What Happens If You Fail the CSLB Exam?
What your failing score report means, how soon you can retake the exam and how to study smarter for your next attempt.
Quick answer
If you fail, you get a report showing your overall score, the number of questions you answered correctly and your results by section. You can retake that exam after 21 calendar days by paying a re-examination fee to PSI, as long as you are within 18 months of your application being accepted.
Read Your Score Report
The failing report breaks down how you did in each section of the exam. Those sections match your CSLB study guide, so you can see exactly which topics need work. Exam questions themselves are not available for review.
Steps to Retake
- Wait 21 calendar days from your attempt.
- Log in to your PSI account or call PSI at (877) 392-6422.
- Pay the re-examination fee and choose a new date.
- Retake only the exam you did not pass.
Study Smarter for Next Time
- Start with your two or three weakest sections from the report.
- Use the references your study guide lists for those sections.
- Take timed practice tests to fix pacing problems.
- If you studied alone, consider live classes for the topics that did not click.
Appealing an Exam
If you believe there was a problem with the exam, email your name and application number to exams@cslb.ca.gov and request an Examination Appeals Form. CSLB responds by mail in two to four weeks. For a technical problem at the test center, email exams@cslb.ca.gov with a description of the issue.
If You Used a Translator
A translator cannot translate again for one year from the date they translated, so you will need a new approved translator for your retake.
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Content reviewed against CSLB sources: November 2026
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What Happens If You Fail the CSLB Exam?: FAQs
How soon can I retake the CSLB exam?
After 21 calendar days, as long as you are still within 18 months of your application being accepted.
Do I lose my passed exam if I fail the other one?
No. You retake only the exam you failed, within your 18 month window.
What if my 18 months run out?
Your application becomes void and you must reapply with new fees.