Failure is Just a Detour
The North Carolina Real Estate Licensing Exam is designed to be challenging. A significant percentage of first-time test-takers do not pass one or both sections. The important thing to know is that failing is not the end of the road—it’s just a signal that more targeted study is needed. What happens immediately after I fail the NC real estate exam, and what are the retake rules?
The immediate aftermath is managed under the 180-day eligibility period granted after your initial application approval.
The Retake Rules: Pass One, Retake the Other
The NC retake policy is straightforward and designed to be fair:
- Pass Both: Congratulations, you’re done! Your application moves to the final character review.
- Fail Both Sections: You must retake the entire comprehensive exam (both National and State sections).
- Pass One, Fail the Other: You only need to retake the section you failed (National or State). This saves you study time and stress.
The Mandatory Waiting Period: The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) requires a waiting period of at least 10 calendar days between attempts to ensure candidates take time to study rather than rushing a retake.
The Financial and Time Costs of Retakes
Every single time you attempt the exam—even if you are only retaking one section—you must:
- Pay the full application fee ($100) PLUS the exam fee ($64). The total cost to retake one or both sections is approximately $164 per attempt. These fees quickly add up, making it financially wise to prepare thoroughly for each try.
- Pass within 180 Days: If your 180-day eligibility window expires before you successfully pass both sections, you lose credit for any sections you previously passed. You must then submit a new license application, pay the fees again, and restart by taking the entire comprehensive exam (both sections).
Retake Strategy: Use the score report you receive immediately after the test. It provides a breakdown of the subject areas where you performed poorly. Dedicate your 10-day waiting period to intensive study in those specific weak areas before rescheduling your next attempt.
Key Takeaway
If you fail the NC Real Estate Exam, you only need to retake the failed section(s), provided you pass within the 180-day eligibility window. You must wait 10 days between attempts and will pay the full application and exam fee ($164) for each retake. Prepare well to avoid resetting your timeline and incurring extra fees.