Don’t Worry – You’ve Got This!
At Confident Captain, we understand that taking your captain’s exam can be a big deal. It’s the culmination of your training, preparation, and hard work. And while we see success every day, we also know that sometimes, things don’t go quite as planned. If you don’t pass one of the exam sections on your first try—take a deep breath. It’s okay. Really.
Here’s the Good News:
If you don’t pass one of the sections of your exam, you can retest that module—twice. That means you have three total chances per module to pass. And better yet, you don’t have to start from scratch or retake the entire exam. You only need to retake the specific section(s) you didn’t pass.
Let’s walk through an example:
Let’s say you passed:
- Plotting
- General Navigation
- Safety
- Deck Seamanship
…but missed Rules of the Road by just a few questions. In that case, you only need to retake the Rules of the Road module. The other modules you passed are considered complete and done. Your success on those modules still stands—you earned it!
Why We Do It This Way:
We believe in fairness, flexibility, and supporting your success. We also believe in following the USCG rules. These are the rules they lay out for us. Breaking the exam into modules allows you to focus on areas that may need a little more review without the stress of starting all over. It also gives you the confidence to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
How to Retest:
If you do need to retest a module, our team will walk you through the process. We’ll help you schedule your retake and provide the guidance you need to brush up on the material. No judgment. No shame. Just support.
Final Thoughts:
Passing your captain’s exam is an important milestone, and we’re with you every step of the way. Whether you pass everything on your first go or need to retake a module or two, you’re still on the path to becoming a licensed captain—and that’s something to be proud of.
At Confident Captain, we don’t just train mariners. We build them up. We believe in second chances and steady progress. You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
Let’s get you licensed and confident.
Fair winds,
Captain Kent
Confident Captain