Let’s start at the very beginning

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This line from “The sound of music” applies equally well to those who have written the level 1 REs on several occasions and failed. It may be wise to stand back, review what you have done, and then find a different approach.

  1. The very first step is to read the Preparation Guide compiled by the FSB to establish what you are required to do, what you can expect, and how to prepare. Some candidates who contact us are unable distinguish between the RE 1 (Key Individuals) and RE 5 (Representatives).
  2. The FSB preparation guide also contains the “syllabus” for both of these exams. If you know what you are required to study, it makes it a lot more meaningful than just going at it blindly. Why would you study 16 tasks if you are only required to do 8?
  3. Consider changing the study/preparation material you are using. The fact that your friend/colleague passed using notes that he made while studying, does not mean that it will work for you. He had to work through rafts of material to compile the notes. There are no shortcuts to passing – you have to apply elbow grease.
  4. Read each question carefully before answering. The temptation to jump to conclusions halfway through the question has tripped up many a candidate.
  5. If you have often run out of time, please request extra time before you write to make sure that you do not add time pressure to the stress you are already experiencing.
  6. Do not despair because so many others have passed while you are still battling. It often only requires a few minor adjustments to succeed. In most of the cases where people fail repeatedly it is not necessarily that they lack the knowledge – the problem often lies in conveying your knowledge under exam conditions.

Our dedicated RE webpage contains a lot of information to help you review your approach to both preparing for the exams, and how to approach the exams. Please spend some time here to get acquainted with the sugar that will help the medicine go down in the most delightful day.

Preparation Material

There are three fully updated resources for those requiring access to the legislation applicable to the regulatory examinations:

  • Inseta’s study material is available on their website
  • LexisNexis provides a “Legislation Handbook” together with a “Preparation Guide” containing the qualifying criteria, with a link to the relevant legislation. Queries can be addressed to Nerine.
  • The Juta FAIS Pocket Statutes also contains a CD with a comprehensive list of updated supplementary legislative material for reference purposes.


RE Schedules, Venues and Registration visit our exam page.