Tennessee Insurance Exam: What Happens If You Need to Retake

Not passing your Tennessee insurance exam on the first try isn't the end of the road—it's a detour. Many successful agents needed more than one attempt. Understanding the retake process helps you move forward without unnecessary stress.

Tennessee Retake Policies

Waiting Period

Tennessee allows you to schedule a retake as soon as 24 hours after a failed attempt. There's no extended waiting period required for initial retakes.

However, if you fail multiple times, longer waiting periods may apply:

• After 1-2 failures: 24-hour minimum wait
• After multiple failures: Extended waiting periods may be imposed—check with Pearson VUE for specific requirements

Exam Fees

Each retake requires paying the full exam fee again. Based on current Pearson VUE pricingEn Tn Insurance.html Us:

• Individual exams: ~$49 each
• Combination exams: ~$49-59

No discounts apply for retakes. Budget for this possibility when planning your overall licensing investment.

Online Testing Limitations

If you're using OnVUE online proctoring:

• Maximum two attempts per exam online
• Third and subsequent attempts must be at a physical Pearson VUE testing center

This limitation exists because the controlled environment of testing centers better ensures exam integrity for candidates who've already had multiple attempts.

Understanding Your Score Report

When you don't pass, your score report provides valuable information:

What you'll see:

• A numeric score (below 70%)
• Your performance relative to the passing threshold

What you won't see:

• Detailed breakdown by topic area
• Which specific questions you missed
• Correct answers to missed questions

Use your score to gauge how close you were. A 65% requires different preparation than a 50%.

Strategies for Passing on Your Next Attempt

Analyze What Went Wrong

Before scheduling your retake, honestly assess your first attempt:

• Did you feel unprepared overall? You may need more comprehensive study time.
• Were you surprised by certain topics? Focus your review on those areas.
• Did test anxiety affect you? Practice relaxation techniques and take more practice exams.
• Did you run out of time? Work on pacing during practice tests.
• Were state-specific questions challenging? Spend more time on Tennessee regulations.

Don't Rush the Retake

While you can retake in 24 hours, that doesn't mean you should. Give yourself enough time to address whatever caused you to fall short. A few extra days of focused study is better than multiple failed attempts.

Recommended preparation time before retaking:

• Score of 65-69%: 3-5 days of targeted review
• Score of 55-64%: 1-2 weeks of more intensive study
• Score below 55%: Consider additional coursework or a different study approach

Focus on Weak Areas

Based on topics you felt uncertain about during the exam:

• Review related sections in your pre-licensing materials
• Take additional practice questions on those topics
• Seek clarification on concepts you found confusing

Don't just re-read everything—target your preparation where it will have the most impact.

Don't Neglect Tennessee-Specific Content

Many candidates who fail report being caught off guard by state-specific questions. Tennessee laws and regulations account for 25-30% of your exam. Ensure you're dedicating proportional study time to this material.

Take Practice Exams Differently

If you took practice exams before your first attempt but still didn't pass:

• Take practice tests under stricter time limits
• Review every wrong answer thoroughly—understand why it was wrong
• Don't just retake the same practice tests; find new questions if possible
• Treat practice exams like the real thing (no interruptions, no reference materials)

For additional study strategies, explore our guide on how to study for the licensing examPre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Resources.