EAQE & SQE Exam Guide | Hong Kong Estate Agent Qualifying Examination Complete Breakdown
Complete guide to the Estate Agents Qualifying Examination (EAQE) and Salespersons Qualifying Examination (SQE) in Hong Kong. Covers exam format, 8 chapters breakdown, pass rates, registration process, and effective study strategies to help you pass on your first attempt.
Want to enter Hong Kong's real estate industry as a licensed estate agent or salesperson? Whether you're switching careers or just starting out, the first step is passing either the Estate Agents Qualifying Examination (EAQE) or the Salespersons Qualifying Examination (SQE), both administered by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA). This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know — exam formats, syllabus, pass requirements, registration process, and the most effective study strategies.
1. What are EAQE and SQE?
Under Hong Kong's Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 515), anyone engaged in estate agency work must hold a valid licence issued by the EAA. To obtain a licence, you must first pass the relevant qualifying examination:
- E Licence EAQE (Estate Agents Qualifying Examination) — For the Estate Agent licence. Holders can operate independently or set up their own estate agency firm.
- S Licence SQE (Salespersons Qualifying Examination) — For the Salesperson licence. Holders must be employed by a licensed estate agent and cannot operate independently.
In short, the E licence grants broader authority — you can practice independently and manage a company. The S licence is more restricted — you must work under an E licence holder. If you're planning for long-term career growth, consider taking the EAQE directly.
2. EAQE vs SQE: Comparison at a Glance
| Item | EAQE (E Licence) | SQE (S Licence) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Type | Estate Agent | Salesperson |
| Number of Questions | 50 MCQs | 50 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Language | Chinese or English | Chinese or English |
| Exam Fee | HK$900 | HK$650 |
| Passing Score | 60% in each part | 60% in each part |
| Chapters Covered | All 8 chapters | 6 chapters (Ch. 6 & 8 exempted) |
| Historical Pass Rate | ~20%–35% | ~40%–55% |
Important: Both EAQE and SQE require you to pass each part separately with at least 60%. You cannot compensate a failed part with a high score in another.
3. Exam Content: 8 Chapters Breakdown
EAQE covers all 8 chapters, while SQE exempts Chapters 6 and 8. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Chapter 1: Regulatory Framework for Estate Agents
Covers the EAA's functions and structure, key provisions of the Estate Agents Ordinance, the licensing system (issuance, renewal, disciplinary actions), differences between estate agents and salespersons, code of ethics and compliance guidelines. This is a must-study chapter with high exam weighting.
Chapter 2: Legislation Governing Estate Agency Practice
Includes the Estate Agents (Licensing) Regulation, Estate Agents (Exemption) Order, specific code of practice requirements, and advertising restrictions. Requires memorization of legal provisions and their application contexts.
Chapter 3: Land Law Related to Estate Agency Work
Covers Hong Kong's land system (government lease system), land registration, deed and title issues, the importance of land searches, DMC (Deed of Mutual Covenant) and Owners' Corporations. This chapter is content-heavy — understanding concepts is more important than rote memorization.
Chapter 4: Lease Conditions and Government Leases
Includes resale restrictions and premium payment requirements for different property types (HOS, small houses, public housing), and lease conditions for private residential properties.
Chapter 5: Property Valuation and Property Management
Covers basic valuation methods (comparison, income, cost approaches), factors affecting property value, rates and government rent calculations, and property management fundamentals.
Chapter 6: Building Construction and Maintenance EAQE Only
Includes building materials knowledge, structural types, common building defects (unauthorized structures, water seepage), maintenance responsibilities and related ordinances. SQE candidates are exempt from this chapter.
Chapter 7: Estate Agency Practice
Covers agency agreements (sole and non-sole), due diligence procedures, provisional and formal agreements for sale and purchase, agency commission, first-hand residential sales requirements, and anti-money laundering compliance. This is the practical core of the exam.
Chapter 8: Property Mortgage Loans EAQE Only
Covers mortgage fundamentals, interest rate types (P-rate, H-rate), loan-to-value ratios and stress tests, mortgage insurance schemes, and refinancing procedures. Highly practical for real-world work. SQE candidates are exempt.
4. Pass Rates and Scoring
Both EAQE and SQE are divided into two parts:
- Part I — Covers regulatory and theoretical chapters (Chapters 1-5), testing understanding of legal provisions and concepts.
- Part II — Covers practical chapters. EAQE includes Chapters 6-8; SQE covers Chapter 7 only. Tests practical application skills.
Pass requirement: Each part is scored independently, and you must achieve 60% or above in both parts. Even a perfect score in one part cannot compensate for a failing score in the other.
EAQE has a historically low pass rate of approximately 20%–35%, indicating significant difficulty. Key reasons include: broad syllabus coverage, extensive legal provisions, and insufficient preparation by some candidates. SQE has a comparatively higher pass rate of 40%–55%, as it exempts two of the more challenging chapters.
5. Registration Process and Fees
Visit the EAA Website
Go to the Estate Agents Authority official website (www.eaa.org.hk) to check the latest exam dates and schedule. Exams are held multiple times throughout the year, typically at least once per month.
Register Online
Complete the application form, choose your exam language (Chinese or English), and pay the exam fee. EAQE costs HK$900 and SQE costs HK$650.
Eligibility
Anyone aged 18 or above can register. No academic qualifications are required. The exam is computer-based and held at designated examination centres.
Results
Results are released immediately after the exam. After passing, you can apply for the corresponding licence from the EAA, subject to meeting other requirements such as having no criminal record.
6. Effective Study Strategies
Based on proven methods from successful candidates, here are the most effective study approaches:
1. Read Official Materials First to Build a Framework
The EAA provides official reference materials. Read through them completely at least once. Don't try to memorize everything on the first pass — focus on understanding the logical relationships between chapters and the overall structure.
2. Prioritise High-Weight Chapters
Chapter 1 (Regulatory Framework) and Chapter 7 (Estate Agency Practice) carry the heaviest exam weighting — allocate the most time here. Chapter 3 (Land Law) is widely considered the most difficult and should be started early.
3. Practice with Mock Questions Extensively
Question practice is the most effective study method. Work through large volumes of mock questions to familiarise yourself with question patterns and exam angles. After each set, carefully review explanations to understand your mistakes. Try the 10minquiz EAQE/SQE Question Bank App to practise during commutes and spare moments.
4. Create Summary Notes and Comparison Tables
Compile comparison tables for easily confused concepts (e.g., resale restrictions for different property types, differences between agency agreement types) for quick revision and deeper retention.
5. Recommended Study Period: 4–6 Weeks
Working professionals should allow 4 to 6 weeks of preparation, investing 1.5 to 2 hours daily. Dedicate the final week to full-length timed mock exams to simulate real conditions.
7. Exam Day Tips
- ● Time Management: EAQE has 50 questions in 3 hours — roughly 3.6 minutes per question, which is generous. Answer confident questions first and flag uncertain ones for later review.
- ● Elimination Method: For uncertain questions, eliminate obviously incorrect options first to significantly improve your chances of guessing correctly.
- ● Watch for Keywords: Pay close attention to words like "incorrect", "except", "must" — these questions are easy to get wrong through carelessness.
- ● Both Parts Count: Don't relax on Part II just because you feel Part I went well. Each part must independently reach 60%.
- ● Night Before: Avoid all-night cramming. Adequate sleep is more valuable than reviewing a few more pages. Bring valid identification on exam day.
8. Career Prospects After Licensing
Passing the qualifying exam is just the beginning. A licence opens up diverse career paths:
Residential Property Agent
The most common entry point — handling secondary market residential sales and leasing. Commission is typically 1% of the transaction price, with high earnings potential in active districts.
New Development Sales
Selling new project launches for developers. Commission rates are typically higher than the secondary market, though competition is equally intense.
Commercial & Industrial Properties
Specialising in shops, offices, and industrial buildings. Transaction values are larger, demanding deeper professional knowledge.
Start Your Own Agency
With an E licence, you can establish your own estate agency firm, build your personal brand and team, and enjoy greater operational autonomy.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take both EAQE and SQE at the same time?
No. You can only register for one exam at a time. If you already hold an S licence, you can take the EAQE later to upgrade to an E licence.
Q: How long is the exam result valid?
The exam result is valid for 12 months, within which you must apply for a licence from the EAA. The licence is typically valid for 24 months and must be renewed upon expiry.
Q: Do I need to complete a training course before taking the exam?
No. The EAA does not require candidates to complete any course before sitting the exam. However, training courses can be helpful if you lack relevant background knowledge.
Q: Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of retakes. Simply re-register and pay the exam fee. Before retaking, thoroughly analyse your weak areas and focus your revision accordingly.
Q: What is the main difference between E licence and S licence holders?
E licence holders can operate independently, sign agency agreements, and establish estate agency firms. S licence holders must be employed by an E licence holder and cannot operate independently.
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