How many times can I take the NCLEX?

“How many times can I take the NCLEX?”

If you’re asking this question, chances are you did not pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and are wondering when you can try again—and what to do next time.

Pass rates for the NCLEX are high, between about 89% for RN candidates and 91% for PN candidates. However, not every nursing school graduate gets good news about their results from their state’s  Nursing Review Board (NRB).

If you didn’t pass, don’t give up. YES! You can take your NCLEX again…up to eight times a year, if needed. The only stipulation is that there must be 45 “test-free” days between each examination. Exactly how often will depend on your state’s NRB and when you feel ready.

“Why did I fail my NCLEX?”

Candidates can fail the exam for many reasons. Before you start to schedule your next NCLEX, take time to figure out what may have contributed to this failure. Here are some of the possible explanations:

• Underestimating the exam: Not giving yourself enough time to prepare or thinking you have a good sense of what to expect can result in a disappointing outcome. Having good grades is a bonus but may not be enough to pass the exam.
• Focusing only on memorizing facts: Yes, you should know the basics, such as vital signs and drug dosage calculations. But clinical judgment is part of Next Generation NCLEX. You’ll be asked questions that include words like “priority” and “first action.”
• Choosing too many resources: Know your learning style and pick one source that fits it. Nurse Plus has an extensive question bank, flash cards, and cheat sheets that provide a comprehensive review that simulates NCLEX.
• Studying the wrong way: It’s important to take practice tests, review content in a non-linear style, and focusing on answering questions instead of understanding content. Also, not really reading the stem of the question, which often has cues to the key response.
• Counting on your clinicals: Thinking you had great clinical experience and know now what to do, instead of using the evidenced-based reasoning learned from nursing school textbooks and lectures. The same is true of any personal experience with diseases.
• Trying to cram: Although it’s possible to study too long (more than 3 hours a day), if you decide to do massive review in a few days you can become overwhelmed and anxious.
• Not moving your exam date: If you’re not ready for any reason, consider changing your exam date to allow for more study or resolving issues that interfere with preparation.
• Avoiding self-care: Give yourself time to be physically and mentally prepared for your NCLEX. You should be rested and confident the day of your exam.

“What do I do now? I want to get my license!”

There’s a specific process for retaking your NCLEX. Just follow these steps:

1. 1

   Look at your Candidate Performance Report (CPR).

   The CPR is the valuable, individualized document sent to candidates who fail their exam. Two pages long, it gives you a summary of your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the categories, subcategories, and clinical judgment. It provides:

   1. A brief review of the exam results
   2. General performance indicators for each part of the exam:
      1. Below the Passing Standard
      2. Near the Passing Standard
      3. Above the Passing Standard
   3. Resources and URL links to review before taking NCLEX again
   4. Sample of CPR for RN candidate
   5. Sample of CPR for PN candidate
2. 2

   Download your Test Plan.

   Nurse Plus always encourages all candidates to download their respective Test Plan and use it to study for NCLEX. The plans contain detailed information about the content in all areas of the exam, including clinical judgment, as well as the definition of each Client Need category. The Test Plans are updated every three years to reflect current nursing practice.

   1. 2023 RN Test Plan (Effective April 1,2023 through March 31, 2026)
   2. 2023 PN Test Plan (Effective April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026)
3. 3

   Develop your Study Plan.

   Use your CPR and Test Plan to determine where you need to focus for your next NCLEX. Start by studying areas that are “Below the Passing Standard” and then move to those that are “Near the Passing Standard.” Don’t ignore the “Above the Passing Standard,’ because you want to maintain your proficiency in those areas.

   NCLEX is not graded by section or category. It’s a pass/fail exam, but your CPR tells you where your time and effort are best spent. Only you know how much time each day can be dedicated to study, so make a schedule and stick to it. Include time to go back and review, so you have full knowledge and understanding of all content.

4. 4

   Review the NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin.

   Every year the bulletin is updated to help you navigate the process of registering, scheduling, and taking your exam. Although you’ve already done this, the Bulletin serves as a reminder and checklist of everything you need to do before Exam Day.

   The latest information on Pearson VUE, the administrator for NCLEX, is included, so be sure to read and follow the instructions regarding fees and payment. There may also be different testing sites and requirements. Don’t assume everything is the same as before.

   2024 Examination Candidate Bulletin

“Is registration the same for retaking my NCLEX?”

Good news! You’ve already been through the complicated registration process before, so it will feel familiar. You also know the rules about providing acceptable forms of identification, what to bring—or leave at home, and proper conduct throughout the entire testing period. (Just to be certain, we again advise you to read the latest Examination Candidate Bulletin.)

Before you reapply, check with your state’s Nursing Review Board (NRB) to find out if there are different timeframes or limits for annual testing attempts. 

Follow these steps when you’re ready to sit for your NCLEX again:

• Contact your state NRB and let them know you want to retake the NCLEX.
• Ask if any fees or documents are required to be eligible to retake the exam.
• Reregister with Pearson VUE and pay the examination fee. 
• Wait to receive a new Authorization to Test (ATT).
• Schedule a new NCLEX appointment.

“What else should I know?”

Relax and try to stay positive. You actually have a few advantages when you retake your NCLEX. First, you’ve done this before, so you are entering a familiar environment. Second, you’ve seen what the questions are like, so you can feel confident about what to expect. Third, you’ve been told which areas needed more study, so you can be prepared.

Nurse Plus wishes you success on your NCLEX—and in your new nursing career!