Short answer: For the GRE General Test you can take the test once every 21 days and no more than five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. There is no published lifetime limit, but the 21-day and five-tests-per-12-month rules are the main restrictions test takers must follow. For GRE Subject Tests and special delivery options check current ETS policies, because schedules and availability differ.
Why this matters
Many prospective graduate students want to know how often they can retake the GRE so they can plan study time, application timelines, and score-reporting strategies. Knowing the official limits helps you avoid scheduling conflicts, unnecessary test fees, and last-minute crises. It also helps you decide whether to retake the test or invest more time in preparation before a single attempt.
Official rules for the GRE General Test
The most important rules to remember for the GRE General Test are:
- Minimum interval between attempts: You must wait 21 days between GRE General Test attempts.
- Maximum attempts in 12 months: You may take the GRE General Test no more than five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period, which is defined as a 365-day window.
- No published lifetime limit: ETS does not state a lifetime cap beyond the rolling 12-month limit.
These rules apply to computer-delivered testing at test centers and to the at-home GRE General Test when it is offered. If you schedule a test and then cancel or do not appear, that appointment still counts toward the five-test limit if it resulted in a completed test attempt. Always check ETS directly if you are unsure about how a specific reschedule or cancellation affects your eligibility.
GRE Subject Tests and other delivery formats
GRE Subject Tests are different in how they are offered. Subject Tests are not available year-round like the General Test. They are typically scheduled on specific dates during the year, and exact offerings and scheduling rules can change. Because the availability and format differ, retake rules may also differ in practice. Before planning a retake of a Subject Test, verify current policies on the ETS website for that subject and test date.
Practical scheduling examples
Examples help make the rule concrete.
- If you take the GRE General Test on March 1, the earliest date you can legally retake the test is March 22, because you must wait 21 days between attempts.
- If you take the test on January 10, March 5, April 1, May 2, and November 15, that is five attempts within 365 days, so you would not be allowed to schedule another test until at least January 11 of the following year in order to keep the attempts within a new 365-day window.
- If you cancel a test appointment before the administration, that action may affect scheduling and fees. Confirm cancellation and rescheduling rules with ETS in your region.
Score reporting and ScoreSelect
ETS offers the ScoreSelect option, which lets you choose which GRE test scores to send to graduate programs. That means taking multiple times does not require you to send every score to programs. Common ScoreSelect choices include sending scores from a single test date or sending all test scores from the last five years, depending on ETS options available at the time. Use ScoreSelect strategically when you retake the test.
How graduate programs view multiple GRE attempts
Admissions policies vary by program. Some programs look only at your highest scores, some consider all submitted scores, and others request all official scores from ETS. Because policies differ, check individual program requirements before deciding how many scores to send. If a program explicitly asks for all scores, sending only your best results may not be allowed.
When a retake makes sense
Taking the GRE again can help if you have a clear plan to improve. Consider retaking only when:
- Your practice test scores show consistent improvement and indicate a higher score is likely.
- Your initial score is below the range required by programs you will apply to.
- You have enough time to prepare without rushing your application timeline.
- You understand the scheduling limits and will not exceed the five-tests-per-12-month rule.
If your score was affected by illness, test-day problems, or other documented issues, contact ETS and the programs you are applying to. Some programs accept explanations or allow you to submit additional documentation, but policies vary.
Common misunderstandings
- Myth: You can take the GRE as many times as you want with no limits. Fact: ETS limits attempts to once every 21 days and up to five times within a rolling 12-month period.
- Myth: Retakes are always viewed negatively by admissions committees. Fact: Most programs focus on your best scores and your application as a whole. Multiple attempts are common and not inherently harmful, especially when used to improve scores.
- Myth: All GRE tests are reported automatically to schools. Fact: You choose which scores to send using ScoreSelect, but verify individual program requirements before sending.
Actionable checklist before scheduling a retake
- Confirm the 21-day and five-tests-per-12-month rules apply to your planned test type and delivery format on the ETS website.
- Plan study time that realistically produces measurable improvements in practice tests.
- Check application deadlines and allow time for score reporting to reach programs before deadlines.
- Decide how you will use ScoreSelect, and confirm program-specific score-reporting requirements.
- If you had test-day problems, document them and contact ETS for guidance before scheduling a retake.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the GRE General Test more than five times if those attempts fall in different calendar years?
The five-tests limit applies to any continuous rolling 12-month window of 365 days. That means whether attempts occur in different calendar years is not relevant. Count attempts across the previous 365 days to determine eligibility.
Does the 21-day wait rule apply after a canceled test or a no-show?
Policies about canceled or missed appointments vary depending on timing, local test center rules, and how ETS records the appointment. To be certain how a cancellation or no-show affects your retake eligibility, contact ETS customer service for your region.
Do GRE Subject Tests follow the same attempt rules?
Subject Test scheduling and availability differ from the General Test. Retake rules can be affected by the calendar of Subject Test administrations. Check the ETS Subject Test pages for the most current scheduling and retake policies.
Will taking the GRE multiple times hurt my application?
Generally, admissions committees focus on your best scores and the rest of your application. Multiple attempts are not automatically harmful. What matters more is whether your scores meet program expectations and whether your application presents a strong academic and professional case.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that the GRE General Test is limited to one attempt every 21 days and no more than five attempts within any continuous rolling 12-month period. There is no stated lifetime cap. For Subject Tests and particular delivery methods check ETS for current details. Plan retakes with a realistic study timeline, consider ScoreSelect when sending scores, and verify each program’s reporting requirements so your retake strategy aligns with your application goals.
