How many times can you take the real estate exam?

Passing the real estate exam is a significant milestone for anyone pursuing a real estate license. But what happens if you don’t pass the first time? Or even the second? One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring agents and brokers is: How many times can you take the real estate exam? This blog breaks it all down, state rules, retake policies, what to expect if you fail, and how to set yourself up for success.

How many times can you take the Real Estate Exam?

Every state sets its own rules, but generally, there is no national limit to how many times you can retake the real estate exam. However, you must follow state-specific guidelines and timelines.

Common rules across most states include:

• Unlimited attempts within a set timeframe: Many states allow unlimited retakes within a one- or two-year window after completing your pre-licensing education.
• Deadlines tied to your course completion: If your pre-licensing education expires before you pass, you may need to retake the course.
• You’ll need to repay the exam fee each time; retakes aren’t free, and the fee varies by state, typically ranging from $50 to $100.
• Retake only the portion you failed: If your exam has both a national and a state section, and you only fail one, you may only need to retake that part.

Example:
In Texas, you can retake the real estate exam unlimited times within one year of completing your course. In California, you have two years from the date of application approval, with no maximum attempt limit.

What happens if you fail the Real Estate Exam?

Failing the exam doesn’t mean the end of your real estate career. It just means you need to reassess your preparation.

Here’s what usually happens next:

• You’ll receive a failed score report: This breakdown shows your performance by category, helping you identify weak areas.
• You’ll need to wait to reschedule: Most states require a short waiting period—usually 24 hours to a few business days—before you can retake the exam.
• You may need to call PSI or your state’s testing provider: Some testing centers allow online rescheduling; others may require a phone call.
• You must pay the exam fee again: Retakes always come with an additional cost, so be strategic with your study time.

Failing isn’t uncommon. Many test takers don’t pass on their first attempt. The key is to use each failure as a stepping stone toward success.

How many times can you retake the Real Estate Exam?

Whether you’re wondering how many times you can retake the real estate exam in your state, or just want peace of mind, the good news is: there’s often no hard cap.

Here’s a quick overview of state-specific policies:

• Florida: Unlimited retakes within two years from the date of course completion.
• New York: No limit on retakes, but must pass within two years of course completion.
• Georgia: Two attempts within one year. Fail twice and you must retake the course.
• California: Unlimited retakes within two years from the date your application is accepted.

Tip: Check your state real estate commission’s website or call them directly for current policies.

Why students fail and how to avoid iIt

Most failures stem from the same challenges. Understanding these can help you prepare better.

Top reasons why students fail the real estate licensing exam:

• Inadequate exam preparation: Not all study materials are created equal.
• Overconfidence: Underestimating the level of detail required, especially for the national portion.
• Poor time management: Running out of time during the exam or cramming too late.
• Not understanding real estate concepts: Memorizing instead of truly learning.

How to avoid these pitfalls:

• Use reliable, up-to-date study tools like Lexawise’s full exam prep system.
• Take multiple practice exams, including full-length simulated tests.
• Focus on weak categories using your failed score report.

Study both the national and state portions thoroughly.

What you need to retake the real estate exam

Each time you retake the exam, you’ll need to meet certain requirements.

Standard requirements include:

• A valid ID and any paperwork required by your testing center.
• Proof of eligibility, such as your course completion certificate (if required again).
• Payment of exam fee, typically due at the time of registration.
• Scheduling a new test date, often online through the provider’s portal (like PSI or Pearson VUE).

If you wait too long between attempts, you may need to repeat your pre-licensing course or reapply for your license, depending on your state.

Set yourself up for success with Lexawise

Failing the real estate exam isn’t the end of your journey; it’s just a detour. The most important thing to remember is that you can retake the exam as many times as needed, as long as you stay within your state’s time limits.

At Lexawise, we’re committed to helping you pass with confidence. Our real estate exam prep tools include:

• Over 4,500  expert-created questions, the most extensive database in the industry
• Unlimited free real estate practice exams, including simulated state and national tests
• A personalized Progress Indicator to show when you’re truly ready
• Study-by-category to focus on what matters most

You’ve put in the time. Now it’s time to pass, and Lexawise is the smartest way to do it. Whether it’s your first attempt or your fifth, we’ve got your back every step of the way.