United States
Hong KongHow many times can you take the NMLS exam?
There is no limit on total attempts. You must wait 30 days after a failed attempt, and 180 days after three consecutive fails. Each attempt costs USD 110.
As many as you need. The constraint is time rather than number.
The waiting periods
| After | You wait |
|---|---|
| A first failed attempt | 30 days |
| A second consecutive fail | 30 days |
| A third consecutive fail | 180 days from the last attempt |
The 180-day rule is the one to take seriously. Six months is long enough for most of what you knew to fade, and long enough to lose a job offer that depended on getting licensed.
What each attempt costs
USD 110, every time. You open a new enrollment window and book a new seat.
The 20-hour pre-licensure course does not repeat. That requirement is satisfied once and stays satisfied.
Not because it is, but because the gap after it is half a year rather than a month. Going into a third sitting under-prepared is a materially worse decision than going into a second one.
Does the record follow you?
Your test history sits in NMLS against your unique identifier. A sponsoring employer with access to your record can see it.
It does not disqualify you. There is no rule that a number of fails bars licensure, and what the state cares about is that you eventually met the standard.
A better use of the wait
Your score report breaks performance down by content area. Work the two weakest, drill calculations daily, and rebook when a full timed mock lands above 80% rather than on the first date the wait allows.
Common questions
How many times can you take the NMLS exam?
There is no cap on total attempts. The limits are on how soon you may sit again.
How long after failing can you retake it?
30 days. After three consecutive fails it becomes 180 days from the last attempt.
What happens after three fails?
You wait 180 days rather than 30. Nothing bars you from trying again after that.
Does each attempt cost money?
Yes, USD 110 each time, with a fresh 180-day enrollment window.
Will an employer see my failed attempts?
A sponsoring employer with access to your NMLS record can see the test history. It does not prevent licensure.