How Many Times Can You Take the Real Estate Exam?
✅ Quick Answer: Unlimited Attempts (With Restrictions)
You can take the real estate exam as many times as needed to pass in most states, but there are important restrictions:
- Most states require a waiting period between attempts (typically 24 hours to 30 days)
- You must pay the exam fee again for each retake ($50-$100 per attempt)
- Some states limit attempts within a specific timeframe (e.g., 3 attempts per year)
- After multiple failures (usually 3-4), some states require additional coursework
- Your exam eligibility expires after 1-2 years, requiring requalification
The good news: There's no permanent ban on retaking the exam. Failed attempts don't appear on your license, and you can keep trying until you pass.
Understanding Retake Rules
Waiting Period
24 hours to 30 days between attempts, depending on state. Most states enforce 24-48 hour minimums.
Retake Fees
$50-$100 per attempt. Some states charge less for immediate retakes, others charge the full exam fee.
Additional Education
After 3-4 failures, many states require completing additional coursework or waiting longer periods.
💡 Important: Eligibility Expiration
Even though you can retake the exam multiple times, your exam eligibility typically expires after 1-2 years from completing your pre-licensing education. If your eligibility expires:
- You must retake your pre-licensing courses (60-180 hours depending on state)
- You'll need to reapply for exam authorization
- You'll pay all fees again (education + exam)
- Previous exam attempts won't count against you
How to Find Your State's Retake Rules
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
State rules change frequently and vary significantly. While we provide general guidance below, you must verify current requirements with your state's regulatory authority before scheduling your retake.
Contact your state's real estate commission or visit their official website for the most accurate, up-to-date information on waiting periods, fees, and attempt limits.
Common Waiting Periods
- • Most states: 24-48 hours
- • Some states: 7-14 days
- • Few states: Up to 30 days
- • After multiple failures: Extended periods may apply
Typical Retake Fees
- • Low range: $35-$50
- • Mid range: $50-$75
- • High range: $75-$100+
- • Both portions: Usually higher
Attempt Limitations
- • Most states: Unlimited within eligibility period
- • Some states: Limited per year (3-5)
- • After 3-4 failures: Additional coursework may be required
- • Eligibility expires: Typically 1-2 years
🔍 How to Find Your State's Specific Rules
1. Contact your testing provider: PSI, Pearson VUE, or your state-specific provider
2. Visit your state real estate commission website: Search for "[Your State] real estate commission exam retake policy"
3. Check your exam authorization: It usually includes retake information
4. Call your state regulatory board: They can provide exact requirements
The Real Cost of Retaking
Financial Costs
Time Investment
- •Waiting period: 1-30 days between attempts
- •Additional study: 20-40 hours per retake
- •Exam day: 4-5 hours (prep + travel + exam)
- •Career delay: Can't work until licensed
📊 What to Know About Retakes
- Most candidates pass within 1-2 attempts with proper preparation
- Pass rates typically improve on retakes because candidates know what to expect
- Retakers who study strategically (focusing on weak areas) have high success rates
- The majority of candidates eventually pass - persistence and proper study methods are key
- Your score report is valuable - it shows exactly where to focus your efforts
When Should You Retake the Exam?
✅ Retake Immediately If:
- ✓You scored 65-69% (just below passing)
- ✓You ran out of time (need time management practice)
- ✓Test anxiety was the issue (material is solid)
- ✓You identified specific weak topics to review
- ✓Failed only one section (national or state)
⚠️ Wait & Study More If:
- ✗You scored below 60% (significant gaps)
- ✗You didn't understand many questions
- ✗You skipped or rushed pre-licensing coursework
- ✗This is your 3rd+ attempt without improvement
- ✗You failed both sections (need comprehensive review)
📅 Optimal Retake Timeline
Immediate Retake (24-48 hours):
Best for candidates who scored 65-69% and just need a little more review. Material is fresh, confidence is still there, and small improvements can push you over the threshold.
1-2 Week Retake:
Ideal for most candidates. Gives you time to identify weak areas, complete focused practice, and build confidence without losing momentum.
1 Month+ Retake:
Necessary for candidates with significant knowledge gaps or those who need to retake courses. Use this time for comprehensive review, not just light studying.
7 Strategies to Pass Your Retake
1. Analyze Your Score Report
Most testing providers give you a diagnostic score report showing performance by topic area. Don't ignore it!
- Identify your 2-3 weakest categories (e.g., contracts, property rights, math)
- Focus 70% of your study time on weak areas, 30% on review
- If you failed state section but passed national, only study state-specific material
2. Take More Practice Exams
Practice exams are the #1 predictor of success. If you didn't take enough the first time, this is your priority.
- Take at least 3-5 full-length practice exams before retaking
- Simulate real test conditions (timed, no distractions, no notes)
- Review every wrong answer and understand why you missed it
- Aim for consistently scoring 80%+ on practice tests
Practice with state-specific questions: Take free practice exams for Texas, California, Florida, and more states.
3. Master Real Estate Math
Math questions account for 10-15% of the exam but cause disproportionate failures. Many candidates skip these or guess.
- Focus on: commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value, area/volume, appreciation/depreciation
- Practice until you can solve problems in 2-3 minutes each
- Memorize formulas and create a quick reference sheet (for study, not exam day)
- Use online calculators to check your work during practice
Need math help? Try our Real Estate Math Practice with step-by-step solutions.
4. Focus on State-Specific Content
Most exam failures happen on the state portion, not the national portion. State laws vary significantly.
- Memorize state-specific laws, timelines, and requirements
- Know your state's disclosure requirements, agency rules, and license law
- Review state-specific contract clauses and mandatory forms
- If you passed national but failed state, skip national review entirely
5. Improve Time Management
Running out of time is a common reason for failure. You need a strategy, not just more knowledge.
- Calculate your per-question time budget (usually 60-90 seconds per question)
- Skip hard questions and come back later (mark them for review)
- Don't spend more than 3 minutes on any single question
- Practice with a timer during study sessions
- Read questions carefully but don't overthink obvious answers
6. Manage Test Anxiety
If you knew the material but froze under pressure, anxiety—not knowledge—was the problem.
- Take practice exams in testing-like environments (quiet room, timed, no phone)
- Use deep breathing techniques before and during the exam
- Visualize yourself successfully completing the exam
- Get good sleep the night before (8+ hours)
- Arrive early to the testing center to reduce rush-induced stress
7. Consider a Tutor or Crash Course
After 2-3 failures, self-study may not be enough. Getting expert help can break through learning barriers.
- Hire a real estate tutor for 1-on-1 focused review ($50-$100/hour)
- Take a 1-2 day crash course ($200-$400) covering weak areas
- Join study groups with other retakers for motivation and shared knowledge
- Use paid prep platforms with adaptive learning (identifies your weak spots)
What Happens After Multiple Failures?
After 3-4 Failures in Most States:
- Additional Education Required: Many states require you to complete additional coursework (10-30 hours) before attempting again. This isn't punishment—it's designed to fill knowledge gaps.
- Extended Waiting Period: Some states impose longer waiting periods (30-90 days) after multiple failures to encourage proper preparation.
- Psychological Reset Needed: At this point, you need to honestly assess whether you're ready for this career or if the exam format isn't working for you.
- Consider Alternative Paths: Some people work as unlicensed assistants while preparing, gaining practical knowledge that helps with the exam.
The Good News:
Exam failures don't appear on your license or public record. Once you pass, no one will know how many attempts it took. Your career prospects are the same whether you passed on attempt #1 or attempt #5.
Additionally, success rates typically improve on retakes because candidates:
- Know what to expect from the exam format
- Have identified their weak areas from score reports
- Are more motivated and focused after the initial attempt
- Have taken more practice exams and refined their study approach
- Better understand time management requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait between exam attempts?
Most states require a 24-48 hour waiting period between attempts. A few states (like Georgia) require 30 days. Check your state's rules above for specifics.
Do I have to retake both portions if I only failed one?
No! If you pass one portion (national or state), you typically only need to retake the failed portion within a certain timeframe (usually 6-12 months). After that window, you may need to retake both.
Will exam failures show up on my license or background checks?
No. Exam failures are confidential between you and the testing provider. Once you pass and get licensed, no one can see how many attempts it took.
What if my exam eligibility expires?
If you don't pass within the eligibility window (typically 1-2 years), you must retake your pre-licensing courses and reapply for authorization. Your previous attempts don't count against you in the new eligibility period.
Is there a limit to how many times I can take the exam?
No permanent limit in most states. You can take it as many times as needed during your eligibility period. Some states limit attempts per year (e.g., Texas allows 3 per year), but there's no lifetime ban.
How much does it cost to retake the exam?
Typically $35-$100 per attempt depending on your state and testing provider. Check your state's real estate commission website or testing provider for exact fees. Budget for multiple attempts if you're unsure.
Should I retake immediately or wait and study more?
It depends on your score. If you scored 65-69%, retake quickly (within 1-2 weeks) with focused review. If you scored below 60%, wait 2-4 weeks and do comprehensive studying. Don't rush if you have significant knowledge gaps.
What's the average number of attempts to pass?
Most candidates pass within their first 1-2 attempts. While many pass on their first try, needing a retake is common and nothing to worry about. Very few people need more than 2-3 attempts when they study strategically and focus on their weak areas.
Ready to Pass Your Next Attempt?
Take free practice exams with detailed explanations to identify your weak areas and build confidence.