Seeing that “unsuccessful” result on your NCLEX screen is one of the most crushing moments in a nursing graduate’s journey. The wave of disappointment, self-doubt, and confusion hits hard. But take a deep breath—failing the NCLEX doesn’t mean you can’t become an excellent nurse. It simply means you need to understand the NCLEX retake policy and chart a strategic path forward. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about retaking the exam, from waiting periods to reapplication steps and proven strategies for success on your next attempt.
The Quick Answer: How Often Can You Take the NCLEX?
Let’s get straight to the point. According to the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing), you can take the NCLEX up to 8 times per year, with a mandatory 45-day waiting period between each attempt. This waiting period is non-negotiable and starts from the date of your last exam.
Clinical Pearl: The 8-attempt annual limit resets on January 1st of each year. So if you used 3 attempts in late 2023, you get a fresh slate of 8 attempts starting January 1, 2026.
This 45-day waiting period isn’t just a random number—it’s designed to give you adequate time to review your performance, identify weak areas, and prepare more effectively. Think of it like a recovery period after a physical injury; your brain needs time to heal and strengthen before facing the challenge again.
| Aspect | Initial Attempt | Retake Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Period | None (after graduation) | 45 days minimum |
| Authorization | First ATT | New ATT each time |
| Application Process | One-time BON application | Reapply to BON each time |
| Performance Report | Available if failed | Always provided |
| Fees | BON + NCLEX fee | BON + NCLEX fee again |
| Winner/Best For | Your first shot | Learning from previous attempts |
Understanding the 45-Day Waiting Period
The NCLEX waiting period is more than just a timeline—it’s your golden opportunity for transformation. Those 45 days start counting the day after you receive your unofficial results. So if you tested on January 5th and got your results that evening, day 1 of your waiting period begins January 6th, making you eligible to retest on February 20th at the earliest.
Imagine this: Sarah failed her NCLEX on March 15th. She immediately felt defeated and wanted to retake it immediately. But instead, she used those 45 days strategically. She spent the first week recovering emotionally, the next two weeks deeply analyzing her Candidate Performance Report (CPR), and the final four weeks targeting her weak areas with focused practice. When she retested on May 1st, she passed confidently.
Common Mistake: Many graduates waste precious waiting period days in denial or unfocused studying. The clock starts ticking immediately—don’t let a single day go to waste!
The 45-day rule applies nationwide, but your exact retest date might vary slightly based on your State Board of Nursing’s processing times and testing center availability. Some savvy test-takers schedule their retake for day 46 or 47 to build in a buffer for administrative delays.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reapplying for the NCLEX Retake
Knowing how to get a new ATT for NCLEX is crucial. The reapplication process differs from your initial application in several key ways. Here’s your roadmap:
- Contact Your State Board of Nursing (BON)
- Check your BON’s website for specific retake requirements
- Some states require additional documentation or remedial courses
- Pay any required BON reapplication fees (typically $50-$200)
- Register with Pearson VUE Again
- Log into your Pearson VUE account
- Reregister for the NCLEX and pay the $200 exam fee
- Wait for BON approval before you can schedule
- Receive Your New ATT
- Once approved, you’ll get a new Authorization to Test
- This ATT usually has a 90-day validity window
- Schedule your exam within this timeframe
- Analyze Your Previous Performance
- Request your Candidate Performance Report if you haven’t
- Identify areas “below the passing standard”
- Focus your study plan on these weak spots
Pro Tip: Create a document tracking every step of your reapplication with dates, confirmation numbers, and contact information. This becomes especially valuable if you’re dealing with multiple state boards or complex situations.
Initial Attempt vs. Retake Application
When you first applied for the NCLEX, you were likely still in nursing school or just graduated. Your state BON handled your eligibility determination based on your program completion. For retakes, the process shifts slightly.
Your BON will already have your basic information, but they need to confirm you’ve met their specific post-failure requirements. Some states, for example, require proof of remedial education if you’ve failed multiple times. Others might need you to complete specific refresher courses.
The key difference? Speed. While initial applications might take weeks due to transcript verification, retake applications typically process faster—often within 7-10 business days, assuming you’ve met all requirements.
A Critical Detail: State Board of Nursing (BON) Variations
While the NCSBN sets the baseline rules, each State Board of Nursing has the final say on NCLEX retake policy within their jurisdiction. This is why your friend in California might have different requirements than you in Florida.
Some states impose additional restrictions that go beyond the NCSBN standards:
- Limited attempts per calendar year: Some states cap attempts at 4-6 times annually, regardless of the NCSBN’s 8-attempt allowance
- Mandatory remediation: Certain states require evidence of additional coursework or tutoring after multiple failures
- Application time limits: Some boards require you to maintain active application status, with additional fees if it lapses
- Spaced-out attempts: A few states require longer waiting periods between attempts (90 days instead of 45)
Imagine failing your third attempt in Washington State, where after three failures, you must complete a board-approved remediation program. Without understanding this specific requirement, you might waste precious waiting period days studying ineffectively, only to have your reapplication denied.
Clinical Pearl: Always start your NCLEX reapply process by checking your specific state BON’s website directly. Bookmark the page with their NCLEX retake requirements—these can and do change periodically.
Your state BON website should have a dedicated section for NCLEX candidates with downloadable forms, current fee schedules, and detailed instructions specific to retake applicants. If the information seems unclear, don’t hesitate to call them directly. Bring a list of specific questions to make the most of the conversation.
From Failure to Success: How to Prepare for Your Next Attempt
The NCLEX 45 day rule exists for a reason—it’s your window for transformationale preparation. But how you use those 45 days matters more than the time itself.
First, let’s address the emotional component. Research from the Journal of Nursing Regulation shows that test anxiety negatively impacts NCLEX performance, and failing once significantly increases anxiety for subsequent attempts. Acknowledging this reality is the first step toward managing it.
Here’s a strategic approach for your waiting period:
Week 1: Recovery and Assessment
- Allow yourself 3-4 days to process the disappointment
- Request your Candidate Performance Report (CPR)
- Review the CPR with a trusted faculty member or mentor
- Create a detailed list of your weak content areas
Weeks 2-3: Targeted Content Review
- Focus exclusively on areas “below the passing standard”
- Use varied study methods: videos, practice questions, concept mapping
- Study in shorter sessions (45-60 minutes) with frequent breaks
Weeks 4-6: Comprehensive Practice
- Complete 75-100 quality practice questions daily
- Analyze every wrong answer thoroughly
- Practice question sets under timed conditions
Week 7: Final Preparation
- Take full-length practice exams (150-265 questions)
- Review fundamental test-taking strategies
- Focus on rest, nutrition, and stress management
Pro Tip: The single most effective strategy for NCLEX retakes? Practice questions with detailed rationales. Research shows that answering 2,500+ relevant practice questions between attempts dramatically increases pass rates.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many graduates make these preventable mistakes when preparing for their retake:
- Studying the same way: Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. If your previous method didn’t work, change it.
- Focusing only on content weaknesses: While content gaps matter, many retake candidates struggle with test-taking strategies and question analysis skills.
- Isolating yourself: The emotional toll of NCLEX failure is real. Stay connected with peers, mentors, and support groups who understand your journey.
Remember, the difference between those who pass on a retake and those who don’t often comes down to preparation strategy, not knowledge deficit. You learned the content in nursing school—now you need to learn how to demonstrate it on a high-stakes exam.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Failing the NCLEX feels devastating, but it’s a hurdle, not a roadblock. Remember these critical points as you move forward: the 45-day waiting period is your strategic opportunity, each retake requires a new ATT and BON approval, and state-specific rules may add requirements beyond the NCSBN guidelines. Most importantly, success on a retake demands a fundamentally different approach than your initial attempt. You have what it takes to pass—use this setback as the setup for your comeback story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full $200 fee each time I retake the NCLEX?
Yes, every NCLEX attempt requires a new $200 payment to Pearson VUE. Additionally, most state boards charge a reapplication fee ($50-$200 typically) for each retake, so budget approximately $250-400 per attempt after your first try.
Will my new ATT email arrive exactly on day 46?
Not necessarily. The 45-day waiting period is your earliest eligibility date, not your ATT issuance date. Your state BON needs time to process your reapplication, which typically takes 7-10 business days after you become eligible. Most candidates receive their new ATT between days 50-60 of their waiting period.
How many times can I fail the NCLEX before I lose eligibility?
Technically, NCSBN allows 8 attempts per year, but some state boards impose stricter limits. For example, California limits attempts to 4 times in 12 months, while New York requires remediation after 3 failures. After the annual 8-attempt limit, you’d need to wait until the next calendar year to try again.
Should I tell my potential employers I failed the NCLEX?
Honesty is generally the best policy. Many healthcare facilities understand that NCLEX failure happens and focus on your explanation of how you’re addressing it. Frame it as a learning experience and highlight your proactive preparation for the retake.
Does my previous NCLEX score affect my next attempt?
No, each NCLEX attempt is scored independently. However, if you failed close to the passing standard (75 questions with few near-passing categories), your preparation might need minor adjustments. If you failed at 265 questions with multiple categories below passing, you’ll likely need more comprehensive content review.
Have questions about your specific NCLEX retake journey? Share your situation in the comments below—let’s help each other navigate this process together!
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