NCLEX-RN® Retake Policy: What You Need to Know

• The NCLEX-RN® retake policy is set up to help you easily take the necessary steps to schedule another exam. 
• Contact your local board of nursing to ensure you’re following the proper procedures. 
• Use your Candidate Performance Results (CPR) as the starting point for a new study plan. 

Let’s address the uncomfortable truth: you don’t want to fail the NCLEX®. But what if you do?  

It’s important to remember that if you need to retake the exam, you can. Your failure does not define you. Instead, what matters is how you respond to that failure.  

Many people face this challenge; approximately 60,000 individuals failed the NCLEX® in 2024. This means that about one in every five test-takers didn’t pass on their first attempt. So, if you didn’t pass on your first try (or struggle in the future), remember — you are not alone.  

Plus, the introduction a few years ago of the Next-Generation NCLEX® (NGN) has resulted in higher pass rates compared to the previous format. 

Reports indicate a significant increase in passing rates since the launch of the NGN, which is attributed to its focus on real-world clinical judgment scenarios and question types that more accurately reflect actual nursing practice. 

What’s the NCLEX-RN® Retake Policy? 

If you do not pass the NCLEX® , you will receive the Candidate Performance Results (CPR). This report highlights your strengths and weaknesses in various content areas, helping you understand what you need to focus on when studying for the next attempt.  

After a waiting period of 45 days, you can contact your state nursing board to schedule a retake. You may continue to take the exam until you pass. 

Steps to Retake the NCLEX® 

1. Connect with Your Local Nursing Board: Reach out to find out what the specific requirements are in your state. They’re there to help you! 
2. Stick to the Waiting Period: You’ll need to wait at least 45 days before you can retake the exam. (But continue studying during this time!) 
3. Review your CPR report: Review your results, understand your weak areas and create a study plan that emphasizes them. 
4. Reregister with Pearson VUE: When you’re ready, you can easily sign up again. Go to the Pearson Vue website, login with your account and register for a new attempt. 
5. Pay the Fees: Be prepared to pay a $200 registration fee and a $75 reapplication fee. Some states may have you pay for another background check depending on how long it has been in between attempts. 
6. Get Your New Authorization to Test (ATT): This is provided as part of a multi-step process through your board of nursing and will allow you to schedule your exam. 
7. Schedule Your New Exam Date: Pick a time that works for you and get excited! 

The key to passing the NCLEX on your next attempt is to use your previous results as a roadmap to help direct your studies. 

Here’s How to Use Your NCLEX® Results to Study Effectively: 

• Review Your CPR: Check how you did across different content areas and see where you might need a little extra attention. 
• Spot Your Weaknesses: Make a list of the specific topics that tripped you up the last time. 
• Review Test Plans: Familiarizing yourself with the test content and question formats will give you a solid edge. 
• Revise Your Study Plan: Take a moment to think about what strategies worked for you last time and what you’d like to tweak this time around. 
• Create a Targeted Study Plan: Focus your efforts on those areas you found challenging and spend a bit more time on them. 
• Practice with Purpose: Use NCLEX®-style practice questions that concentrate on your weak spots to boost your confidence. This is where an NGN NCLEX® preparation program like Slone NCLEX becomes invaluable. It will help you create a targeted study plan and practice with purpose.  
• Take readiness exams that provide detailed feedback: To understand where you are on your NCLEX® journey, you should consistently assess your readiness. Take a readiness exam as you start your preparation journey, review the results and then use resources to review and improve your weak areas. Feedback is so important. Take at least one more readiness exam when you feel you have completed your review and are ready to test. This will help you gauge if you’re ready or if you need a little more review! 
• Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Practice taking full-length tests under timed conditions to get used to the exam’s flow and ease any anxiety.  
• Explore Extra Resources: Look for review books, online courses, or study groups that can help clarify those tricky topics. 

Keep These Tips in Mind 

• Focus on Understanding: Rather than just memorizing information, make sure you understand the “why” behind each answer. This will really enhance your critical thinking skills! 
• Review Regularly: Don’t forget to revisit concepts that were tough for you to help reinforce your learning. 
• Stay Organized: Keep everything in one place — important dates, study materials, you name it! 
• Set Goals: Set achievable goals and track your progress to keep your motivation high. 
• Ask for Help: If you’re feeling stuck, consider reaching out to a nursing instructor or tutor for some personalized guidance. They can offer great support! 

The Bottom Line 

Remember, you’ve got this! Each attempt is a step closer to reaching your goal. Good luck! 

Start your exam preparation journey with Slone NCLEX.