How to Make a NCLEX Retake Exam Successfully in 4 Steps?
NCLEX isn’t an easy task, thus, it’s normal if you fail the test. Don’t put yourself in a hole with a lot of questions “What did I do?”, “Why I can’t pass the test as everybody else?” or “Am I a loser?”. In fact, there are nearly 30% of nurses fail the NCLEX exam, not only you. Your task now is to practice more and find out ways on how to make a NCLEX retake exam. Keep reading this article, we are going to help you with the NCLEX retake situation!
1. What are the NCLEX Retake exam policies?
Firstly, we want to imply that each state in the US has its own policy on how to retake NCLEX Test. You should check your state Board of Nursing to know exactly what are they.
For instance, in Michigan, you must wait 45 days before retaking the NCLEX test. In addition, after failing the test three times, you must finish a remediation program that has been approved by the board before retaking it. There are a total of six chances for candidates to pass.
Same as Michigan, Colorado candidates are given three attempts within 3 years. Moreover, you will need a waiver and a nursing program approval to make a NCLEX retake test.
On the other hand, Texas nurses are allowed to make NCLEX retake test every 45 days for 4 years. However, if you fail the test, your eligibility will be revoked and you must re-enroll in the nursing program.
However, not every state has a strict policy for NCLEX retake tests. In New York, nurses are allowed to take the NCLEX test unlimited times without any additional fee.
2. How to make a NCLEX retake exam?
As mentioned in the opening, we listed detailed steps to retake NCLEX below. You can read and follow these steps to retake NCLEX test:
2.1. Retake the CRNS or NRB portion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN test.
2.2. When you’re prepared to make a NCLEX retake exam, reapply through Pearson VUE.
2.3. After the CRNS or NRB has verified your registration, Pearson VUE will provide you an Authorization to Test (ATT).
The ATT stipulates that the exam must be arranged within a 180-day window. If a candidate does not write the exam within the 180-day window, the NCLEX application will be canceled, and the Pearson VUE money is non-refundable.
2.4. You may now schedule an exam. After scheduling your exam, Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email.
| Steps | Content |
| 1 | Retake the CRNS or NRB |
| 2 | Reapply through Pearson VUE |
| 3 | Receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) |
| 4 | Schedule NCLEX exam |
3. How much does it cost to retake NCLEX test?
The registration fee for retaking the NCLEX with Pearson VUE is $200 and a $75 reapplication fee. If you want quicker results, you must pay the $7.95 price for a quick results report.
Before paying any registration costs, get information about your state’s retesting policies and requirements from the local nursing board.
4. How to prepare for NCLEX retake exam?
In general, there are several factors that can affect your NCLEX result. However, after your first try, you will be able to minimize the possible problems by doing our suggestion activities:
4.1. Review the Test Plan carefully
The NCSBN was already provided the NCLEX Exam Test plan to help nurses in practicing for the NCLEX test. Thus, you should read it carefully to know which content aspects will be appeared on the test to get familiar with the test format and do better on the next try.
4.2. Build up a Study plan
To ensure that you don’t go too long without reviewing the material you’ll need for your tests, you might also wish to schedule frequent study sessions each day.
You should ascertain which learning technique suits you the best. Some people are able to plan their studies and motivate themselves by rewarding themselves for reaching their academic objectives. Others require someone to hold them responsible and serve as a constant reminder to study. While some people prefer to study alone, others find that having a study partner or group can be helpful.
We strongly suggest you take the online NCLEX Practice Test. With copious practice questions divided into topics as Labs, Maternity, Med/Surg, Nursing Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, and Pysh & Mental Health, which can help you categorize the NCLEX knowledge as well as realize which knowledge area you are weak in and find out the solutions to solve them. It’s time to start practicing now!
>> See more: NCLEX Tips to Pass The Exam
5. What are the FAQs about NCLEX retake exam?
5.1. How many times can you make a NCLEX retake exam?
If you’re wondering how many times you can take the NCLEX, the NCSBN’s retake policy allows for eight attempts per year, with a 45-day break in between each attempt.
5.2. How long do I have to wait to retake NCLEX?
You have 45 days to retake the exam if you don’t pass at the first time
5.3. What happens if you fail your NCLEX?
The NCLEX-RN test can be failed and retaken up to eight times a year in the majority of states. The number of times a candidate can retake the exam before having a refresher course is capped in some states. Check with your state board of nursing to determine whether you may retake the exams if you failed the NCLEX.
5.4. How long is NCLEX valid?
A completed NCLEX registration will be active for 365 days while the NRB confirms the eligibility of the candidate. Once you’ve been approved, you must test before the expiration dates listed on the Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
5.5. Is NCLEX changing?
Yes. The format of NCLEX will be changed in 2023, called the NCLEX Next Generation version. We will update the latest change of the NCLEX test as well as all the NCLEX information, stay with us!
In conclusion, failing the NCLEX is an unexpected situation that no one wants. Thus, you should not give up and keep practicing to make a NCLEX retake exam and get a good score. Don’t forget to do our free NCLEX Practice Test to enhance your knowledge and increase your passing opportunities. We are not only available on the website but also on the application platform which are Play Store and App Store. All are totally free for you! Good luck!