Final answer:
To obtain a salesperson's license after failing to pass the state exam within 12 months of completing the prelicense course, an applicant typically needs to retake the entire prelicense course and the state exam, a requirement similar to the engineering licensure process in many states.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an applicant for a salesperson's license completes all prelicense course requirements but fails to pass the state exam within 12 months after completing the course, the applicant must typically either retake the entire prelicense course and state exam or just the state exam, depending on the specific state's licensing rules. This requirement mirrors the process for many professional licenses, such as engineering licensure. For instance, the standard engineering licensure path includes graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, acquiring work experience, and then passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. However, exact requirements can vary by state. Specifically, this question would depend on the regulations of the state in which the salesperson is seeking licensure. Generally, option 2 'retake the entire prelicense course and the state exam' is correct for professions such as engineering where there is a time limit on the validity of prelicense education relative to taking the exam. Nonetheless, candidates should refer to their state's licensing board for the definitive answer.