How many times can I retake the exam?
Failing the exam is disappointing, but it is a common experience. The good news is that the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) doesn’t want failure to be the end of your journey. Is there a limit to how many times a candidate can retake the NC Real Estate Licensing Exam?
There is NO limit to the number of times you can retake the exam—provided you do so within the rigid 180-day examination eligibility period that begins the moment your application is approved.
The 180-Day Clock and Retake Logistics
The entire process—including your final passing attempt on both sections—must occur within this six-month window.
| Retake Rule | Detail | Financial Implication |
| Mandatory Waiting Period | You must wait at least 10 calendar days between exam attempts. This time is mandatory and designed for focused study. | No cost, but loss of momentum in your 180-day clock. |
| Cost Per Attempt | You must pay the full $100 NCREC application fee PLUS the $60 Pearson VUE exam fee (totaling approximately $160) for each attempt, even if you are only retaking one section. | Significant financial burden; thorough preparation saves money. |
| Partial Retake | If you pass one section (National or State), you only need to retake the failed section(s) on subsequent attempts within the 180-day window. | Saves study time, but still costs the full fee (approx. $160). |
| Expired Eligibility | If your 180-day eligibility period expires, you lose credit for any section you may have passed. You must submit a new license application, pay all initial fees, and start over by taking the entire comprehensive exam (both sections). | The most costly outcome in both time and money. |
The Smart Retake Strategy
Use the detailed score report provided by Pearson VUE immediately after you test. It pinpoints the exact content areas where you struggled. Focus your mandatory 10-day waiting period on drilling those specific topics (e.g., Real Estate Math or NC Agency Disclosure Rules), maximizing your chances of passing on the next try before the 180-day deadline approaches.
Key Takeaway
There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the NC Real Estate Exam, but you must pass within the 180-day eligibility period. Each attempt costs approximately $160, reinforcing the importance of using the 10-day mandatory waiting period for intense, targeted study.