Retake, rescheduling, and cancellation rules
What this domain tests
This domain covers what happens when your plan changes: moving an appointment, cancelling, missing an appointment, or retaking after a fail. The rules are deadline-driven, and fees are usually tiered by how close you act to the appointment.
Rescheduling and cancellation
Rescheduling is allowed within the authorization window and before a stated deadline, usually a set number of days before the appointment. Cancellations closer to the test date incur higher fees or forfeit the fee entirely. A no-show typically forfeits the fee and may count as an attempt. If the test center cancels or a documented emergency occurs, the program may offer a free reschedule; the handbook lists the accepted documentation and the deadline to submit it.
Retake rules
A failed attempt does not automatically re-authorize you. You normally must wait a stated period before the next attempt, submit a new registration, and pay the exam fee again. Some programs limit the number of attempts within a year or require remediation after a set number of failures. Passing scores are not eligible for retake to improve a score.
Worked example
A candidate reschedules 20 days before the appointment and pays a small fee. A colleague reschedules 3 days before and pays a much larger fee; another simply does not appear and forfeits the entire fee. All three are inside the same authorization window, but the deadline tiers determine the cost. The lesson is to act at the earliest tier and to keep the confirmation showing the change.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming the fee is refundable because you rescheduled rather than cancelled.
- Missing the retake waiting period and scheduling too early.
- Treating a no-show as a free cancellation.
- Failing to document an emergency before the stated deadline.
- Assuming a passed score can be retaken for a higher result.
Key points
- Reschedule and cancellation fees are tiered by proximity to the appointment.
- A no-show usually forfeits the fee and may count as an attempt.
- Retakes require a new registration, fee, and waiting period.
- Attempt limits per year may apply.
- Emergency reschedules require timely documentation.
- A passing score cannot be retaken to improve it.