Yes—if you take the California real estate salesperson or broker exam and pass one section but fail the other, you can retake only the section you failed. California’s exam is split into two parts, and your passing score on one part is generally kept on file for a limited time, so you don’t have to start over unless your eligibility expires. Start your journey with LEAP's California real estate pre-licensing course.

In practice, the retake process is handled through the California Department of Real Estate and its exam vendor. You’ll usually need to reschedule the failed section, pay the retake fee, and wait for a new test date. The exact timing matters, because if too much time passes before you retest, you may lose the passing credit for the section you already completed and need to retake both parts.

Cost and timing can also depend on how quickly you can get another appointment and whether you need extra study time. Many candidates use the retake window to focus only on the weaker area—either the state-specific California laws or the national/general real estate principles. That targeted review can save time and improve your odds of passing the second time.

If you’re preparing for a retake, a focused study plan is the smartest next step. A solid California real estate pre-licensing course can help you strengthen the topics you missed and build confidence for the section you still need to pass. If you want a structured refresher before your next attempt, take a look at the California pre-licensing course from Leap Real Estate as a practical way to get back on track.