diff --git a/question/type/edit_question_form.php b/question/type/edit_question_form.php
index ca010ec5240..9690d3d9a9e 100644
--- a/question/type/edit_question_form.php
+++ b/question/type/edit_question_form.php
@@ -425,7 +425,6 @@ abstract class question_edit_form extends question_wizard_form {
         }
         $mform->addElement('select', 'penalty',
                 get_string('penaltyforeachincorrecttry', 'question'), $penaltyoptions);
-        $mform->addRule('penalty', null, 'required', null, 'client');
         $mform->addHelpButton('penalty', 'penaltyforeachincorrecttry', 'question');
         $mform->setDefault('penalty', 0.3333333);