The NCLEX tests are used to license registered and practical nurses. Learn about the retake policies for these exams and get tips to prepare for the NCLEX.
Options For Individuals Who Fail The NCLEX
It is possible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) tests again if you fail the first time. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which administers these exams, allows test-takers to retake the exam up to 8 times per year. This policy applies to individuals who are registered with their Board of Nursing Regulatory Body (BON/RB) to be licensed.
NCLEX Retake Policy
The NCSBN requires that an individual wait a full 45 days from the date of their first test before retaking the exam. The 45-day waiting period applies to any additional attempts; the applicant must wait a full 45 days from the date of their last attempt.
Local Retake Policies
In addition to NCSBN policy, each state may have its own policies that also apply. For example, Pennsylvania currently indicates that the waiting period is 46 days. It is important to check your state guidelines to determine if the state you will be licensed in has different or additional requirements that apply to individuals retaking the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN tests. Links to BON/RB websites for each state are available online (www.ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm).
Getting Test Results
Individuals concerned about their NCLEX performance need to determine if they failed the test first. It typically takes up to 6 weeks to receive to receive your official scores on the NCLEX exams. Results are not available at the test site or through Pearson VUE. Some states allow individuals to purchase quick results through their online account on the Pearson VUE website for a small fee. Quick results can be purchased after a waiting period of two full business days from the time you took your exam. States that participate in the quick results option are listed online.
Preparing To Retake The Exam
Several factors can affect your performance on the NCLEX test. Ensuring you eliminate or reduce any issues that may affect your performance that are within your control is one way to improve the likelihood that you will pass the NCLEX.
Review Test Plans
The NCSBN website provides test plans for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams that can be used to help you prepare for your tests. These plans provide examples of information that will be on your tests so they can be used to familiarize yourself with the test question formats and test content before your NCLEX exam.
The NCSBN website also provides general information about the NCLEX tests.
Find Your Test Location
It is a good idea to determine where your test will be held and travel to your test location before your test day. If you plan to use public transit, use public transit when you locate the test site. If you plan to drive, make sure you drive to the test location and identify available parking. It is also helpful if you take a trip to your test location at the same time of day you will be traveling there for your test. This will help you determine if roadwork may cause delays or how accessible parking is during that time of day. Familiarizing yourself with your route and practical matters, such as where you can park, will help reduce the chances of unforeseen transit delays on test day.
Develop a Study Schedule and Support System
You might also consider scheduling regular time to study each day so that you do not go for long periods of time without reviewing information you need for your tests.
You should also determine what approach to studying works best for you. Some people can manage a study schedule and be motivated by rewards they give themselves for meeting study goals. Other people need someone to be accountable to that will remind them to study regularly. While some people prefer to study alone, others do better with the support of a study group or study partner. Determine the best approach for you and use those strategies to prepare for your NCLEX test.
Use NCLEX Test Resources To Study
Practice and study guides for the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN tests are accessible through these links. Using guides such as the resources below can help you focus on the right material that you need to know to pass your NCLEX test.
- https://nursing.study.com/nclex/nclex-pn-course.html
- https://nursing.study.com/nclex/nclex-rn-course.html
