Have you ever wondered what to do if you fail your licensing exam multiple times? It's a common concern among aspiring professionals, but it's important not to let it discourage you. Even the most successful agents in the business have experienced failure at some point in their journey. The key is to persevere and keep pushing forward.
Failing the First Licensing Exam
If you fail your licensing exam on your first attempt, don't worry. It's not the end of the world. Here's what you need to know:
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You will receive a scorecard detailing your test score and the portion(s) of the exam you failed (national, state, or both). You only need to retake the portion(s) that you failed. The information you receive will also include the number of questions you answered correctly in each content area, along with instructions for scheduling your retake.
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Take advantage of the 24-hour waiting period before rescheduling your exam. Use this time to focus on the areas where you struggled and dedicate extra study time to ensure you're fully prepared for your retake.
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When you feel ready, reschedule your exam. With the knowledge and experience gained from your first attempt, you'll have a better chance of passing on your second try.
Failing the Licensing Exam 3 Times
In the event that you fail the licensing exam three times, it's important to remember that it's not the end of your real estate career. Many successful agents have faced this setback and still achieved their goals. Here's what you need to do:
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The state requires additional education if you fail any portion of the exam (national, state, or both). You'll need to complete an additional 30 hours of education for each failed portion.
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Once you've completed the extra educational hours, email your completion certificates and a copy of your third failed score report to TREC at education@trec.texas.gov. They will process your paperwork and authorize you to schedule your fourth exam, which typically takes about 5-7 days.
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If your TREC application expires during the process of obtaining your extra educational hours, you'll need to reapply.
Tips for Passing Your Licensing Exam
Studying for the licensing exam can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some helpful tips:
Establish a Study Routine
Commit to setting aside regular study time and build a study routine into your daily schedule. Treat your study time as you would any other important appointment.
Minimize Distractions
Create a quiet study environment to minimize distractions. With online courses and on-demand exam prep, you have the flexibility to study whenever and wherever suits you best.
Take Practice Exams
Practice exams are a valuable tool for familiarizing yourself with the format and content of the real licensing exam. Mimic the exam environment as closely as possible by putting away all aids and relying on your knowledge.
Try Chewing Peppermint Gum
Believe it or not, chewing peppermint gum during your study sessions and bringing the same gum to your exam may help boost your alertness and memory recall. It's worth a try!
Be at Your Best on Test Day
To perform your best on the exam, take care of yourself on test day:
- Get a good night's sleep to ensure your brain functions optimally. If you struggle with sleep, consider physical exercise to tire yourself out.
- Fuel your brain with a healthy breakfast consisting of walnuts, avocado, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, berries, leafy greens, and whole grains.
- Arrive at the testing site early to avoid added stress from traffic or being late. Use the extra time for a final review of difficult concepts.
- Listen to uplifting music on your way to the exam to relax and boost your mood.
Helpful Test Hacks
While knowing the material is essential, these test hacks can give you an extra advantage during the exam:
- Take a deep breath before starting the exam to calm your nerves and remind yourself of your hard work.
- If time management is a concern, skip the hard questions initially. Answer the easier questions first and come back to the difficult ones later. This way, you ensure you tackle all the questions you know and maximize your chances of scoring points.
Don't Give Up!
Failing the licensing exam multiple times can be disheartening, but it's important to stay motivated and continue working towards your goal. Don't be discouraged. Keep studying, keep working hard, and schedule another attempt. You've got this!
Good luck on your licensing exam!