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EAA qualifying examinations
SQESalespersons Qualifying ExaminationβEAQEEstate Agents Qualifying ExaminationA guide to the Estate Agents Authority's qualifying examinations, for candidates sitting in English: how the paper works, how to register, when the next sittings are, how many pass, how to study, and what happens after you pass. Figures are dated and linked to their official source. The topic map below follows the exam you are studying (SQE).
50
questions, 2 hours 30 min
40
Part I questions Β· pass 60%
10
Part II questions Β· pass 60%
17
SQE topics to practise
Both papers have 50 multiple-choice questions at 2 marks each, split into Part I and Part II. You pass only if you score at least 60% in each part in the same sitting.
| Item | SQE | EAQE |
|---|---|---|
| Leads to | A salesperson's licence only | An estate agent's licence (individual) or a salesperson's licence |
| Part I | 40 questions; pass 48/80 | 30 questions; pass 36/60 |
| Part II | 10 questions; pass 12/20 | 20 questions; pass 24/40 |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 min | 3 hours |
| How it is sat | Paper-based or computer-based; English or Chinese | Paper-based only; English or Chinese |
| Fee | HK$650 | HK$900 |
Sources: EAA, Paper-based Examination Handbook (Aug 2026, PDF); EAA, Computer-based Examination Handbook (Aug 2026, PDF). Checked 11 Oct 2026.
Choose one answer per question. A question with more than one answer marked scores nothing.
Calculators count as electronic devices you must not have with you. Having one costs 3 to 5 marks.
A stamp duty rate table is printed in the paper. Use the table the paper gives you: the August 2026 handbook's sample still shows the scale in force before 26 Feb 2025.
You cannot leave in the first 90 minutes or the last 30 minutes. Doing so means disqualification.
You can enter up to 45 minutes after the start, with no extra time. After 45 minutes you are disqualified unless the circumstances are very exceptional.
Marks deducted for breaking exam rules come off your total. You must still pass both parts and reach 60% overall after the deduction.
Source: EAA, Paper-based Examination Handbook (Aug 2026, PDF) (Appendices 3 and 6, paras 4.1 and 4.4). Checked 11 Oct 2026.
The EAA appointed PEAK, the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), to run the exams. You register with PEAK, not the EAA, and choose English or Chinese when you register.
Sources: EAA, Paper-based Examination Handbook (Aug 2026, PDF); EAA, Computer-based Examination Handbook (Aug 2026, PDF) (Appendix 5; paras 5.1, 6.2.1, 7.1 and section 8). Checked 11 Oct 2026.
Published paper-based sittings, as at 11 Oct 2026. Dates are Hong Kong time.
| Exam | Date | Registration | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQEPaper-based | Tue 20 Oct 20262:30 pm | Registration closedOpens 15 Sep 2026; online closes 6 Oct 2026; by post 29 Sep 2026 | 9 Nov 2026 |
| SQEPaper-based | Tue 17 Nov 20262:30 pm | Not open yetOpens 13 Oct 2026; online closes 3 Nov 2026; by post 27 Oct 2026 | 7 Dec 2026 |
| EAQEPaper-based | Tue 15 Dec 20262:30 pm | Not open yetOpens 10 Nov 2026; online closes 1 Dec 2026; by post 24 Nov 2026 | 6 Jan 2027 |
Computer-based SQE sittings are held frequently through the year. Check the PEAK website for the current computer-based dates.
Sources: . Checked 11 Oct 2026.
In every year from 2023 to 2025, fewer than 2 in 5 candidates passed each exam. EAQE pass rates were between 26.0% and 31.4% a year in 2023β2025. Each part is marked on its own, so a weak Part II fails the paper even after a strong Part I.
| Year | EAQE | SQE (paper) | SQE (computer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26.0% of 3,028 | 36.2% of 2,028 | 33.4% of 1,676 |
| 2024 | 31.4% of 3,339 | 31.9% of 1,490 | 36.1% of 1,433 |
| 2025 | 28.8% of 3,100 | 33.7% of 2,662 | 38.2% of 741 |
Sources: EAA, Qualifying Examinations Figures, Dec 2025 (PDF); EAA, Qualifying Examinations Figures, Dec 2024 (PDF) (full-year figures, % of candidates who sat). Checked 11 Oct 2026.
Read the law at its source: the Estate Agents Ordinance, the Practice Regulation, the prescribed forms and the EAA's Practice Circulars. Use practice questions to turn that reading into marks. The paper tests whether you can apply a rule to a set of facts, and Part II gives you a land search or a case and asks several questions on it.
Learn
Topic by topic
Practise
Part I questions
A simple path from first reading to exam day. For a day-by-day version set to your own exam date, use the study plan (4 or 8 weeks).
Start with the Estate Agents Ordinance, the Practice Regulation, the prescribed forms and the Code of Ethics. These Parts carry the highest levels of expectation. Practise each topic straight after you study it.
Agency and contract law, the other ordinances, conveyancing, land searches and leasing. Start Part II: work one land search or case study set every few days.
Sit a full timed mock. Check each part against 60% separately, then re-drill the topics and case types that cost you marks.
Our SQE practice topics, grouped the way the paper is split.
40 questions Β· pass at 60%
A few high-yield rules, each with its source (checked on e-Legislation, 11 Oct 2026).
An estate agent cannot sue for commission unless a prescribed-form estate agency agreement was properly signed and the agent was licensed at the time.
Source: Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511), s.45
Vendor or landlord side: within 7 working days after accepting instructions, before advertising, or before signing the agreement for sale and purchase or lease, whichever is earliest.
Source: Practice Regulation (Cap. 511C), s.6
Form 3 is with the vendor, Form 4 the purchaser, Form 5 the landlord and Form 6 the tenant. Forms 1 and 2 are the Property and Leasing Information Forms.
Source: Cap. 511C, Schedule
The vendor's agent must carry out a land search immediately before the agreement for sale and purchase or lease is signed and give the purchaser a copy.
Source: Cap. 511C, s.13
A purchaser who signs a preliminary agreement must sign the agreement for sale and purchase within 5 working days, or the preliminary agreement ends and the 5% deposit is forfeited.
Source: Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance (Cap. 621), s.53
An estate agent must notify the EAA within 31 days of events such as employing or ceasing to employ a salesperson, or appointing or ending a manager.
Source: Cap. 511, s.40
| Licence fee | 12 months | 24 months |
|---|---|---|
| Salesperson's licence | HK$1,280 | HK$2,510 |
| Estate agent's licence (individual) | HK$2,010 | HK$3,930 |
Sources: EAA, Paper-based Examination Handbook (Aug 2026, PDF); (fees effective since 1 Jan 2002; handbook paras 1.2, 1.3, 2.2 and 10.4). Checked 11 Oct 2026.
Practise by topic β
Part I questions and Part II case sets, each with a worked explanation.
Free mock β
A short timed paper in both parts, marked against 60% in each.
Full timed mocks β
Full-length papers in the real Part I and Part II split.
Study plan β
A 4-week or 8-week day-by-day plan set to your exam date.
Study notes β
The rules in plain English, with the traps that cost marks.
Cheat sheet β
Key figures and deadlines on one page for final revision.
Exam schedule β
Sittings, registration windows and result dates.
Guides β
Registration, licensing and exam-day guides.
Free to read. Check format, fees and dates against these before you register.
A short timed paper in both parts, marked against 60% in each, shows where you stand before you plan your weeks.
Build a daily practice habit : a few exam-style questions a day, with worked answers. Free to start.
Start practising βIndependent exam practice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) or the examination administrator. Check the exam format, dates and requirements against the EAA and PEAK before you register.
Cases
Part II sets
Mock
Full timed papers
Pass
60% in each part
Learn one topic at a time
Read the rule, then answer that topic's questions the same day while it is fresh.
Know the numbers
Deadlines, forms and figures decide many questions. Learn each with its source and date.
Practise Part II early
Reading a land search or a long case takes practice. Do a set every few days from week 4.
Check each part separately
In every mock, check Part I and Part II against 60% on their own. One weak part fails the paper.
Full timed mocks without a calculator, the cheat sheet for last-minute recall, and a check of your admission details and venue.
10 questions Β· pass at 60%