How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX? 3 Proven Hacks for the Exam!

Failing the NCLEX can feel disheartening, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many candidates do not pass on their first try, and that’s okay. The most important thing is knowing that you can retake the exam as many times as you need.

If you’re asking, “How many times can you take the NCLEX?”, the short answer is: there is no lifetime limit. However, there are important guidelines, rules, and best practices you need to know to maximize your chances of success on your retake.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• 3 hacks or services that 100% guarantee success with nclex examinations.
• The NCLEX retake policy and state-specific rules.
• Why candidates often fail and how to avoid these mistakes.
• A proven, structured plan to succeed on your next attempt.
• Key resources and strategies to boost your confidence and preparation.

3 Services that 100% Guarantee Success in the NCLEX Exam

The best NCLEX review platform that can guarantee success in your nclex exams is nclexreviewprep.com. The 3 major services they offer include:

• RN/PN Exact Exam Questions & Answers: This service offers you the chance to get the exact exam questions you will find at your scheduled exam. 
• RN/PN Exam Score Updates: This service offers you the chance to directly update your exam scores. We have members of our team at Pearson Vue who make this possible. 
• Get RN/PN License Without Sitting for the Exam: This service offers you the chance to get your NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN license without sitting for the exam. 

NCLEX Retake Rules and Policies: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) allows candidates to retake the NCLEX multiple times until they pass. However, there are key rules and policies in place that you must follow:

1. The 45-Day Waiting Period

Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX are required to wait a minimum of 45 days before retaking the exam. So how many times can you take the NCLEX in one year? 8! This waiting period ensures that you have sufficient time to identify weak areas, study effectively, and prepare for success.

Important: Use the 45-day waiting period wisely by reviewing your weak areas using your Candidate Performance Report (CPR).

2. Annual Limits on Retakes

While there’s no lifetime cap on attempts, the NCLEX does have an annual limit:

• Candidates can take the exam up to 8 times per year.
• You must adhere to the 45-day waiting rule between each attempt.

3. State-Specific Requirements

Although the NCSBN sets general guidelines, individual states may impose additional requirements for retaking the NCLEX.

State	Retake Policy
California	Requires remediation courses after failing 3 attempts.
Florida	Limits candidates to 3 attempts before mandatory courses.
Texas	Adheres strictly to NCSBN guidelines (45-day wait, no cap).
New York	No additional restrictions beyond the standard policy.

Tip: Always confirm your specific state nursing board’s policies regarding NCLEX retakes.

Why Do Candidates Fail the NCLEX?: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

Failing the NCLEX can happen for several reasons. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you avoid making the same mistakes and improve your chances of success on the next attempt.

1. Poor Study Habits

• Some candidates underestimate the exam and fail to create a consistent study plan.
• Others rely too heavily on memorization instead of developing critical thinking skills.

Solution:

• Build a structured study plan (we’ll outline one below).
• Use active learning strategies like practice tests, rationales, and scenario-based learning.

2. Test-Taking Anxiety

High stress and test anxiety can impair your ability to recall information and think clearly. Many candidates struggle with time management during the exam.

Solution:

• Simulate exam conditions using timed practice tests.
• Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and visualization.

3. Weak Areas of Knowledge

Candidates who fail often struggle in specific content areas, such as pharmacology or patient safety protocols.

Solution:

• Review your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) to identify weak areas.
• Spend more time studying topics where you performed below the passing standard.

Suggested Read: What Happens if You Fail the NCLEX? A Guide to Your Next Steps

How to Use Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR): How many times can you take the NCLEX?

The Candidate Performance Report (CPR) is an invaluable tool provided to candidates who do not pass the NCLEX. It highlights the content areas where you need improvement and serves as a roadmap for your next attempt.

Understanding the CPR Breakdown

The CPR categorizes your performance into three levels:

• Above the Passing Standard: Indicates strength in this area.
• Near the Passing Standard: Suggests moderate performance.
• Below the Passing Standard: Indicates weaknesses that need focused attention.

Steps to Analyze Your CPR

1. Identify Weak Areas: Look for content areas marked as Below the Passing Standard.

2. Prioritize High-Yield Topics: Allocate more time to studying critical topics such as:

   • Pharmacological therapies
   • Safety and infection control
   • Health promotion and maintenance

3. Targeted Practice Questions: Use question banks like UWorld or Kaplan NCLEX Prep to target your weakest areas.

Proven Study Plan for NCLEX Retakes: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

Now that we know how many times can you take the NCLEX, understand that retaking the NCLEX requires a systematic and disciplined approach. To improve your chances of passing, follow this 6-week structured plan tailored to address weaknesses and reinforce knowledge:

Weeks 1–2: Focus on Weakest Topics

1. Review Content Areas from the CPR

   • Identify 2–3 major areas where you scored Below the Passing Standard.
   • Study these areas intensively using prep books, online videos, and flashcards.

2. Practice Targeted Questions

   • Complete at least 50–75 questions daily focusing on weak topics.
   • Use resources like UWorld or RN Exact Exam Questions for practice.

3. Summarize Key Concepts

   • Take notes to condense complex topics into short summaries for review.

Weeks 3–4: Combine Content Review and Practice

1. Balanced Approach

   • Spend mornings reviewing content from moderate-performing areas.
   • In the afternoons, tackle 100 practice questions across mixed subjects.

2. Timed Mini Tests

   • Simulate mini-exams (30–50 questions under time constraints).
   • Review rationales for all correct and incorrect answers.

3. Use Spaced Repetition

   • Revisit notes or flashcards from earlier weeks to reinforce retention.

Weeks 5–6: Full-Length Simulations and Refinement

1. Simulate Exam Conditions

   • Take 3–4 full-length practice exams under real conditions (5-hour time limit, minimal breaks).

2. Analyze Results

   • Identify persistent weaknesses and focus additional study on these topics.

3. Stress Management Techniques

   • Practice mindfulness exercises to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Week	Focus Area	Activities
Week 1–2	Weak Topics & Targeted Study	Daily practice + content review of weakest areas.
Week 3–4	Balanced Study & Practice	Mixed questions + content reinforcement.
Week 5–6	Simulated Tests	Full-length tests, performance analysis, and rest.

Recommended Resources to Improve Your Performance: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

Choosing high-quality study materials can make all the difference for NCLEX retakes.

Top Study Platforms

1. UWorld NCLEX

   • Realistic practice questions with detailed explanations.
   • Performance tracking to identify weak areas.

2. RN Exact Exam Questions & Answers

   • Direct hack into the Exam System rationales for better understanding.
   • Nclex Review Prep: Explore Our RN Exam Questions & Answers Service

3. Kaplan NCLEX Prep

   • Offers practice tests, video tutorials, and strategy sessions.

Study Guides and Books: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

• Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN: Ideal for content mastery.
• Lippincott NCLEX-RN PassPoint: Simulates NCLEX conditions and provides rationales.

• Nicole Kupchnick: Is Nicole Kupchnick worth it for nclex prep? Just like nclexreviewprep.com, there are a lot of good reviews surrounding Nicole Kupchnicks review preparatory classes.

  Online Study Groups and Forums

  • Join NCLEX support groups on Facebook or Reddit to share tips and resources.
  • Participate in discussions about specific topics you struggle with.

  Avoiding Common Mistakes When Retaking the NCLEX: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

  If you’re preparing for a retake, avoid these common mistakes:

  1. Not Analyzing the CPR

     • Skipping your Candidate Performance Report prevents you from targeting the right areas.

  2. Ignoring Practice Tests

     • Many candidates underestimate the importance of timed practice exams.
     • Solution: Prioritize practice tests to simulate real exam conditions.

  3. Overstudying Without Strategy

     • Cramming large amounts of content isn’t effective.
     • Solution: Use active recall and targeted practice for weak topics.

  4. Neglecting Test Anxiety

     • Failing to address anxiety can lead to repeated failure.
     • Solution: Implement breathing techniques and confidence-building routines.

  How to Know If You Passed the NCLEX: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

  While waiting for official results can be stressful, there are ways to gauge your performance:

  1. Quick Results Service

  • Available in most states for a small fee.
  • Provides unofficial results within 48 hours after completing the exam.

  2. Pearson Vue Trick

  Some candidates attempt the unofficial “Pearson Vue Trick”:

  • Log into your Pearson Vue account after 24 hours.
  • Attempt to re-register for the NCLEX.
  • If you receive a “good pop-up”, it’s a positive indication that you passed.

  Note: This trick isn’t foolproof but can reduce uncertainty while waiting.

  3. Official Results

  • Your state’s nursing board typically releases official results within 2–4 weeks.

  

  How to Stay Confident After a Failed NCLEX Attempt: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

  Failing the NCLEX can be disheartening, but it doesn’t mean the end of your nursing career. Success on the next attempt is achievable with the right mindset, action plan, and support system.

  Reframing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

  Many successful nurses didn’t pass the NCLEX on their first try. Failing the exam provides valuable insights into your weaknesses and the opportunity to focus on areas needing improvement.

  • Reflect on what went wrong: Was it stress, weak content areas, or a lack of preparation?
  • Treat the failure as feedback for improvement, not an indicator of your abilities.

  “Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Use your experience to prepare smarter, not harder.”

  Setting Up a Realistic Study Plan

  Creating a fresh study schedule tailored to your weaknesses is crucial after a failed attempt.

  Steps to build a new plan:

  1. Analyze the Candidate Performance Report (CPR): Identify content areas where you performed poorly.
  2. Set Goals: Break your preparation into smaller, manageable daily and weekly milestones.
  3. Simulate the Exam: Use full-length practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity.

  Sample Study Plan for Retakers

  Week	Focus Area	Activities
  Week 1–2	Weak Topics	Study weak content areas using review books
  Week 3–4	Test Practice	Daily practice questions (75–100 per day)
  Week 5–6	Mock NCLEX & Confidence Building	Timed practice tests and review of mistakes

   

  

  Test Day Strategies for a Successful Retake: How many times can you take the NCLEX?

  Approaching your exam day with confidence can make a significant difference in your performance.

  1. Prepare Everything the Day Before

  • Double-check your Authorization to Test (ATT) and government-issued ID.
  • Pack snacks, water, and layered clothing for comfort.
  • Avoid last-minute cramming; focus on relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep.

  2. Stay Calm and Focused During the Exam

  • Start each question fresh—don’t let previous questions affect your mindset.
  • Pace yourself: The NCLEX has a generous time limit, so take time to read and understand each question.
  • Use stress-relief strategies: Take deep breaths, pause briefly, and reset your focus if you feel overwhelmed.

  Tip: Remind yourself that every question is a new opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge.

  Understanding NCLEX Retake Policies

  We know how many times can you take the NCLEX. Therefore, retaking the NCLEX involves understanding your state’s policies and planning accordingly.

  How Often Can You Retake the NCLEX?

  The NCLEX allows candidates to retake the exam up to 8 times per year with a mandatory 45-day waiting period between attempts.

  • Verify your state board’s requirements, as some states may impose additional restrictions.
  • Use the waiting period productively to refine your study strategy.

  Using Professional Support to Pass the NCLEX

  Sometimes, external support can make the difference in passing your retake.

  Professional Tutoring Services

  Working with NCLEX tutors can provide personalized coaching for content areas where you struggle most.

  • 1-on-1 Coaching: Tutors tailor study plans to your specific weaknesses.
  • Test-Taking Skills: Learn strategies for tackling difficult question types like SATA and prioritization questions.

  Recommended Service: RN Exam Score Updates for NCLEX Retakes

  Leverage Study Platforms and Resources

  Platforms like UWorld, Kaplan, and ATI offer adaptive learning tools and question banks that simulate the NCLEX format.

  • Review detailed rationales for practice questions to build a deeper understanding.
  • Take timed mock exams to identify progress and areas needing reinforcement.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How many times can you take the NCLEX?

  How Many Times Can I Take the NCLEX?

  You can take the NCLEX up to 8 times annually, with a 45-day wait between attempts. Confirm any state-specific restrictions with your state’s board of nursing.

  Is There a Penalty for Failing the NCLEX Multiple Times?

  There is no permanent penalty for failing. However, it’s crucial to identify and address weak points to increase the chance of passing on subsequent attempts.

  Can I Take the NCLEX in Another State If I Fail?

  Yes, you can retake the NCLEX in another state, but you must meet the requirements for that state’s nursing board.

  How Long Does it Take to Get NCLEX Results?

  Suggested Results: How Long Does it Take to Get NCLEX Results? 2 New Methods to Get Your NCLEX Results Faster!

  Conclusion: Rebuild, Refocus, Retake

  We believe we have successfully answered how many times you can take the nclex exam. Failing the NCLEX may feel like a setback, but it’s a challenge that can be overcome with determination and the right approach. By evaluating your weaknesses, creating a focused study plan, and seeking professional resources, you can set yourself up for success on your next attempt.