Failing the NCLEX is a gut punch. There is no sugarcoating it. But it is also fixable, and the process for retaking is straightforward once you know the steps.
You will need to wait the mandatory 45-day period, reapply to your state board of nursing, and pay the $200 re-registration fee to Pearson VUE. A new Authorization to Test (ATT) typically arrives within one to two weeks. Most states allow up to 8 attempts per year with no lifetime cap, though a handful require remediation after three failures.
Failing the NCLEX is more common than you think
About 13% of first-time U.S.-educated RN candidates do not pass on their first attempt; roughly one in eight nursing graduates. You are not alone, and this does not define your career.
The overall pass rate for first-time U.S.-educated test-takers was 87.1% in 2025. For repeat takers, that number drops to 53.1%, though this figure includes candidates across multiple attempt numbers. Students who use their Candidate Performance Report to target weak areas and switch to active learning methods tend to do considerably better the second time around.
How soon can you retake the NCLEX?
The NCSBN requires a minimum 45-day wait between attempts. No state can shorten this.
Here is a realistic timeline from fail to retake:
| Step | Timeline |
| Quick Results available ($7.95, unofficial) | 48 hours after exam |
| Official results from state board | 1 to 6 weeks |
| Reapply to state board for new ATT | 1 to 2 weeks processing |
| Receive new ATT via email | 5 to 7 business days |
| 45-day mandatory wait period | 45 days from exam date |
| Schedule and sit for retake | After ATT received + 45 days elapsed |
| Realistic minimum total time | 6 to 8 weeks |
A useful tip: you can reapply to your state board and register with Pearson VUE while the 45-day clock is running. Start both immediately after receiving your results so the ATT is ready when your wait period ends.
How many times can you retake the NCLEX?
The NCSBN allows up to 8 attempts per calendar year. States may impose stricter limits, remediation requirements, or time restrictions beyond this baseline.
Several states impose stricter rules:
| State | Limit | Additional requirement |
| California | 8 lifetime | Refresher course required after 3 failures |
| Florida | Unlimited, conditional | Remedial course required after 3 failures |
| Hawaii | Unlimited, conditional | Remedial course required after 3 failures |
| Texas | Unlimited, conditional | Must submit remediation plan to TX BON after 3 failures |
| Colorado | 3 within 3 years | Must petition + course evaluation for 4th attempt |
| New Jersey | Unlimited, conditional | Board committee appearance with remediation plan after 3 failures |
For a complete state-by-state breakdown, see Lecturio’s guide to states with unlimited NCLEX attempts. State policies change; always verify with your board of nursing directly.
Step by step: how to retake the NCLEX
Step 1: Get your Candidate Performance Report (CPR). If you do not pass, your nursing regulatory body will provide a CPR, typically shortly after results and breaks down your performance across the eight test plan content areas. Treat it as a diagnostic, not a report card. Do not skip it.
Step 2: Your next move is to reapply to your state board of nursing. Contact your NRB or apply online; processing takes one to two weeks and costs $75 to $375 depending on the state. Some states require a new background check.
Step 3: Register with Pearson VUE. Pay the $200 exam fee at nclex.com. You can do this while your state board processes your reapplication, so there is no reason to wait.
Step 4: Once both the state board and Pearson VUE have processed your applications, your new ATT arrives by email. ATT validity varies by jurisdiction but is often around 90 days; check the expiration date in your ATT email and schedule accordingly. Set a calendar reminder for the expiration date so you do not accidentally forfeit your $200.
Step 5: Study differently. The most important step. Do not repeat the preparation that did not work the first time. Use your Candidate Performance Report to target weak areas (more on this below).
Finally, schedule your retake at any Pearson VUE testing center; there is no requirement to use the same location. If you prefer testing at home, Lecturio’s guide to NCLEX remote testing covers eligibility and setup.
What is the Candidate Performance Report?
Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) is not a score sheet. It shows whether your performance in each of the eight NCLEX content areas was above the passing standard, near the passing standard, or below the passing standard.
Focus your study on any area rated “below.” If multiple areas fall below the standard, prioritize the ones with the highest weight on the test plan:
- Management of Care(largest weighted category for RN)
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiological Adaptation
Since the NCLEX now includes NGN-style clinical judgment items (bow-tie, matrix, extended drag-and-drop), make sure your retake preparation includes dedicated practice with those question types as well.
For a deeper explanation of how the NCLEX determines pass or fail, see the NCLEX scoring guide.
How to study differently for your NCLEX retake
The single biggest mistake retakers make is doing the same thing again. If you relied on reading textbooks and highlighting, that approach has already shown its limits.
Build your plan around the CPR
Every content area rated “below” gets priority. Every area rated “above” gets maintenance-level review only. Resist the urge to start from scratch and study everything equally; the CPR exists precisely so you do not have to.
Switch to adaptive Qbank practice
Question banks that adjust difficulty based on your performance force you to work at the edge of your knowledge, which is exactly where the CAT algorithm tests you. Aim to complete 1,500 to 2,000 practice questions before your retake. Quantity matters here, but only if you are reviewing rationales for every question you get wrong (and every question where you guessed correctly).
Train clinical judgment, not just recall
The NCLEX increasingly tests your ability to recognize cues, analyze data, prioritize, and act. The NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) outlines this six-step framework. Practice with NGN-style items that test the full reasoning process, not just “pick the right answer” multiple choice.
Simulate real testing conditions
Take timed practice tests in a quiet room without your phone. Build stamina for the full 5-hour window. Much of what feels like “test anxiety” is actually unfamiliarity with sustained focus under time pressure; simulation helps with both.
Use the full 45 days
The wait period exists for a reason. Cramming in two weeks and retaking at the earliest possible date rarely works. A structured study plan with weekly content goals gives you the best chance. Consider tracking your Qbank accuracy by content area each week so you can see whether your weak areas are actually improving.
NCLEX retake costs and fees
Retaking is not free, and the costs compound over multiple attempts.
| Item | Cost |
| NCLEX exam registration (per attempt) | $200 |
| State board reapplication fee | $75 to $375 (varies by state) |
| Background check / fingerprinting (if required) | $50 to $100 |
| Quick Results (optional) | $7.95 |
| Typical total per retake | $300 to $600+ |
No portion of the fee is refundable. If your ATT expires before you test, you forfeit the $200 and must re-register and pay again.
What about the April 2026 test plan changes?
If you are retaking after April 1, 2026, the new NCLEX-RN test plan is in effect. The passing standard is unchanged, and content area weights remain in the same percentage ranges; this is a refinement, not a redesign.
The notable changes: updated terminology (e.g., “Safety and Infection Prevention and Control”), stronger emphasis on health equity and bias recognition, and NGN question formats are now the explicit standard rather than a pilot. If you studied for the previous version, your preparation still applies. Review the updated content categories on the NCSBN website and spend extra practice time on the newer question types.
Lecturio’s adaptive NCLEX Qbank targets your weak areas with over 4,000 practice questions and detailed rationales. You can build a study plan around your CPR results and start practicing today; the free tier requires no credit card.
FAQs: retaking the NCLEX
Can I retake the NCLEX in a different state?
Yes, but you must reapply to the new state’s board of nursing, which may have different requirements and fees. Your CPR and exam history transfer automatically through NCSBN.
Will my employer know I failed?
Not unless you disclose it. NCLEX results are reported to your state board, not to employers. Once you pass, your license reflects only the pass; the number of attempts is not listed.
Do I have to retake the entire exam or just the sections I failed?
The entire exam. The NCLEX is a single adaptive test with no section-specific retakes. Every attempt is a complete, independent assessment.
What if I keep failing?
After three failures, some states require remediation before allowing further attempts. If you have failed three or more times, consider enrolling in a board-approved NCLEX review program, working with a tutor who specializes in NCLEX preparation, or reaching out to your nursing school’s student success office. Many programs offer post-graduation NCLEX support at no additional cost.
