VA claims agent exam passing score and retake rules

Sources checked October 4, 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated with VA. Not legal advice.

The passing score is 75 percent or more. You may sit for the exam no more than twice in any 6-month period. Both rules are in 38 CFR 14.629(b)(6), and VA Form 21a repeats the 75 percent requirement (VA Form 21a).

The regulation

"After an affirmative determination of character and fitness for practice before the Department, applicants for accreditation as a claims agent must achieve a score of 75 percent or more on a written examination administered by VA as a prerequisite to accreditation. No applicant shall be allowed to sit for the examination more than twice in any 6-month period." (38 CFR 14.629(b)(6))

How many questions do you need right?

VA does not publish the question count (see exam format). If the reported 40-question format is right, 75% means at least 30 correct (40 × 0.75 = 30).

Retake planning

• The limit is two sittings in any 6-month period, not two lifetime attempts (14.629(b)(6)).
• OGC gives the exam on set dates several times a year (VA OGC), so a failed attempt may mean waiting months for the next date.

What happens after you pass

Passing does not by itself make you accredited. Accreditation is issued when the Chief Counsel decides you meet all the requirements (14.629(d)(1)). Under a temporary OGC policy, OGC now waits until after an applicant passes the exam to request outstanding character references. OGC encourages applicants to collect responses from 3 professional references themselves and send them in with Form 21a (VA OGC). After accreditation you have 12 months to complete your first 3 hours of CLE (CLE rules).

Proposed change (not final)

The 2024 proposed rule would keep 75% but change the retake limit to "two times in any 1-year period" and require passing the exam before OGC reviews character and fitness. As of October 4, 2026, it is not final (89 FR 82546).