QSE Retake Policy: Deadlines, Attempt Limits and Deferments

If you fail the AAVSB's Qualifying Science Examination (QSE), you can retake it, but the rules are tight. You have five business days from the date the AAVSB emails your result to apply, the retake fee is $1,550, you may sit the QSE no more than three times in a calendar year, and after three failures you must wait at least six months and send the PAVE Committee a statement of what you did to improve. This guide explains each rule, plus deferments, window transfers and missed appointments, using the AAVSB's own documents (as of October 2026).

For the exam itself, see our QSE 2027 format and registration guide. If you are planning a retake, our QSE practice questions mapped to the 2027 outline can help you target weak areas.

Last verified against the AAVSB's PAVE Standards and Policies (December 2025) on 6 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice, and policies change: the AAVSB's current documents and the PAVE team (pave@aavsb.org) have the final word. navleexam.com is not affiliated with AAVSB, AVMA, ICVA or PSI.