Hong Kong Salesperson Licence (SQE) — Salesperson Qualifying Examination Guide

Salesperson Qualifying Examination (SQE · S Paper) — 2026

What is the Salesperson licence?

The estate agent salesperson licence, often referred to as the "small licence" (S Paper), is obtained by passing the SQE (Salesperson Qualifying Examination). A licensed salesperson must carry out estate agency work under the supervision of a licensed estate agent and cannot operate independently. The SQE covers a narrower syllabus than the Estate Agent EAQE, making it a common entry point into Hong Kong's real estate industry. It is one of the two estate agency licences issued by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA).

Exam Format

Part I — Multiple-choice questions
Questions cover the specified Parts; the time limit and pass mark are the same as for the Estate Agent exam (60%)

Part II — Case studies
Pass mark 60%

Note: The Salesperson exam covers only the specified Parts and does not require all 8 Parts.

Salesperson vs Estate Agent: Key Differences

Salesperson: must work under the supervision of a licensed estate agent
Estate Agent: may operate independently and supervise salespersons
The Salesperson exam covers a narrower syllabus with a lower entry barrier
A salesperson may later sit the Estate Agent exam to upgrade their licence

Core Exam Scope for the Salesperson Licence

Part 2: Estate Agents Ordinance and estate agency practice (most important)
Part 3: Law governing conveyancing
Part 4: Land registration and land search
Part 7: Leasing and tenancy matters

Essential Ordinances

Eligibility & Entry Process

Meet the eligibility criteria: generally aged 18 or above with the specified education level (usually the HKDSE or equivalent) — similar to the Estate Agent licence but over a narrower scope.
Sit the SQE: register via the EAA website or a designated body, pay the fee, choose your exam date, and take the specified Parts.
Apply for the Salesperson licence: after passing, apply to the EAA for the salesperson (S Paper) licence with the required documents.
Practise as an employee: once licensed you must work under the supervision of a licensed estate agent — the usual entry point into Hong Kong's real estate industry.

The Salesperson licence is also renewed every two years, subject to CPD requirements.

Study Strategy & Common Pitfalls

Focus on the core Parts: the S Paper centres on Parts 2, 3, 4 and 7 — there is no need to read all 8 Parts as for the E Paper, so concentrating your effort is more efficient.
Estate Agents Ordinance detail: Part 2 carries the most questions; get the numbers right on client money, receipt deadlines and disciplinary penalties.
Don't study the wrong scope: the most common S Paper mistake is studying E-Paper-only Parts (e.g. Part 6 valuation, Part 8 supervision) and wasting time.
Timed mocks: get used to the MCQ pace — about 1.5 minutes per question.
Practical case questions: Part II rewards scenario-based answers grounded in the real sale-and-purchase process.

Upgrading from Salesperson to Estate Agent

After holding the Salesperson licence and gaining estate agency experience, you can sit the E Paper to upgrade to the full Estate Agent licence. The upgrade lets you operate independently, act as a responsible person, and supervise salespersons — with significantly higher income potential and autonomy. Many practitioners enter via the S Paper and prepare for the E Paper while working — a common career path in Hong Kong's real estate industry.

Study Resources

Independent study aid. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Estate Agents Authority (EAA).

本應用為獨立學習工具，與地產代理監管局 (EAA) 無關，亦未獲其認可。