How Many Times Can You Fail the NCLEX?

If you have been looking into nursing as a possible career, you've likely heard of the NCLEX exam.

Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standard test that state licensure boards across the United States utilize to assess whether a candidate qualifies to be a nurse.

There are two forms of the exam: the NCLEX for practical nurses (PNs) and the NCLEX for registered nurses (RNs).

Most applicants sit for the exam soon after graduating from nursing school. However, statistics from NurseJournal.org show that, in 2022, only 63.39% of candidates passed the RN exam that year.

What happens if you do not pass the exam? Can you take it again? How many tries do you get? Read on as we explain this process.

What Is the NCLEX, and What Does It Cover?

As the world's premier nursing licensure exam, the NCLEX is a psychometrically comprehensive nurse licensure and certification examination that reflects current entry-level nursing practice.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to administer the exam, which makes it efficient and accurate.

In addition to measuring acquired knowledge, the recently upgraded exam focuses extensively on the clinical judgment and decision-making abilities of nursing candidates.

The categories of the NCLEX are:

• safe and effective care environment
• health promotion and maintenance
• psychosocial integrity
• physiological integrity

How Can I Best Prepare Myself To Take the NCLEX-RN Exam?

Your preparation for this exam comes from your pre-nursing courses and your nursing school courses, as well as your clinical experience.

More than a test of facts you've learned about science, medicine, and nursing, the current NCLEX exam provides many opportunities for you to demonstrate your clinical judgment in hypothetical nursing decisions you might face on the job.

In this way, the exam tests your critical thinking skills and ability to 'think on your feet' when faced with challenging situations.

Resources From the NCLEX.com Website

The NCLEX website contains test plans to guide you in preparing for the exam. You can download the 2023 test plan in English or French.

The test plan contains:

• definition of each Client Needs category
• definition of clinical judgment
• nursing activity statements
• detailed content examples
• sample NCLEX items
• item writing tips

The NCLEX website also contains an NCLEX Candidate Tutorial to familiarize you with the Pearson VUE exam software.

In addition, you can download an informational flyer 'The Eight Steps of the NCLEX,' an exam preview, and a sample pack of RN case studies.

The site also contains a thorough list of frequently asked questions and their answers.

What Happens If I Do Not Pass the Exam on the First Attempt?

Roughly one-third of those who sit for the NCLEX-RN exam fail it, and about 20% fail on the first try. For this reason, repeat attempts at taking the exam are allowed and encouraged.

Repeat candidates will be offered an appointment starting 45 days after the last exam attempt. The NCSBN does not limit how many times you can retake the exam.

However, each state licensure board sets particular guidelines for those attempting to gain a nursing license in their states.

About half the U.S. states allow unlimited NCLEX attempts. Other states impose restrictions.

State-Level Restrictions on Retesting for the NCLEX

According to NurseJournal.org, the following state guidelines exist for retaking the NCLEX exam.

Alaska

In Alaska, you must pass the examination within two years of your first attempt. If not, you'll need to take a remedial course before another attempt at the exam.

Colorado

In Colorado, you can only take the NCLEX three times within three years after your first test.

If you continue to fail, the state requires you to evaluate your deficiencies, take a refresher course, and submit a petition to retake the NCLEX.

If you fail a fourth time, you must complete another nursing program.

Delaware

In Delaware, you can retake the NCLEX for up to five years.

Florida

In Florida, after you fail three times, you must take a remedial course approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Georgia

In Georgia, you must pass the NCLEX within three years after graduating from a nursing program.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, if you fail the NCLEX three times, you must take a remedial course and then repeat the exam within six months of completion.

Illinois

In Illinois, you have three years to pass the exam after your initial application. If not, you'll need to take a remedial course and then submit a new application for licensure.

Indiana

If you don't pass the NCLEX after three attempts in Indiana, you'll need to undergo a board review.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, after two or more failed attempts at the NCLEX, you'll need to reapply for licensure, pay a new fee, and may need to complete the background check and jurisprudence exam.

Michigan

In Michigan, you must pass the NCLEX within three years of graduating from a nursing program.

If not, you'll need to either complete a certification of skills competency or request an extension from the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Minnesota

While Minnesota doesn't limit the number of times you can take the NCLEX, it requires you to submit an examination retake request within eight months of a failure and take the repeat test within a year.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, you can take the NCLEX up to six times within two years of graduating.

Missouri

In Missouri, you'll need to file a repeat examination application and then retake the test within one year from the date of application.

Nevada

In Nevada, you have four tries to pass the NCLEX.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, you can only sit for the exam five times (including attempts in other states).

New Jersey

If you don't pass the NCLEX after three times, you'll need to complete a remedial training before a fourth attempt.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, you can take the exam up to three times within three years.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, you need to take the NCLEX within two years after graduating or, if not, to enroll in a refresher course or a supervised clinical experience before retesting.

Oregon

In Oregon, you have up to three years to pass the NCLEX.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, if you do not pass the NCLEX within a year of your first attempt, you'll need to develop a remediation plan with the state nursing board before retesting.

If you don't pass within three years, you'll need to enroll in a new nursing program.

Tennessee

If you fail the NCLEX twice in Tennessee, the state board of nursing will examine your case and make recommendations. After three years, the board will require another nursing program for you.

Texas

In Texas, if you don't pass the NCLEX within four years, you'll need to complete an approved nursing program before retaking the exam.

Utah

In Utah, you must pass the NCLEX within five years of graduation. If not, you'll need to complete another approved nursing program before retesting.

Vermont

In Vermont, if you fail to pass the NCLEX within five years of graduation, you'll need to complete another nursing program before testing again.

West Virginia

In West Virginia, two failures require you to participate in remedial activities approved by the state nursing board.

With four failures, you would need to petition the board to help address your deficiencies.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, you can sit for the NCLEX up to ten times within a five-year period.

Prepare Well for the NCLEX So You Will Pass With Flying Colors

Despite the fact that you can take the exam multiple times, you can improve your chances of first-time success by utilizing the resources available online to help you prepare for the NCLEX. Be sure to become familiar with the guidelines in your state.