How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX RN Exam?
You can take the NCLEX RN exam up to 8 times per year with at least a 45-day waiting period between each attempt, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). However, state boards of nursing may impose stricter limits. For example, in Florida, you may only attempt the NCLEX RN 3 times within 3 years. After 3 failures, the Florida Board of Nursing requires you to complete a Board-approved remediation program before retesting.
✅ National NCLEX Retake Policy (NCSBN Standard)
The NCLEX is regulated by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing), which sets broad eligibility standards.
Attempts Allowed: Up to 8 times per year.
Waiting Period: Minimum 45 days between attempts.
Lifetime Limit: None — nationally, there is no cap on how many times you can retake the exam.
👉 This national policy means that most candidates have multiple opportunities per year to succeed, but state boards can set additional rules on top of NCSBN standards.
🔎 How Many Times Can You Fail the NCLEX Before It Becomes a Problem?
Failing once or even multiple times is not the end of your nursing career. In fact:
Failing the NCLEX-RN is not uncommon — and the data shows why persistence and proper preparation matter.
📊 2024 NCLEX-RN Statistics (NCSBN)
Overall Pass Rate (Year-to-Date 2024): 73.26%
Quarterly First-Time Pass Rates (U.S.-Educated Candidates):
Q1 2024: 86.63%
Q2 2024: 85.60%
Q3 2024: 81.40%
Q4 2024: 66.48% 📉 Sharp decline after Next Generation NCLEX rollout
Candidate Volume (2024): Over 317,710 candidates sat for the NCLEX-RN in 2024.
Every failure provides insight into your weaknesses through a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This report identifies which areas you struggled in (e.g., pharmacology, prioritization, mental health), making it your roadmap for improvement.
💡 What This Means for NCLEX-RN Candidates
While most first-time U.S.-educated candidates pass, the overall pass rate is much lower (73.26%) once repeat test-takers are factored in. The sharp drop in Q4 (66.48%) highlights how challenging the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) has become. Historical NCSBN data shows that repeat RN test-takers often have <45% pass rates, especially without remediation.
State-by-State NCLEX Retake Policies
Examples of stricter state rules:
Florida: 3 attempts in 3 years → remediation required after 3 fails .
Michigan: 3 attempts → remediation required; max 6 attempts total .
Louisiana: 4 attempts in 2 years → then must re-enroll in nursing program .
Georgia: Must pass within 3 years of graduation .
Texas: Must pass within 4 years of graduation; reapplication required each time .
New York: Unlimited attempts; only Pearson fees apply .
Indiana: After 3 fails → candidate must present remediation plan .
Colorado: 3 attempts in 3 years → waiver required afterward .
South Carolina: Must complete remediation after repeated failures .
👉 Always check your state Board of Nursing (BON) website for the most up-to-date rules.
📍 How Soon Will You Know If You Passed the NCLEX?
Official Results: Released by your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) in approximately 6 weeks.
Quick Results Service (Pearson VUE):
Available in most states.
Provides unofficial pass/fail status in 2 business days.
Cost: $7.95.
Remember: These are not official results — only your NRB can confirm licensure.
This waiting period can feel stressful, but Quick Results offers peace of mind.
What Happens If You Fail the NCLEX 3 Times?
Florida: Must complete remediation.
Michigan: Remediation required; max 6 attempts total.
Indiana: Present remediation plan before re-testing.
This isn’t the end — structured programs like Nuvelle’s can get you test-ready again.
The NCLEX Retake Process – Step by Step
If you fail the exam, here’s what you need to do:
Review Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR).
Check State BON Rules: Each state has its own retake policies.
Re-register with Pearson VUE: Pay $200 NCLEX fee.
Submit State BON Application (if required): Fees vary ($75–$150).
Wait for Authorization to Test (ATT): Issued by BON.
Schedule Your Exam: At a Pearson VUE center.
Prepare Strategically: Focus on CPR weaknesses, use NCLEX prep courses, and practice clinical reasoning.
🎓 Why Nurses Choose Nuvelle
Nuvelle offers more than just remediation — we offer a complete support system:
🏥 Florida BON-Approved Remediation
🤖 AI Simulation Training for realistic, hands-on practice
📚 NCLEX Review Add-On for targeted prep after remediation
👩⚕️ Nurse Educator Guidance throughout your journey
💻 Hybrid Format to fit your schedule
💙 With Nuvelle, you’re not just reapplying for the NCLEX — you’re preparing with structure, accountability, and advanced tools designed for repeat test-takers.
How Nuvelle Helps Repeat NCLEX Test-Takers
🎓 Instructor-Led Classes with licensed nurse educators
📊 Personalized Weakness Tracking to target your gaps
🩺 Supervised Clinicals for Florida BON compliance
💙 Accountability + Support so you’re never studying alone
