I've been seeing a lot of confusion about passing scores for the RES exam, so I wanted to share what I've researched and experienced.
The official minimum is typically 72%, but most successful candidates average around 85% on practice tests before sitting for the real thing. The practice test section tends to drag scores down because it's the most conceptually dense part of the exam.
I found that working through the free res investment questions and answers consistently for two to three weeks gets most people into the passing zone. The key isn't just doing more questions — it's reviewing every mistake and understanding the underlying principle.
Anyone who scored above 84%: what was your actual study timeline? Curious whether people who take more time consistently score higher or if there's a plateau effect.
Good thread. One thing I'd add: don't try to cram the night before. I did 4 hours the night before my RES and I think it hurt more than helped. Your brain needs consolidation time. Light review or full rest is better.
For the people asking about study timelines: I studied 78 minutes per day for 13 weeks working full time. It's absolutely doable without burning out. The key is consistency — missing days hurts more than extending your timeline.
Great discussion. One thing nobody mentions: sleep the night before matters more than one more study session. Went in fully rested for my RES and felt sharper than expected.
Honestly I almost quit after my second practice test. I was scoring in the low 60s and thought the whole thing wasn't for me. But I kept at it, and something clicked around week four where the numbers started making sense instead of just blurring together.
Don't stress too much about hitting 85% on every practice test before you sit for it. I passed with consistent scores in the mid-70s on practice material. The real exam felt harder in some spots and easier in others, but if you understand the concepts you'll be fine. Just don't give up early the way I almost did.
Honestly I almost quit after my second practice attempt when I kept scoring in the low 60s. Felt pointless. But I pushed through and ended up passing, so if you're sitting there thinking the 72% cutoff is some impossible bar, it really isn't once things start clicking.
What I'd say is don't obsess over hitting 85% before you test. That advice stressed me out more than it helped. I went in consistently scoring around 76-78% on practice and passed fine. The real exam wasn't easier exactly, but it wasn't this monster I'd built up in my head either. Just keep going, seriously.
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