If your first attempt at the NCLEX didn’t go as planned, start by taking a deep breath. Thousands of future nurses face this same hurdle and go on to thrive in their careers. What matters now is not where you started but how you move forward.
Whether preparing to retake the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, we’ll help you understand the retake process, break down what to expect, and show you how to build a stronger study plan to help you ace the exam the second time.
NCLEX Retake Policies
Every step you take from here — from understanding the official retake rules to reviewing your performance and adjusting your study plan — can bring you closer to your goal of passing the NCLEX. Knowing the policies and timelines ahead of you will help you move forward with more clarity and fewer surprises.
NCLEX Retake Waiting Period
You must wait at least 45 days after your last exam date before retaking the NCLEX. This policy, established by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is designed to give you time to review your candidate performance report (CPR), focus on your weaker content areas, and approach the exam with a stronger plan.1
Some states may follow slightly different timelines. For example, Pennsylvania requires a 46-day wait instead of 45. Because each state’s Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) may have unique rules, it’s important to confirm your specific timeline and eligibility requirements before reapplying.2
NCLEX Retake Limits
Each state nursing board has its own rules for NCLEX retakes. Some may limit how often you can take the exam or require remediation after several failed attempts. Others might ask you to reapply or complete additional coursework if too much time has passed since you graduated.
National guidelines typically allow up to 8 attempts per year, but you must pass the NCLEX within 3 years of finishing your nursing program to stay eligible.1 Checking your state’s retake policy can help you plan ahead and avoid delays.
NCLEX Allotted Attempts by State
A few specific states impose strict limits on the number of times you can take the exam — either with a maximum number of attempts, a time limit after graduation, or required remediation after multiple failures. If you’re testing in one of these states, review their policies closely before moving forward.2
| State: | Attempt Policy: |
| Colorado | 3 attempts within 3 years |
| Florida | 3 attempts, then remedial course required |
| Hawaii | 3 attempts, then remedial course required |
| Louisiana (PN) | 4 attempts within 2 years |
| Mississippi | 6 attempts within 2 years of graduation |
| Nevada | 4 attempts |
| New Hampshire | 5 attempts |
| New Jersey | 3 attempts, then remedial course required |
| New Mexico | 3 attempts within 3 years of initial eligibility |
| Wyoming | 2 attempts, up to 10 total within 5 years |
Step-by-Step NCLEX Reapplication Process
You’ve done this before, and you can do it again. The steps to retake the NCLEX are similar to your first attempt, but everything can go more smoothly with strategic planning. Follow these 4 steps to reschedule your exam.
Step 1: Contact Your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB)
Notify your state’s Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) of your intent to retake the exam. Each board may have its own reapplication form or additional requirements, so follow their instructions carefully.
In most cases, you must wait at least 45 days after your last attempt to take the NCLEX again. However, if your Authorization to Test (ATT) expires or you miss a scheduled appointment, you’re allowed to reschedule without waiting the full 45 days.3
Step 2: Register with Pearson VUE
Visit the Pearson VUE website to re-register for the exam and pay an NCLEX retake fee of $200. Register with a valid credit, debit, or prepaid card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).3
After submitting your registration, look for a confirmation email within 2 business days. If you don’t receive it, contact Pearson VUE before submitting a second registration to avoid delays and duplicate charges.
When registering, double-check that your name matches your ID exactly. Even minor differences can prevent you from testing on exam day.
Step 3: Receive Your New Authorization to Test
Once your NRB approves your reapplication, you’ll receive a new ATT by email. You’ll need this to schedule your next exam appointment.
Review your ATT carefully. It includes important information, including your eligibility dates — the window during which you must take your exam. If you miss this window, your ATT will expire, and you’ll have to re-register and repay the exam fee.3
Step 4: Schedule Your Exam Appointment
With your ATT in hand, you can now schedule your NCLEX exam through Pearson VUE. Testing is offered year-round, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. You can book your exam up to 6 months in advance, depending on exam availability. This flexibility allows you to choose a date that fits your schedule and gives you enough time to study.
Appointments can be scheduled 2 ways:
- Online: Sign in to your Pearson VUE account and select your preferred test date, time, and location.
- By phone: Call Pearson VUE Candidate Services and provide your ATT number and verification details.
Make sure you're fully prepared before scheduling. NCLEX fees are non-refundable, and rescheduling after your ATT expires will require starting the process again.3
Turn Your CPR Into an NCLEX Retake Plan
If your first NCLEX attempt wasn’t successful, you’ll receive a CPR to help you prepare for the next round. This 2-page report breaks down your performance in each content area of the exam and highlights exactly where you fell short. It’s not just a score. It’s a study tool and one of your greatest assets as you prepare to retest.
Your CPR is a personalized roadmap for improvement. Understanding what the report shows and how to act on it are key to acing your next NCLEX attempt.
The CPR outlines your performance in 4 major content areas:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
For each category, your performance will fall into one of 3 levels: “above” the passing standard, “near” the passing standard, or “below” the passing standard. This isn’t a score or grade — it’s an indicator of how well you met the expectations in each area. However, understanding how the NCLEX exam is scored can give you helpful context as you interpret these indicative results.
In addition to performance levels, your report may include the length of your exam. If you tested near the maximum number of questions, you may have been close to passing, which can be encouraging as you refocus your prep before your next exam.4
From CPR Insights to NCLEX Strategy
Once you understand your CPR, put that data to work. The goal isn’t just to review what went wrong but to build a smarter plan that addresses those gaps and helps you feel more prepared going into your retake.
To use your CPR effectively:
- Track Trends Across Categories: Look for patterns in your CPR — did you struggle most with management-level questions? Psychosocial content? Systems-based knowledge? Use this to focus not just on what you missed but why you missed it.
- Compare Performance with Test Length: If your exam went close to the maximum number of questions, that may mean you were close to passing. Use that context as motivation to fine-tune your prep and close the gap.
- Pair CPR Data with Your QBank Metrics: Your QBank includes performance tracking tools that enable you to align your CPR focus areas with our filters to create custom assessments based on your CPR data.
- Revisit Question Types You Struggled With: If your CPR shows weaker performance in clinical judgment or decision-making categories (e.g., Management of Care), seek out practice questions that reflect those skills — especially in NGN formats.
- Sort CPR Content by NCLEX Categories: The 4 major content areas in your CPR can be matched to specific sections in your QBank. Use those categories to structure your study blocks and track improvement in each.
To take it a step further, input the content areas from your CPR directly into your study planner to create a personalized schedule for your entire NCLEX retake study period. Just enter your exam retake date and focus areas, and your planner will map out what to study and when — prioritizing your weak spots and keeping you on track until your retake date.
Tips for Retaking the NCLEX
Don’t think of retaking the NCLEX as starting over. Think of it as starting smarter. These tips will help you make the most of your time, focus on the right content, and build the critical skills you need to be fully prepared to retake the exam.
Focus on the Right Content
Your CPR is one of the most valuable tools you have when it comes to retaking the NCLEX. Use this as your starting point. Focus first on the areas marked “below” the passing standard, as this is where you’ll get the most return on your study time.
Once you’ve strengthened those, move to areas marked “near,” which may only need a few adjustments to push them over the line. Don’t fully neglect the content in the “above” section — but don’t give it as much attention as the other sections.
Practice in Test-Like Conditions
Not passing the NCLEX the first time doesn’t always mean you didn’t know the material. Sometimes nerves, time pressure, or unfamiliarity with the testing environment can make it hard to perform at your best. Simulating exam conditions with timed sessions, no distractions, and minimal breaks can help prepare you for the pressure of the real exam and reduce anxiety.
Learn From Every Question
Don’t just move on after missing a question. Stop and ask why the correct answer was right and what led you to the wrong choice. Review similar questions or revisit content in your QBank to close those gaps. This active review helps you avoid repeating the same mistakes on your second NCLEX pass.
Seek Community Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with others who are preparing for the NCLEX by joining online study groups, discussion forums, or social media communities. Sharing questions, tips, or even just encouragement can help you stay motivated and remind you that you're not the only one on this path.
Use NCLEX-Like Practice Materials
If your first attempt mainly focused on reviewing content instead of practicing with NCLEX-style questions, you’re not alone. Many students make this mistake the first time they test. However, while learning the material is important, it’s not enough.
Your UWorld QBank offers NGN questions, alternate item types, computer-adaptive test (CAT) formats, spaced-repetition flashcards, and more. These features help you get used to the actual test's structure, pacing, and complexity. Practice is most valuable when it mirrors the real exam — not when it just quizzes you on memorized facts.
Maintain Momentum
It’s natural to feel discouraged after not passing, but it’s important to remember how far you’ve come. You’ve completed nursing school, gained valuable clinical experience, and know exactly what to expect on exam day. That’s a powerful advantage.
Still, preparing for the NCLEX a second time can feel mentally and emotionally draining. To keep going, find small ways to stay encouraged. Reward yourself for sticking to your study plan, leave notes of encouragement where you’ll see them, or track your progress visually to see how far you’ve come. Even simple things, like crossing off daily goals or scheduling short breaks, can help you stay motivated when it would be easier to slow down.
The key is forward motion. With a fresh approach and the right support, your next NCLEX exam attempt can be your last.
References
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). What is the NCLEX reregistration process? NCSBN. https://ncsbn.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/16543453685911-What-is-the-NCLEX-reregistration-process
- MedankiGen. (n.d.). How many times can you retake the NCLEX? https://www.medankigen.com/blog/how-many-times-can-you-retake-the-nclex
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Register for the NCLEX. NCLEX. https://www.nclex.com/register.page
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). NCLEX candidate performance report. NCLEX. https://nclex.com/candidate-performance-report.page
