Passing the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) Salespersons Qualifying Examination (SQE) is your mandatory first step toward a lucrative real estate career in Hong Kong. However, with a syllabus that spans complex legal frameworks, local conveyancing practices, and strict ethical guidelines, many candidates fail simply due to poor time management. A strategic study schedule planner is not just a recommendation—it is a necessity.

Whether you are balancing a full-time job or studying full-time, this guide will provide you with a structured, EEAT-compliant study roadmap. For a holistic overview of the entire licensing process, be sure to bookmark our Complete Hong Kong Salesperson Exam Exam Guide.

Understanding the SQE Exam Structure

Before drafting a study schedule, you must understand what you are preparing for. The Hong Kong Salesperson Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2.5 hours. It is divided into two sections:

  • Part I (40 questions): Tests your general knowledge of the syllabus, including the Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511), conveyancing, tenancy, and building knowledge.
  • Part II (10 questions): Case study questions that test your practical application of agency agreements, property descriptions, and ethical dilemmas.

The passing mark is 60% (30 out of 50 questions). Because the EAA heavily weights regulatory compliance and ethics, your study planner must allocate disproportionate time to these critical areas.

Recommended Time Allocation

For the average candidate, we recommend dedicating approximately 80 to 100 hours of focused study time. Below is a data-driven breakdown of how you should allocate those 100 hours across the syllabus for maximum efficiency.

Recommended SQE Study Time Allocation (100 Hours Total)

The 6-Week Hong Kong Salesperson Exam Study Schedule

This 6-week planner assumes you are studying approximately 15-17 hours per week (roughly 2-2.5 hours a day). Adjust the timeline if you are studying on an accelerated track.

Week 1: The Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511) and Core Legalities

The foundation of your real estate knowledge in Hong Kong is the Estate Agents Ordinance (EAO). You must understand the legal definition of estate agency work, the functions of the EAA, and licensing requirements.

  • Day 1-3: Read through the EAO (Cap. 511). Focus on the conditions for granting and revoking licenses.
  • Day 4-5: Study the Estate Agents Practice (General Duties and Hong Kong Residential Properties) Regulation. Pay special attention to the requirements for providing Property Information Forms (Form 1).
  • Day 6-7: Review the Competition Ordinance as it applies to real estate. Price-fixing and commission collusion are strictly prohibited. Dive deeper into this topic with our guide on Anti-Trust Laws in Real Estate.

Week 2: Real Estate Ethics and Standards

The EAA Code of Ethics is heavily tested, particularly in Part II case studies. Candidates must demonstrate a fiduciary duty to their clients.

  • Day 1-3: Memorize the core principles of the EAA Code of Ethics. Understand concepts like conflict of interest (e.g., dual agency disclosures).
  • Day 4-5: Study the guidelines on anti-money laundering (AML) and the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
  • Day 6-7: Take practice quizzes specifically on ethical dilemmas. For more detailed scenarios, read our article on Real Estate Ethics and Standards.

Week 3: Land Registration and Conveyancing

Hong Kong operates on a deeds registration system governed by the Land Registration Ordinance (Cap. 128), which is slowly transitioning to a title registration system. Understanding the land search is vital.

  • Day 1-3: Learn how to read a Hong Kong Land Search document. Understand the "Current Ownership", "Incumbrances" (e.g., building orders, mortgages), and "Deeds Pending Registration".
  • Day 4-5: Study the conveyancing process. Understand the difference between a Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP) and a Formal Agreement.
  • Day 6-7: Review stamp duty calculations (Ad Valorem Stamp Duty, Buyer's Stamp Duty, and Special Stamp Duty).

Week 4: Tenancy, Building Knowledge, and Calculations

This week covers the practical aspects of leasing and property management, as well as the mathematical portion of the exam.

  • Day 1-2: Study the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance. Focus on the recent regulations regarding subdivided units (Part IVA).
  • Day 3-4: Review basic building knowledge, including the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) and how to identify unauthorized building works (UBWs).
  • Day 5-7: Practice real estate mathematics. You will need to calculate apportionments for management fees, Government rent, and rates. Master this with our Proration Calculations Step-by-Step guide.

Practical Example: If a property is handed over on the 15th of a 30-day month, and the quarterly Government rates of $3,000 have been prepaid by the seller, you must be able to calculate the exact pro-rata reimbursement owed by the buyer.

Week 5: Agency Agreements and Case Studies

Part II of the SQE focuses on practical case studies, often revolving around the prescribed estate agency agreements.

  • Day 1-3: Memorize the standard EAA forms. You must know the difference between Form 3 (Purchaser), Form 4 (Tenant), Form 5 (Vendor), and Form 6 (Landlord).
  • Day 4-5: Study the requirements for property advertisements, including the mandatory inclusion of the statement "Property numbers are for reference only" when advertising unit sizes.
  • Day 6-7: Work through official EAA past case study questions. Focus on identifying the legal and ethical breaches in the provided scenarios.

Week 6: Mock Exams and Weakness Targeting

Your final week should be dedicated exclusively to simulated testing and reviewing incorrect answers.

  • Day 1-2: Take a full, timed 50-question mock exam. Grade it strictly.
  • Day 3-4: Review every incorrect answer. Go back to the specific Ordinance or EAA Practice Circular that addresses your weak points.
  • Day 5-6: Take two more timed mock exams. Ensure you are consistently scoring above 75% to provide a safe buffer for the actual passing mark of 60%.
  • Day 7: Rest, review your flashcards lightly, and prepare your HKID and admission form for exam day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How early should I start studying for the Hong Kong SQE?

We recommend starting your study schedule 6 to 8 weeks before your scheduled exam date. This allows you to comfortably study 2 hours a day without experiencing burnout, ensuring you fully comprehend complex legal texts like the Estate Agents Ordinance.

Can I bring a calculator to the Salesperson Exam?

Yes, you are allowed to bring a non-programmable, silent calculator to the exam. This is essential for Part I questions that require proration calculations for rates, management fees, and stamp duty.

Are past papers available for the EAA exams?

The EAA does not release full past papers. However, they do provide a booklet of sample questions on their official website. To compensate, candidates should rely on reputable training institutions (like PEAK/VTC) or comprehensive mock exam platforms that simulate the current syllabus.

What happens if I fail the case study section (Part II) but do well in Part I?

The SQE is graded as a whole. As long as your total score across both Part I and Part II adds up to at least 30 out of 50 (60%), you will pass the exam. You do not need to pass the sections independently.

How much time should I spend on the case study questions during the exam?

You have 2.5 hours (150 minutes) for 50 questions, averaging 3 minutes per question. We recommend allocating 1.5 minutes for each Part I question (60 minutes total) and leaving 90 minutes for Part II. Case studies require extensive reading of property descriptions and agency agreements, so you will need the extra time there.