If you are planning to enter the dynamic property market in Hong Kong as a licensed real estate agent, passing the Salesperson's Qualifying Examination (SQE) is your most critical regulatory hurdle. Administered by the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK) Exam Centre on behalf of the Estate Agents Authority (EAA), this exam ensures that all practitioners understand the legal frameworks governing property transactions in the Special Administrative Region.
One of the most common sources of anxiety for candidates is the structure of the test itself. Knowing exactly how many questions you will face, the time limit you have to complete them, and how the marks are weighted is essential for building a winning study strategy. For a broader overview of the entire licensing process, be sure to read our Complete Hong Kong Salesperson Exam Exam Guide.
How Many Questions Are on the Hong Kong Salesperson Exam?
The Hong Kong Salesperson's Qualifying Examination consists of exactly 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). However, unlike standard exams where every question carries the same weight, the EAA structures the SQE into two distinct parts with different point values to test both your theoretical knowledge and your practical application skills.
Part I: General Knowledge and Regulations
Part I contains 40 multiple-choice questions. These questions test your foundational knowledge of the real estate industry, including the Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511), the Conveyancing and Property Ordinance, basic building knowledge, and agency law.
- Number of Questions: 40
- Marks per Question: 1.5 marks
- Total Marks for Part I: 60 marks
Part II: Practical Case Studies
Part II contains 10 multiple-choice questions. This section is significantly more complex and is based on practical case studies. You will be provided with sample documents—such as a Land Registry search, a floor plan, or a Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP)—and asked to answer questions based on your interpretation of these documents.
- Number of Questions: 10
- Marks per Question: 4 marks
- Total Marks for Part II: 40 marks
The total possible score for the exam is 100 marks. To obtain a passing grade, you must achieve an overall score of at least 60% (60 marks). There is no requirement to pass Part I and Part II separately; your final result is based on your combined score.
What is the Time Limit for the Exam?
You are given a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) to complete the 50 questions. Because the exam is strictly timed, effective pacing is just as important as knowing the material.
If you divide 150 minutes by 50 questions, you mathematically have 3 minutes per question. However, this is a dangerous pacing strategy because Part II questions require significantly more time to read and analyze than Part I questions.
Recommended Time Allocation Strategy
To maximize your chances of passing, we recommend the following time management breakdown:
Recommended Time Allocation (Minutes)
- Part I (70 minutes): Aim to complete these 40 questions at a pace of about 1.5 to 1.75 minutes per question. These are generally recall and standard application questions. Either you know the regulation, or you don't.
- Part II (60 minutes): Allocate a full 6 minutes per question here. You will need this time to cross-reference the provided annexes, verify ownership details on a land search, or calculate stamp duties based on the case study facts.
- Review Buffer (20 minutes): Save the last 20 minutes to transfer your answers carefully to the optical mark recognition (OMR) sheet and review any questions you flagged during your first pass.
Topics That Demand the Most Time
During the exam, certain topics will naturally slow you down. Recognizing these topics in advance allows you to bank time on easier questions.
1. Mathematical Calculations
Questions involving property valuation, yield rates, or apportioning management fees and rates between a buyer and seller will require you to use your calculator. You must be comfortable with these formulas. To master these, review our guide on proration calculations step-by-step to ensure you don't waste precious minutes figuring out the math on exam day.
2. EAA Code of Ethics and Practice Circulars
The EAA frequently tests candidates on ethical dilemmas, such as dual agency disclosures, conflict of interest, and the handling of client money. These questions often feature "best action" scenarios where multiple answers seem plausible, but only one adheres strictly to the EAA's Practice Circulars. Brush up on these nuances by studying Hong Kong real estate ethics and standards.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Anti-Trust
With the enforcement of the Competition Ordinance in Hong Kong, the EAA has integrated questions regarding price-fixing and anti-competitive behavior among estate agencies. Scenario questions involving commissions and agency agreements require careful reading. Learn how to spot these traps in our article on anti-trust laws in real estate.
Practical Scenario: Tackling Part II Effectively
Let’s look at a practical example of why Part II demands so much of your 150-minute time limit.
Scenario: You are given a 3-page historical Land Search document for a flat in Taikoo Shing. The question asks: "Based on the attached Land Search, who is the current registered owner capable of signing a valid Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase, and are there any undischarged encumbrances?"
Time Management Approach:
- Do not read the entire 3-page document like a novel.
- Read the question first to identify exactly what data you need (Registered Owner, Encumbrances).
- Scan the "Owner Particulars" section of the Land Search to find the current owner (ignoring previous owners).
- Scan the "Incumbrances" section to look for Building Orders (e.g., under s.24 of the Buildings Ordinance) or unreleased mortgages.
- Synthesize this information to select the correct multiple-choice option.
By learning how to skim technical documents, you can reduce your time spent on Part II questions from 6 minutes down to 4 minutes, giving you a massive advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a penalty for wrong answers (negative marking) on the SQE?
No, there is no negative marking on the Hong Kong Salesperson Exam. A blank answer and an incorrect answer both simply award zero points. Therefore, if you are running out of time as the 150-minute mark approaches, you should guess on all remaining questions.
Can I bring my own calculator to the exam?
Yes, you are permitted to bring a calculator, but it must be an approved model. The calculator must be silent, cordless, and non-programmable. It must also have the "HKEAA Approved" label printed on it, or be on the PEAK Examination Centre's list of permitted calculators.
Do I have to pass Part I and Part II separately?
No. The passing requirement is a total of 60 marks out of the possible 100 marks. Because Part II questions are worth 4 marks each, performing exceptionally well on the case studies can easily boost your overall score, even if you struggle with some of the theoretical questions in Part I.
How is the exam administered? Is it computer-based?
The SQE is traditionally a paper-based exam. You will be provided with a question book and an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) answer sheet. You must use an HB pencil to fill in the bubbles on the answer sheet. Ensure you allocate time at the end of your 2.5 hours to properly shade your answers.
What happens if I finish the exam early?
If you finish before the 2-hour and 30-minute time limit, you are generally allowed to leave the examination hall early, except during the first 30 minutes and the final 15 minutes of the exam. However, we highly recommend using every available minute to double-check your calculations and ensure you haven't misread any "EXCEPT" or "NOT" qualifiers in the questions.
---