How Many Times Can You Take The NCLEX? It Depends Here’s How
You can take the NCLEX up to 8 times in a year, with a 45‑day wait between attempts. State boards may impose additional limits or require remediation after multiple failures. Official results arrive in about 6 weeks, with optional unofficial results in 2 days. Retake costs ~$200 plus state fees.
So, you are curious, huh? When you Google for the exam limits, you will find most websites stating it as “Unlimited”. Technically, it is true, but there are some things you need to know.
Under the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) policy, candidates may take the NCLEX up to eight times in a 12-month period, with a mandatory 45-day waiting period between attempts. There is no national lifetime limit on the number of times you can take the NCLEX.
Core NCLEX Retake Rules (Nationwide)
These rules apply everywhere unless a state explicitly adds restrictions:
- Minimum wait between attempts: 45 days
- Maximum attempts per year: 8
- Lifetime cap: None at the national level
Because of this, NCLEX attempts are often described as “unlimited,” but that’s only true within these boundaries and subject to state rules.
State-Specific NCLEX Retake Policies
States can (and often do) impose additional conditions after repeated failures, and these policies vary widely.
States With No Extra Attempt Cap
Many states simply follow the NCSBN framework and allow repeated retakes as long as the 45-day wait is observed.
- California
- New York
- Alabama
- Arizona
In these states, there is no fixed limit on total attempts, but remediation may still be encouraged after multiple failures.
States Requiring Remediation After Multiple Failures
Some boards require extra education after a set number of failed attempts:
- Florida – Remedial course required after 3 failures
- Hawaii – Remedial course required after three failures
- Indiana – Board review triggered after three failures
So, if you are from Florida or any of the above mentioned states, and you failed for the 3rd time, you wouldn’t be able to retake until remediation or board approval is completed.
States With Time-Based Limits
But then, there are some states that require you to pass the NCLEX within a certain timeframe from graduation or first attempt.
- North Carolina – Must pass within one year or complete remediation
- Texas, Utah, Vermont, Michigan – Multi-year limits tied to graduation or eligibility
Texas candidates need to complete refresher education before becoming eligible again if the time limit expires.
Because these policies change, always verify rules directly with your state Board of Nursing.
How and When You Get NCLEX Results
On Reddit, I have to correct candidates multiple times who always assume Pearson VUE is the one who declares the result.
Official results are issued by your state Board of Nursing, not Pearson VUE. Processing times vary and can take several weeks (sometimes up to six).
Many candidates use Pearson VUE’s Quick Results service:
- Available in participating states
- Cost: $7.95
- Result time: ~48 hours after testing
- Shows pass/fail only (unofficial)
Practical Clues Candidates Notice
- No new ATT available – often indicates a pass
- New ATT issued quickly – usually means eligibility to retake
These are not official confirmations, but they often align with final outcomes.
What Happens If You Fail the NCLEX Multiple Times?
Failing the NCLEX three or more times does not automatically bar you from future attempts. But, many boards introduce additional requirements, such as:
- Mandatory remedial or refresher courses
- Formal board review of your application
- Additional documentation or waiting periods
Examples:
- Florida & Hawaii – remedial education after 3 failures
- Indiana – board review after 3 failures
Repeated failures typically signal the board that extra preparation is needed before another attempt.
NCLEX Pass Rates and Number of Attempts
NCLEX Pass Rates and Number of Attempts
First-time U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates
There is no official “average number of attempts” for the NCLEX. Roughly 80–90% of U.S.-educated RN candidates pass on their first attempt. About 20–25% do not, but many of those candidates pass on their second or third attempt after targeted remediation.
In 2023, approximately 88.6% of first-time U.S.-educated NCLEX-RN candidates passed. Needing more than one attempt is common and does not reflect your future ability as a nurse.
NCLEX Retake Process (Step-by-Step)
Contact Your State Board of Nursing
Inform your state board of your intent to retake the NCLEX and follow their retake instructions, including any reapplication fees.
Receive a New Authorization to Test (ATT)
Wait for your state to issue a new ATT. Do not register with Pearson VUE until this authorization is received.
Register with Pearson VUE
After receiving your ATT, register with Pearson VUE, pay the $200 NCLEX exam fee, and schedule your retake.
Observe the 45-Day Waiting Period
If you sat for the exam, a mandatory 45-day waiting period applies before you can retest.
Prepare Strategically Using Your CPR
Review your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) to identify weak areas and tailor your study plan for a stronger retake.
45-Day Mandatory Waiting Period
The waiting period applies only if you sat for the exam. Use this time intentionally to prepare smarter.
Common Retake Mistakes to Avoid
- Retesting without changing your study strategy
- Ignoring your Candidate Performance Report
- Rushing to reschedule without focused preparation
- Over-studying weak areas and neglecting strengths
NCLEX Retake Checklist
NCLEX Retake Fees and Costs
| Cost Type | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| NCLEX exam fee (U.S.) | $200 |
| State reapplication fee | $75–$100+ (varies) |
| Quick Results (optional) | $7.95 |
| Additional administrative fees | Up to $50 |
NCLEX Waiting Period Rules
- If you took and failed the exam: A mandatory 45-day waiting period applies.
- If you missed the exam or your ATT expired: No 45-day wait is required.
NCLEX Retake Rules in Canada
Canada also uses the NCLEX for RN licensure. While rules vary by province, most follow guidelines similar to the United States:
- Up to 8 attempts per year
- 45-day waiting period between attempts
- Additional education may be required after repeated failures
