Mastering the RE 5: how MBSE turns compliance into career capital

In South Africa’s financial services sector, credibility starts with competence – and competence begins with compliance. For anyone wanting to give advice or sell financial products on behalf of a financial services provider, passing the Regulatory Examination for Representatives (RE 5) is non-negotiable.

The RE 5 isn’t about memorising product facts. It’s about proving you can navigate the regulatory framework set out in the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and its subordinate legislation. You’re tested on your grasp of ethical obligations, codes of conduct, disclosure requirements, and the consequences of falling short. The exam’s 50 multiple-choice questions, completed in two hours with a 65% pass mark, demand more than surface-level knowledge – they require fluency in the legal and ethical language of the industry.

That’s where training makes all the difference. The legal jargon of financial regulation can be daunting, and many otherwise capable professionals stumble, not on the concepts, but on the way the law is phrased. Structured preparation is the bridge between understanding the rules in principle and being able to apply them in a timed, high-stakes exam setting.

When Moonstone Business School of Excellence introduced its RE 5 training programme last year, it quickly distinguished itself for both depth and delivery. Over six weeks of online, self-paced study, learners work through weekly focus areas supported by detailed study guides, self-assessment questions, and review presentations. The content is crafted for disciplined, self-motivated learners who want flexibility without sacrificing rigour.

According to MBSE operations manager Monique Brummer, students consistently highlight the value of the video resources, the peer-to-peer support offered through the WhatsApp group, and the direct access to a co-ordinator for guidance.

“By the end of the course, participants don’t just review the material – they put their skills to the test with a mock exam and a step-by-step guide to analysing questions under exam conditions.”

It’s important to note that the course does not include the RE 5 exam itself, but after completing the training, learners are well prepared to take the official exam independently. Students must book and take the exam separately through a Regulatory Exam Body after completing the training.

The course welcomes a wide range of learners – from representatives under supervision to those simply wanting to deepen their understanding of the FAIS regulatory environment – and there are no prior qualifications required. Enrolment is open year-round, with online registration available at any time. Once payment is confirmed, students receive immediate access to the full suite of learning materials.

Learners receive a Certificate of Completion after passing all assessments with at least 66%. While MBSE’s certificate is not the RE 5 itself, it signals to employers that a candidate has invested in serious preparation.

Brummer says in an industry where compliance is not just a legal requirement but the foundation of trust, the RE 5 is more than an exam – it’s a statement of professionalism.

“And with MBSE’s comprehensive, flexible training, candidates are not only better prepared to pass; they are better equipped to uphold the standards the exam was designed to protect.”

Click here to find out more about MBSE’s RE training and to enrol.

More about MBSE

MBSE provides qualifications, Class of Business training, CPD activities, and short courses to the financial services market. MBSE is known for its deep expertise and a strong reputation in the industry, focusing on delivering high-quality, industry-relevant training. MBSE’s programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers, particularly in fields that require an understanding of complex regulatory environments.

Click here to find out more about MBSE’s range of learning programmes.