How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in the USA?

To become a registered nurse, the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam) is likely going to be a major milestone. This comprehensive computer-adaptive test assesses your knowledge and skills as a future nursing professional. But often, given the complex nature of the exam, people wonder, “How many times can you take the NCLEX?”.

Well, let me start by saying that NCLEX and the board that conducts it, i.e. the NCSBN are quite flexible as to how many times a candidate can take the test. But you need to understand the rules and regulations surrounding it.

Through this blog, we’ll explain the key rules with respect to taking the NCLEX. Plus you’ll understand how to ensure you pass the NCLEX with the right preparation. So let’s begin.

How to Know If You Passed the NCLEX?

You receive the official results of the NCLEX around 6 weeks after taking the test. But, of course, there are a few ways to know if you have passed the NCLEX right away.

Access the Quick Results (From Pearson VUE)

Pearson VUE offers the Quick Results service that gives you a preliminary indication of whether you passed or failed the NCLEX. It’s not the official result, but it’s usually a very good predictor.

Here’s how you access it:

Step 1: Visit the official Pearson VUE website. Log in using the same username and password you used to register for the NCLEX.

Step 2: Navigate to your account dashboard. You should see a section labeled “Quick Results” under “My Account”.

Step 3: If the results are available, you will be able to click “Purchase”.

Step 4: Fill in the payment details and click “Next”.

Step 5: Submit the order by clicking the namesake button.

You can typically access Quick Results about 48 hours after you finish your exam. This can help ease the anxiety of the waiting period.

You can No Longer Book the NCLEX Exam

Pearson VUE, the company that administers the NCLEX, has a system in place to prevent people from registering for the exam if they’ve already passed. It wouldn’t make sense for someone to retake the exam they just successfully completed, right?

You can go to the official Pearson VUE website and try to re-register for the exam. (Use the same credentials you used to register for the NCLEX.) If you’re unable to schedule and encounter a message suggesting you can’t register, it may be a good sign that you have passed.

You Receive a Temporary License

A temporary license allows you to start working as a nurse while your official license is being processed. These licenses are valid for a specific period, usually a few weeks or months, giving your nursing regulatory body time to finalize your paperwork.

But not all states offer temporary licenses, so this isn’t a universal indicator of passing the NCLEX. Temporary licenses might come with certain restrictions or requirements, so it’s important to understand the specific rules in your state.

But take it with a grain of salt as it might just be a technical glitch. Or you may opt for our NCLEX prep course and ensure you are well-prepared to take the exam. Then you will be confident about the results.

But let’s go to the other end of the spectrum. What if you fail the NCLEX exam? Can you retake it? And if yes, how many times?

How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in the USA?

As per the limit set by NCSBN, you can take the NCLEX a maximum 8 times a year. But there’s a mandatory 45-day waiting period between each attempt. This is designed to give you time to review and prepare.

However, some states tend to have restrictions. So you need to contact your state board of nursing directly and get updated info on their impositions on the testing limit.

Let us give you an idea on a few states and their restrictions with respect to taking NCLEX.

States With Unlimited NCLEX Attempts

While some states do have limits on NCLEX attempts, several states currently allow an unlimited number of tries (though always with that mandatory 45-day waiting period between each). But if you think about it, logically, all said and done, you will be able to take the NCLEX 8 times a year.

Here’s a list of states with unlimited NCLEX attempts:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota   
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

According to the latest data, these states offer unlimited attempts, but it’s important you contact the state body to check if there are any updates in the info.

States with Limited NCLEX Attempts (& Regulations)

Some states, like the following, have limitations and regulations associated with the number of times a candidate can take the NCLEX.

• Alaska
  • Must pass within 2 years of the first attempt. Or they have to take the remedial course.
• Colorado
  • 3 attempts within 3 years of the first test.
  • To take it a 4th time, you need to evaluate deficiencies, take a refresher course, and petition the board.
  • Failing a 4th time requires enrolling in another nursing education program.
• Delaware
  • Can retake for up to 5 years.
• Florida
  • 3 attempts allowed.
  • After 3 failures, a board-approved remedial course is required.
• Georgia
  • 3 attempts within 3 years.
  • After 3 failures, you must petition the board and may need to retake nursing courses.
• Hawaii
  • 3 attempts allowed.
  • After 3 failures, you must complete a board-approved remedial course within6 months.
• Illinois
  • 3 attempts within 3 years.
  • After 3 failures, you must petition the board and may need to show evidence of remediation.
• Indiana
  • 3 attempts allowed.
  • After 3 failures, you must appear a board review.
• Kentucky
  • After 2 or more failures, you must reapply for licensure, pay the fee again, and may need to retake the jurisprudence exam.
• Louisiana
  • 4 attempts allowed within 2 years.
  • Failure to do so will result in the program starting again.
• Michigan
  • 3 attempts allowed.
  • After 3 failures, you must complete a board-approved remedial nursing program.
• Minnesota
  • No limit
  • You must submit a request for retake within 8 months.
• Mississippi
  • 6 attempts allowed within 2 years.
• Missouri
  • No limit.
  • You must retake within one year of the application.
• Nevada
  • 4 attempts allowed.
• New Hampshire
  • 5 attempts within 5 years.
• New Jersey
  • 3 attempts allowed.
  • Must take remedial training before the 4th attempt.
• New Mexico
  • 3 attempts allowed.
• Oklahoma
  • Within 2 years or have to take a refresher course.
• Oregon
  • 3 attempts within 5 years.
  • After 3 failures, you must petition the board and show evidence of remediation.
• South Carolina
  • Unlimited attempts for one year following the initial attempt.
• Tennessee
  • 3 attempts allowed.
  • After 3 failures, you must complete a board-approved remedial course.
• Texas
  • Attempts allowed for 4 years from the program completion date.
  • After that, you must complete another nursing education program.
• Utah
  • Within 5 years or you must petition the board and show evidence of remediation.
• Vermont
  • Within 5 years or have to complete another nursing program.
• West Virginia
  • 2 attempts allowed.
  • After 2 failures, you must petition the board and show evidence of remediation.
• Wyoming
  • 10 attempts within 5 years.

For more accurate information, you can consult with the state board.

FAQs on How Many Time Can You Take the NCLEX

Let’s Summarize

While the NCSBN generally allows up to 8 attempts per year with a 45-day waiting period, it’s important to remember that state regulations can vary significantly. Some states offer unlimited attempts, while others impose strict limits and may require remediation after a certain number of failed attempts.

Before you even consider retaking the exam, prioritize thorough preparation to increase your chances of success on the first try. Or you can opt for our NCLEX program to ensure you pass the exam on the first go with flying colors. So contact our experts today!