November 3, 2026
You studied, prepared and finally completed your certification exam. But when the results arrive, they aren't what you hoped for.
It's disappointing, especially when you've invested time, money and effort into preparing. You might wonder whether you can take the exam again, how long you'll need to wait or whether you'll have to pay another fee.
The good news is that many professional certification exams allow candidates to retake them. However, the rules differ depending on the examination and the organization responsible for it.
Understanding exam retake policies can help you make informed decisions and prepare confidently for your next attempt.
In many cases, yes. Professional certification organizations generally recognize that candidates may need more than one attempt to demonstrate their knowledge.
However, there is no single retake policy that applies to every examination.
Depending on the certification, you may encounter:
These rules are established by the certification organization or examination sponsor, not necessarily by the testing centre where you take the exam.
Before scheduling another attempt, always consult the official candidate handbook or examination website.
Waiting periods vary considerably.
Some certification organizations allow candidates to retake an examination after a relatively short period. Others require several weeks or months between attempts.
For example, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), which offers cybersecurity certifications, has a structured retake policy.
Under its published rules, candidates must wait:
ISC2 also limits candidates to four attempts per certification program within a 12-month period.
Another example is the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer examination.
NASM requires a one-week waiting period after the first unsuccessful attempt, 30 days after the second, and one year after the third or subsequent unsuccessful attempts.
These examples demonstrate why checking the rules for your particular certification matters.
Often, yes. Retaking a certification exam may involve paying another examination fee.
Some certification organizations offer discounted retakes, examination packages or optional retake protection. Others require candidates to pay the standard examination fee each time.
Occasional promotions may also provide reduced fees or additional attempts for eligible candidates.
Before purchasing another examination appointment, check whether your certification program offers any retake options or restrictions.
It's also important to review cancellation and rescheduling policies. Missing an appointment or changing it too late could result in additional costs.
Before rushing to book another examination, take some time to understand your results.
Some certification programs provide information about your performance in different subject areas.
This can help you identify topics that need more attention.
Other examinations provide limited feedback or only a pass/fail result. Check what information your certification organization makes available.
Think about which parts of the exam felt most challenging.
Did you struggle with technical concepts? Were you unfamiliar with the question format? Did you have difficulty managing your time?
Recognizing these challenges can help you make your preparation more effective.
Repeating exactly the same study routine may not produce different results.
Consider using additional practice questions, reviewing official examination objectives or spending more time on unfamiliar subjects.
A structured study schedule can make preparation feel more manageable.
Even if you're eligible to book another examination immediately, that doesn't mean you need to.
Choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare, particularly if your results revealed significant knowledge gaps.
Practice exams can be useful tools for identifying weaknesses and becoming more familiar with examination formats.
They may help you practise answering questions under time limits, recognize difficult subject areas and develop greater confidence.
However, practice tests should support learning rather than replace it.
Memorizing answers from practice questions won't necessarily prepare you for unfamiliar problems on the actual examination.
Whenever possible, choose legitimate preparation materials recommended by the certification organization.
Avoid websites or services claiming to provide real examination questions or guaranteed passing results. Using unauthorized examination content may violate certification rules and could put your eligibility at risk.
Even well-prepared candidates can find professional examinations stressful.
Time pressure, unfamiliar testing environments and concerns about passing can make it difficult to concentrate.
If anxiety affected your performance, consider practising under timed conditions and becoming familiar with the testing process before your next appointment.
Getting enough rest, allowing time to reach the testing centre and understanding check-in requirements may also help reduce unnecessary stress.
If you have a disability or medical condition that affects your ability to take an examination, check whether the examination sponsor offers testing accommodations.
These arrangements usually need to be requested and approved before scheduling your exam.
An important distinction exists between certification organizations and examination delivery centres.
Certification organizations establish examination requirements, eligibility rules, passing standards and retake policies.
Testing providers and authorized testing centres administer examinations according to those requirements.
For example, Ashton Testing Services (ATS) in Vancouver, BC, provides a professional testing environment for candidates completing a range of certification and licensing examinations.
However, ATS does not determine whether a candidate has passed, establish retake waiting periods or independently approve another attempt.
For questions about eligibility, retake fees or examination results, candidates should refer to the organization responsible for their certification.
Not necessarily.
An unsuccessful examination result can be discouraging, but it can also provide an opportunity to reassess your preparation and identify where improvement is needed.
Professional certifications are designed to assess specific knowledge and skills. Preparing for them can be challenging, especially when balancing studying with employment, family responsibilities and other commitments.
Take time to review the official retake requirements, consider what you've learned and develop a realistic plan for your next attempt.
One examination result does not define your professional abilities or future opportunities.
With the right information, appropriate preparation and a clear understanding of the rules, you can approach your next examination with greater confidence.