How Many Times Can You Take the Real Estate Exam?

Failing your real estate exam can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. Many successful agents didn’t pass on their first attempt, and most states recognize this by allowing multiple chances to achieve this goal.

The good news is that you’re not alone in this experience, and with the right preparation and mindset, your next attempt can be the one that launches your real estate career. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about exam retake policies, costs, waiting periods, and strategies to help you succeed on your next try.

Key Takeaways

• State Policies Vary Widely: Some states allow unlimited attempts, while others impose strict limits ranging from 2 to 8 attempts before requiring additional education.
• Waiting Periods Are Common: Most states require waiting periods between attempts, typically ranging from immediate rescheduling to 30 days or more.
• Additional Requirements May Apply: After reaching attempt limits, you may need to complete extra coursework, wait for extended periods, or reapply for exam eligibility.
• Costs Add Up Quickly: Each retake typically costs the full exam fee, so budgeting for multiple attempts is important for financial planning.
• Success Improves with Strategy: Using diagnostic feedback, adjusting study methods, and addressing test anxiety can significantly improve your chances on subsequent attempts.

Understanding State-Specific Exam Retake Policies

Real estate licensing is regulated at the state level, which means exam retake policies differ significantly depending on where you’re seeking your license. These policies range from generous unlimited-attempt policies to more restrictive systems that require additional education after a certain number of failures.

Some states operate under what we call “unlimited retake” policies within specific timeframes. For example, many states allow you to retake the exam as many times as needed within one to two years of completing your pre-licensing education or receiving exam approval. This approach recognizes that different people have varying test-taking abilities and learning curves.

On the other end of the spectrum are “limited retake” states that cap the number of attempts before imposing additional requirements. These states typically require additional education, extended waiting periods, or a complete reapplication process once you’ve reached the attempt limit.

State-by-State Breakdown of Exam Attempt Limits

Understanding your specific state’s requirements is crucial for planning your exam strategy. Here are some notable examples of how states handle retake limitations:

States with moderate limits:

• Texas allows three attempts before requiring additional education (30 hours for one failed portion, 60 hours for both portions failed)
• Delaware permits three attempts within one year before requiring retaking of pre-licensing education
• Nebraska offers three attempts within six months before requiring a full exam retake

States with strict limitations:

• Mississippi allows only two attempts within a two-month window, followed by a three-month waiting period and reapplication requirement
• Tennessee permits two attempts before imposing a 30-day waiting period between subsequent attempts
• West Virginia limits candidates to two attempts before requiring reapplication to the state commission

States with generous policies:

• New Hampshire allows up to eight attempts within a six-month eligibility window before requiring pre-licensing course completion
• Many states offer unlimited attempts within 1-2 years of course completion or application approval

These variations highlight why it’s essential to verify your state’s current requirements directly with your licensing authority, as policies can change and may have specific nuances not covered in general summaries.

Waiting Periods Between Exam Attempts

Most states impose waiting periods between exam attempts to give candidates time to study and prepare more effectively. These waiting periods serve multiple purposes: they prevent rushed retake attempts, encourage thorough preparation, and help manage testing center capacity.

Immediate rescheduling is available in some states, allowing you to book your next attempt as soon as testing slots are available. This flexibility can be helpful if you feel confident about addressing specific knowledge gaps quickly.

More commonly, states require waiting periods ranging from a few days to several weeks. Tennessee, for example, requires a 30-day waiting period after two failed attempts. Mississippi implements a three-month waiting period after two failures within a two-month window.

The waiting period requirements often become more restrictive as the number of attempts increases. What starts as immediate rescheduling after your first failure might extend to weeks or months after subsequent attempts, encouraging more thorough preparation between tries.

Costs and Fees Associated with Retakes

Each exam attempt typically requires paying the full examination fee, which varies by state but commonly ranges from $50 to $300 per attempt. These costs can accumulate quickly, making it financially beneficial to prepare thoroughly for each attempt.

Beyond basic exam fees, you may encounter additional costs depending on your state’s requirements and your personal situation. If your state requires additional education after multiple failures, you’ll need to budget for those course fees, which can range from hundreds to over a thousand dollars.

Some candidates choose to invest in additional study materials, tutoring, or specialized exam prep courses between attempts. While these represent additional expenses, they often prove cost-effective by improving your chances of passing on subsequent attempts.

Consider creating a budget that accounts for multiple attempts and potential additional education requirements. Of course, you may plan for this expense by purchasing a pre-licensing package that includes exam-prep materials, which is often the cheapest option. This financial planning can reduce stress and allow you to focus on preparation rather than worrying about costs.

Strategies After Failing the Exam

Receiving your exam results and seeing that you didn’t pass can be disappointing, but this moment also provides valuable information for your next attempt. Most states provide diagnostic information showing which content areas you struggled with, giving you a roadmap for focused study.

Review your diagnostic report carefully to identify patterns in the questions you missed. Were they focused on specific topic areas, such as property law, financing, or practice questions? Understanding these patterns helps you allocate study time more effectively.

Consider adjusting your study approach based on what you’ve learned about your learning style and test-taking experience. If you’re a visual learner who relied heavily on reading during your previous study sessions, try incorporating video lessons or practice exams. If test anxiety affected your performance, explore relaxation techniques or consider seeking additional support.

Many successful candidates find that their second attempt goes much smoother because they better understand the exam format, question styles, and testing environment. Use this familiarity to your advantage while addressing the specific content areas that need improvement.

Preparing for a Retake: Key Tips

Target weak areas

• Focus on the subjects where you struggled.
• Review stronger areas periodically to maintain knowledge.

Use practice exams

• Take tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam.
• Identify weak spots and track your progress.

Build test-taking strategies

• Read questions carefully and eliminate wrong answers.
• Manage your time effectively during the exam.

Address test anxiety

• Try deep breathing or positive visualization techniques.
• Arrive early to settle in before the exam.
• Consider speaking with a counselor if anxiety persists.

Related Article: 11 Tips for Studying and Passing the Real Estate Exam

Dealing with Unclear or Complicated State Rules

Some states have complex retake policies that can be difficult to interpret or navigate. When facing unclear rules, your best resource is direct contact with your state’s real estate licensing authority. They can provide official clarification and ensure you’re following current requirements.

Pay attention to specific terminology that your state uses, as slight differences in wording can have significant implications. For example, some states distinguish between “attempts” and “applications,” while others have specific definitions for terms such as “eligibility windows” and “section pass periods.”

Keep detailed records of your exam attempts, including dates, scores, and any communication with licensing authorities. This documentation becomes important if you need to verify your status or if questions arise about your eligibility for future attempts.

Consider consulting with real estate schools or exam prep providers who specialize in your state’s requirements. These professionals often have extensive experience helping candidates navigate complex policies and can provide valuable guidance for your specific situation.

Start Your Real Estate Success Story Today

Your real estate licensing journey doesn’t end with a failed exam attempt. With a clear understanding of your state’s retake policies, strategic preparation, and the right support system, your next attempt can be the one that launches your successful real estate career.

Remember that many top-performing agents faced similar challenges during their licensing process. What matters most is your commitment to learning from the experience and preparing more effectively for your next opportunity. Every attempt teaches you something valuable about the exam format, your study habits, and your test-taking approach.

Empower your journey to success with Colibri Real Estate’s unparalleled exam preparation solutions. We offer an industry-leading Pass-or-Don’t-Pay guarantee, providing you with the ultimate confidence and financial security as you pursue your licensing goals.

With exam prep tools like simulated practice exams, flashcards, a readiness assessment, and audio review guides, plus dedicated expert support from experienced instructors, we can transform any past frustration into your ultimate licensing achievement. Colibri Real Estate is committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring you have all the tools and backing needed to achieve your real estate dreams.

Your real estate career is waiting. Start preparing for your next attempt today and take the first step toward the flexibility, earning potential, and professional satisfaction that drew you to real estate in the first place.