Limpopo Woman Passes RE5 After More Than a Year of Setbacks and Determination

A South African woman's remarkable journey to passing her professional regulatory examination is highlighting an important lesson for educators and training providers: examination results do not always reflect what a student knows.

On 28 October 2026, Bianca Schultz, from Lephalale in Limpopo, passed her Moonstone RE5 regulatory examination with 70%, bringing an end to more than a year of preparation, uncertainty and perseverance.

For Bianca, the achievement represented far more than receiving a certificate.

When knowledge and examination results don't match

Bianca began studying through RE5 Online in August 2025, preparing for the Regulatory Examination for Representatives (RE5), which forms part of South Africa's financial services regulatory framework.

She invested considerable time in studying FAIS legislation, attending training and completing practice examinations.

Yet her results remained inconsistent.

During individual learning sessions, RE5 Online director Ulandi Bekker noticed something significant.

Bianca could verbally explain complex regulatory requirements and demonstrate a sound understanding of the legislation. However, she struggled to translate that knowledge into consistently successful multiple-choice examination results.

The challenge required more than simply recommending additional study material.

Her preparation increasingly focused on interpreting examination questions, applying examination techniques and addressing the individual difficulties she experienced during assessments.

The importance of individualised support

Throughout 2026, Bianca continued receiving educational guidance and encouragement from the RE5 Online team.

During September and October alone, she completed 16 RE5 Online mock examinations, with practice results fluctuating between disappointing setbacks and encouraging improvements.

Her preparation also included exploring appropriate examination arrangements through Moonstone.

Kimberly at Moonstone assisted with these arrangements, which included reading support during the examination. Bianca remained responsible for understanding the questions and selecting her own answers.

This collaborative approach involved Bianca, her family, RE5 Online team members and the examination provider.

Importantly, none of this replaced Bianca's own determination and hard work.

A result worth celebrating

On 28 October 2026, Bianca travelled from Limpopo to Pretoria to write her examination.

This time, she achieved the result she had worked towards for so long.

She passed with 70%.

Two days later, she contacted Ulandi Bekker to share the news.

During their conversation, Bianca said:

"Jy het in my geglo toe niemand in my geglo het nie."

Translated into English: "You believed in me when nobody else believed in me."

For the RE5 Online team, her words reinforced the importance of looking beyond examination marks and recognising the individual behind the assessment.

A story that could inspire others

Bianca's achievement is particularly meaningful because she now hopes her experience will encourage other students facing similar difficulties.

When the possibility of earning referral commission was mentioned, her response was simple:

"Ek wil net die verskil sien."

"I just want to see the difference."

Her journey highlights a wider message for South African education and professional development.

Some learners may succeed through independent study alone. Others benefit from ongoing guidance, personalised feedback and assistance in understanding the challenges affecting their examination performance.

Recognising those differences can make a meaningful contribution to a student's preparation.

Bianca has authorised the publication of her story and photograph, hoping that her experience will encourage others not to give up.

About RE5 Online

RE5 Online, operated by F5 Academy (Pty) Ltd, is a South African training provider specialising in preparation for the RE5 and RE1 regulatory examinations.

Its services include live online webinars, study guides, mock examinations, examination technique guidance and personalised student support.

The organisation works with individuals and financial services providers throughout South Africa.

Read Bianca Schultz's complete success story:

https://www.re5online.co.za/re5-exam-success-story-bianca-schultz/