National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops nursing licensure examinations in collaboration with Nursing Regulatory Bodies (NRB), which regulate license and registration eligibility through nursing excellence standards. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide licensure examination designed by NCSBN in collaboration with NRB that all nursing school graduates must pass to receive nursing licensure.
NCSBN retake policies answer the candidate's question of how many times you can fail the NCLEX. Failed NCLEX exams can be retaken 45 days after the initial attempt and eight times yearly with a 45-day waiting period between each failed attempt. Candidates must pass the NCLEX exam within three years of nursing school graduation to be eligible for nursing licensure.
So, how many times can you fail the NCLEX? The answer can vary. The NCSBN retake policy described above is a standard NCLEX retake policy; several state NRBs have more restrictive policies, and we will cover a couple of them below. Candidates who fail NCLEX twice should contact their state's NRB. The following list provides NRB retake policies from several states different from NCSBN policy:
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Create AccountCandidates with failed NCLEX tests can apply for an NCLEX retake by contacting their state's NRB, completing an NCLEX retake application form, and paying the NCLEX retake fee. The candidate's state NRB will then re-issue an authorization to test (ATT) form for re-testing. After receiving the ATT, candidates need to determine a test center and test date, re-register and pay re-registration fees through Pearson VUE.
Submitting less paperwork than was required for initial testing registration may apply for retakes, such as proof of nursing program graduation. Candidates should contact their state's NRB to verify what documentation is required for an NCLEX retake.
NCLEX retake fees may differ by state depending on each state's NRB policies; though the following NCLEX fees listed typically apply for NCLEX retake testing:
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Create AccountNCLEX retake tests are scored through pass/fail grading methods rather than numeric scoring methods. Failed NCLEX are scored twice to ensure accurate results. Test center computers initially score the test, then transmit it to Pearson VUE for secondary scoring. Failed NCLEX results are not known or reported from testing center computers or center personnel. Though Pearson VUE does have access to scores, they do not provide scoring data to testing candidates. Candidates who contact Pearson VUE, testing centers, or the NCSBN will not receive scoring results.
The state NRB provides scores approximately six weeks from the day of testing or contacting External Link NRB if not received after six weeks. Unofficial NCLEX test results may be available within two weeks from some state NRB. Candidates who paid a Quick Response fee upon registration are eligible for test results 48 hours after test completion.
Candidates who have failed NCLEX twice should not be anxious about retaking the exam. NRB and NCSBN emphasize the importance of passing the test based on nursing standards and knowledge, not testing attempts. NCLEX retake test scoring data is not recorded or reported through any organization other than the state NRB.
Take an assessment and focus on the areas that need the most practice.
In 2021, first-time NCLEX testing averaged an 82.48% pass rate. The same year test retakes for failed NCLEX averaged a 45.52% pass rate. Candidates with failing NCLEX scores will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) from the NCSBN. The CPR is designed to aid NCLEX candidates in understanding overall test performance and inform them of the total answered questions. Candidates who do not answer a minimum of sixty questions will not receive performance feedback. Candidates with a testing performance near 130 must answer 145 questions maximum.
The CPR groups eight content areas by testing competence. These content areas describe testing ability below, near, or above passing standards; testing performance must be above passing standards. Content area descriptions provide information that explains testing weakness that is helpful when developing study plans.
Failing NCLEX twice should not be a headline for failure, but the motivation for passing failed NCLEX tests. Candidates planning an NCLEX retake should consider developing a comprehensive study plan emphasizing their CPR below and near passing standards. Study guides help identify relevant study resources, such as program coursework. Identifying CPR areas of testing difficulty and reviewing test content will also enhance the study process.
Prep courses and study groups will increase and reinforce test knowledge. Practice tests, though, are important for improving areas of content weakness. Candidates need practice tests that cover the eight individual content areas in the NCLEX. Practice tests should closely resemble the actual NCLEX test.
The NCLEX is a nationwide exam for all nursing candidates and is valid in all states. Though the NCLEX is recognized nationally, nurses who have a license in one state may still need to fulfill additional testing requirements assigned by another state's NRB, such as obtaining that state's nursing license.
Requirements for nurses with expired licenses differ by state. Some states require candidates to demonstrate competency in nursing by working practice hours. If that requirement is not met, applicants must retake the exam by submitting an NCLEX retake application form. Applicants who have not worked for some years may be required to retake the NCLEX. Candidates should contact the NRB of their nursing employment state to determine additional testing requirements.
Deborah Wolf, RN has 33 years of experience in nursing. She has performed triage, assisted with surgeries, acted as a liaison between patients and surgeons, and trained others on administering various ophthalmologic tests. Deborah took and passed the NCLEX as part of her certification. She earned her B.S.N. from Chamberlain University and her Associate's in Nursing from the College of the Canyons, Valencia.
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The NCLEX retake policy allows candidates to retake the exam a minimum waiting time of 45 days in between exams. Candidates should contact their state NRB for additional guidance retake policy.
The NCSBN retake policy allows candidates who have applied for licensure/registration with a participating nursing regulatory body (NRB) to take the NCLEX exam eight times a year. Many state NRB have more restrictive policies on the amount of time candidates can retake NCLEX tests. Candidates should contact their NRB for additional information.
Utilize the Candidate Performance Report (CPR) and focus on all the topics that demonstrate knowledge weakness. Join study groups, create study guides, create an effective study plan, and take as many practice tests as you can to prepare for the NCLEX.
Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio are the only states that allow unlimited attempts at the NCLEX. It is important to check with your state board to find out their rules and restrictions on retake attempts.