RE5 Certificate Requirements in South Africa

Introduction

The RE5 Certificate is the certification issued to individual representatives in the South African financial services sector upon passing the RE5 Exam (Regulatory Examination for Representatives). This certification is required under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act) for individuals who provide financial advice or intermediary services — such as financial advisors, insurance brokers, bank consultants, wealth-management representatives, and other professionals in the financial services industry. (re-exambuddy.co.za)

People look up RE5 Certificate requirements when they intend to start or continue working as a financial services representative. The certification ensures compliance with regulatory standards and eligibility to render financial services legally.

Who qualifies: Generally, any appointed representative of a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP) who will give financial advice or intermediary services to clients — excluding purely administrative, clerical or technical staff. (Studocu)

All RE5 Certificate Requirements in South Africa

Document Requirements

A valid South African ID document or passport (for non-South Africans) — original is required for examination admission. (Studocu)
Completed registration form for the RE5 exam (provided by the exam body) (Studocu)
FSP number (the license number of the Financial Services Provider under which the representative is appointed) (moonstone.co.za)
Personal contact and professional details (as part of registration) (moonstone.co.za)

Eligibility Requirements

You must be appointed by an FSP (financial services provider) as a representative. (Studocu)
The role must involve rendering financial services (advice or intermediary services) to clients — not purely clerical, technical, administrative or legal tasks. (Studocu)
Representatives operating with Tier 1 FAIS products generally must write the RE5 exam. Certain exemptions apply (e.g., representatives for only specific low-risk product categories) — check with your FSP. (re5.co.za)

Additional Requirements (Fees, Conditions, Compliance, Renewal)

Requirement	Details
Fees	The official examination fee is R1,226 (VAT inclusive) per exam in South Africa. (re-exambuddy.co.za)
Exam format / pass mark	The RE5 Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, must be completed within 2 hours, and a pass mark of 66% is required (i.e., at least 33 correct answers). (re-exambuddy.co.za)
Time limit to pass after appointment	From your Date of First Appointment (DOFA) as a representative, you have 24 months (2 years) to pass the RE5 exam. Failure within this period may result in being barred from rendering financial services until the exam is passed. (re-exambuddy.co.za)
Compliance / Fit & Proper Requirements	RE5 is a competency requirement under the “fit and proper” criteria of the FAIS Act — passing it demonstrates you understand relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory responsibilities. (Milpark Education)
Renewal / Continuing obligations	The RE5 exam is not a “qualification” but a regulatory exam. There is no “renewal” of the certificate per se — but representatives must remain compliant under FAIS regulations, adhering to codes of conduct and ongoing regulatory requirements of their FSP. (Studocu)

How to Apply for RE5 Certificate in South Africa

Prepare required documents

Valid ID/passport
FSP number and professional appointment confirmation
Completed registration form (downloadable from exam body)

Register for the exam

Registration can be done online or by email through the mandated body Moonstone Examination Body. (moonstone.co.za)
Submit the registration form along with ID/passport copy to the provided email address (e.g., faisexam@moonstoneinfo.co.za) (Studocu)
Registration closes at least 11 working days before exam date. (Studocu)

Pay the exam fee

The fee is R1,226 (VAT inclusive). On registration, you will receive a pro forma invoice — payment must be made within 24 hours. (Studocu)
After payment, email proof of payment to the designated address (e.g., pop@moonstoneinfo.co.za) to confirm your booking. (Studocu)

Take the exam

Arrive at the booked exam venue with your original ID/passport. (Studocu)
The exam is 50 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour duration. Use HB pencil or black pen as specified. (Studocu)

Get results and certificate

Results are typically released within a few days (some sources say 2–3 days). (re-exambuddy.co.za)
Once passed, you become eligible for issuance of the RE5 Certificate. Certificates can be downloaded via Moonstone’s portal if you registered and passed. (moonstone.co.za)

If needed: re-sit exam

If unsuccessful, you may re-write. You remain responsible for passing within the 24-month window from first appointment. (re-exambuddy.co.za)

RE5 Certificate Fees and Costs

The official fee for the RE5 Exam is R1,226 (VAT inclusive) per attempt. (re-exambuddy.co.za)
There may be additional costs if using third-party preparatory courses (study materials, mock exams, workshops), but these are optional and not mandated by the regulator. (re5.co.za)

Processing Time for RE5 Certificate

Exam results are typically communicated within 2–3 days after writing the exam. (re-exambuddy.co.za)
Official certificate issuance (or download availability) follows the exam body’s processing, which can take up to 20 working days (to allow for marking, verification, and regulatory approval). (moonstone.co.za)
Delays may occur if there are administrative issues (e.g., incorrect ID details, missing payment proof) or if exam scheduling/rescheduling is required.

There are currently no publicly advertised “fast-track” options — candidates must follow the standard registration, payment, exam, and result process. (moonstone.co.za)

Contact Details for the Exam Body and Regulator

Moonstone Examination Body (for RE5)

Phone: (021) 883 8000 or 888 9796 (moonstone.co.za)
Email (for registrations): faisexam@moonstoneinfo.co.za (Studocu)
Alternate email (for payment proof): pop@moonstoneinfo.co.za (Studocu)
Website: official details and exam schedule available via Moonstone’s site — accessible via their “Regulatory Exam Body” section. (moonstone.co.za)

Regulatory Authority

Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) — the statutory authority under which RE5 is mandated.
Official FSCA website provides legislation, exam-prep guides and regulatory updates. (fsca.co.za)

FAQs — RE5 Certificate Requirements

Q: What documents do I need for RE5?
A: A valid ID book or passport, a completed exam registration form, and your FSP number plus personal & professional details. (moonstone.co.za)

Q: How long does it take to get the RE5 certificate after the exam?
A: Results are usually sent within 2–3 days; the official certificate becomes available after marking, verification and regulatory approval — typically up to 20 working days. (re-exambuddy.co.za)

Q: Can I apply/register for RE5 online?
A: Yes — you can register online through the mandated exam body (Moonstone), by filling out and submitting the registration form. (Studocu)

Q: What happens if I don’t pass within 24 months of appointment?
A: If you fail to pass the exam within the 2-year timeframe, you may be debarred from rendering financial services as a representative until you pass. (re-exambuddy.co.za)

Q: Are foreigners eligible to write the RE5 exam?
A: Yes — provided they have a valid passport and are appointed by an FSP to render financial services, they may register for the exam. (Studocu)

Q: Is there an age or income requirement?
A: No — the RE5 requirement is based on being appointed as a representative. There is no age or income threshold specified in published requirements.

Q: Do I need additional courses or degrees before RE5?
A: No formal tertiary qualification is required to attempt RE5. However, preparatory courses or study material can help you pass — but these are optional. (Accounting Academy)

Conclusion

The RE5 Certificate is a mandatory regulatory credential for representatives in the South African financial services sector under the FAIS Act. To obtain it, you must register via the mandated exam body (Moonstone), submit valid identification and an FSP number, pay the exam fee (R1,226), and pass the RE5 Exam (50 MCQs, 2-hour duration, 66% pass mark) within 24 months of your first appointment.

If you’re preparing for a career as a financial advisor, broker or other representative role — make sure to carefully follow the application steps above. Begin by registering as soon as you have been appointed by an FSP, gather your documents, study thoroughly using official legislation / FSCA-approved guidance, and book your exam to secure your RE5 Certificate and comply with regulatory requirements.

RE5 Certificate Requirements