Failed the PAVE QSE? A Recovery Plan for Your Next Attempt

If you failed the QSE, you can retake it: the fee is $1,550 per attempt, you can sit it up to three times in a calendar year, and if your result arrives after the next window's deadline you have five business days to apply. Before you rush back in, though, work out why you fell short and fix that, because the fourth attempt and beyond need the AAVSB Board's approval. This plan takes you from the day the result arrives to the next exam.

It belongs to our QSE study guide series. For the full rules on attempts and deferments, see the QSE retake policy explained.

First, the Rules That Shape Your Plan

All figures below are as of October 2026, from the AAVSB's PAVE Candidate Information Handbook and PAVE Standards and Policies (December 2025). This is general information, not legal advice, and the AAVSB can change its rules and fees; confirm the current position on the AAVSB QSE page or at pave@aavsb.org before you apply.