
Pair it with a clean CV and realistic expectations about entry-level roles.

What can I do with an RE5 certificate?

It supports roles in regulated financial services environments where competence requirements apply.

Representative-type roles (depending on the employer’s licence categories)
Sales environments where compliance competence is required
Career progression into regulated advisory or intermediary pathways

Does RE5 guarantee a salary or a specific job title?

No. It’s a compliance key, not a magic wand.

Your salary depends on role type, product category, sales model, and experience.
RE5 helps you qualify to be considered for regulated roles.
It’s one of the fastest ways to reduce hiring friction in this industry.

What are the requirements to get RE5?

Requirements vary by role, category, and employer context, but the usual pathway looks like:

Choose the correct exam (RE5 vs RE1) for your role
Prepare properly using current, exam-aligned material
Complete a readiness check before booking and paying exam fees

Do you help with exam booking and readiness checks?

Yes, and this is where most people save time (and avoid wasting exam fees).

Do a mock exam first to identify weak sections
Send your results for feedback and a readiness recommendation
Only then choose a date and book

Best next step (before you book): Do a free RE5 mock exam and request a readiness check.

This prevents the classic “I booked, I panicked, I failed” cycle.

WhatsApp: Readiness Check Start Free Mock Exam

If you are asking yourself

HOW TO PASS THE RE5 EXAM?

The RE5 Exam is difficult and can cost you a lot of money if you keep on failing the RE5 exam. (It will cost you R1 266.00 to book your RE5 exam).

When you attend our RE5 Workshops or online RE5 Course you will get all the study material for RE5, practice questions and answers, and help to study for the RE5 exam, for 90 days – enough time to prepare yourself for the exam at Moonstone.

The best change to pass the RE5 exam, is by registering for an RE5 course, at the only RE5 institution that offers a real guarantee (or money-back) that you will get your RE5 Certificate!

YOU CAN PASS THE RE5 EXAM IN JUST 25 DAYS!

Studying 1 hour a day only and following our RE5 program!

How RE5 Online will help those who need RE5 with:

Our Unique 100% Exam Pass guarantee...

Or we will give you a full refund on the spot. T's & C's apply!

RE5 Online offers you a real 100% money-back guarantee that you will pass the RE5 Exam.

We have a proven track record and are the only RE5 training provider that will give you a guarantee. Yes, if you attended our Regulatory Examination Preparation Workshop, and failed the RE5 exam, we will give you your money back! (On condition that you pass the code of conduct and licensing sections in the exam).

RE5 Course Registrations

Register for the best RE5 Workshops today!

You can do RE5 courses at RE5 Online, in a real classroom environment, or through online training options. We assist with affordable payment options, that will not break the bank, !