Preparing for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is an essential step for aspiring nurses, as it determines their eligibility to practice in the United States. However, sometimes the pressure of the nursing license exam can lead to unsuccessful attempts.
The good news is that a failed NCLEX exam does not mark the end of your nursing career. In fact, many nurses have faced this setback and managed to overcome it.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of NCLEX retake, providing you with valuable tips and strategies to see how to retake NCLEX exam.
How to retake NCLEX?
Both nursing schools and the NCLEX exam are demanding, as evidenced by the pass rates for first-time test-takers.
If you do not pass the exam, you can immediately start preparing for an NCLEX retake once you receive your unofficial NCLEX results via the Quick Results service.
When planning to retake either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN (for practical or vocational nursing school graduates), it is important to follow some steps.
It's important to note that specific nursing license requirements and procedures for retaking NCLEX may vary depending on your jurisdiction.
Therefore, it is recommended to consult your state's nursing regulatory body and refer to the official resources provided by the exam administrators for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Here is how to re register for NCLEX after failing:
1- Contact your state Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB)
Contact your state nursing regulatory body and inform them of your NCLEX retake intention. The NCLEX exam fees associated with retesting may vary depending on your state.
Smart’n: The innovative way to prepare for the upcoming exam and pay your NCLEX retake fees
Smart'n is a specialized platform created to aid nursing students in their academic endeavors. It offers a comprehensive collection of practice questions, explanations, and evaluations, serving as a valuable resource for their studies.
With a vast selection of over 2,500 practice questions and more than 60 hours of NGN NCLEX-style nursing case studies, Smart'n enables students to access concise NextGen questions and case studies organized by topic. This feature facilitates targeted learning in various nursing practice areas, including respiratory, cardiac, mental health, neurological, and others.
Personalized quizzes and nursing case study examples are both features that make Smart’n, as a quality NCLEX practice tool, distinctive from similar tools out there.
Additionally, Smart'n provides ongoing assessments and a clear overview of your performance, allowing students to gauge their progress and identify areas of strength and weakness.
It also supports nursing students in their educational journey by providing them with scholarship grants. The program aims to ease the financial burden of nursing students in two ways:
Every month, Smart'n gives a $300 grant to a member who responds to five questions in the grant application. They can participate in the program without having to pay any fees for membership. All that is required is for them to be in their final year of study at a licensed American nursing program.
It provides a $100 grant each week to a Smart'n member who is enrolled in a nursing program in North America. The goal of this scholarship is to assist nursing students in paying their educational costs, such as textbooks, lab fees, and other associated expenses.
2- Visit the Pearson VUE website
Visit the Pearson VUE website and submit the necessary NCLEX retake fees.
3- Await an Authorization to Test (ATT) from your NRB
For nursing students, an Authorization to Test (ATT) is a document issued by the state nursing regulatory body that grants permission to the student to take the NCLEX exam. It serves as proof that the student has met the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam.
When a nursing student completes their nursing education program and submits an application to the state NRB to take the NCLEX, the NRB reviews the application to ensure that the student meets the necessary criteria, such as completing the required coursework and clinical hours. If the application is approved, the NRB will issue an ATT to the student.
4- Check for available local testing centers and exam dates
By checking for available testing centers and exam dates, you can proceed to register for the NCLEX retake. Here are steps you can follow to do so:
#1 Visit the Pearson VUE website
Pearson VUE is the organization responsible for administering the NCLEX exam. Their website provides information about testing centers and exam scheduling.
#2 Go to the NCLEX section
Look for the specific section of the Pearson VUE website that pertains to the NCLEX exam. This section will have information specifically related to the exam and its administration.
#3 Find the "Sign in" or "Create an Account" option
You may need to sign in to your Pearson VUE account or create a new account if you haven't done so already. This will enable you to access the scheduling system and view available testing centers and exam dates.
#4 Select "Schedule/ Reschedule an Exam"
Once you are logged in to your Pearson VUE account, navigate to the scheduling section. Look for an option like "Schedule/ Reschedule an Exam" or something similar.
#5 Provide your location details
In the scheduling section, you will typically have the option to input your location details, such as your city, state, or ZIP code. Enter the relevant information to find local testing centers.
#6 View available testing centers
After entering your location details, the website will generate a list of available testing centers in your area. You will see information about each center, including their address and contact details.
#7 Check exam dates and availability
Once you have the list of testing centers, you can explore the available exam dates and their availability. The scheduling system should provide a calendar or a way to view the upcoming exam dates at each testing center.
#8 Select a testing center and date
Review the options and select a testing center that is convenient for you. Choose an exam date that aligns with your preparation timeline and availability. Follow the prompts to schedule your exam at the chosen testing center and date.
5- Take some time to refresh your knowledge
Review your candidate performance report from your failed NCLEX exam, engage in focused study sessions, and utilize NCLEX practice tests to prepare for the upcoming exam date. This will help you reinforce your understanding of the content and improve your test-taking skills.
11 tips for success in retaking the NCLEX
To overcome the failed NCLEX first time pressure and succeed NCLEX retake, you'll need to follow these general steps:
1- Understand why failed NCLEX first time
In the event of NCLEX-RN test failure, all candidates will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This report assesses the candidate's performance in each of the eight content areas covered by the NCLEX-RN and indicates whether they met the passing standard.
If the candidate performance report includes a remark stating "below the passing standard" or "near the passing standard," these are the specific content areas that require focused attention during the preparation for the retest.
2- Find out the NCLEX retake policy for your state
The retake policy of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing permits NCLEX candidates to take their exam again after a period of forty-five days following their most recent attempt. However, certain nursing jurisdictions have a restricted number of NCLEX exams available annually.
To ensure accurate information regarding NCLEX retakes, it is advisable to reach out to the Board of Nursing or the Regulatory Board in your state and verify their specific policy.
3- Create a study plan
Develop a structured study plan that outlines the topics you need to cover, the resources you'll use, and a timeline for your preparation. Allocate dedicated study time each day or week to ensure consistent progress.
4- Utilize study resources
There are various study resources available to help you prepare for the NCLEX. Consider using textbooks, review courses, online resources, NCLEX practice questions, and flashcards. Some popular resources include NCLEX review books, mobile apps, and online question banks.
5- Review content areas
Dedicate time to review each content area tested on the NCLEX, such as medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, pediatric nursing, maternity nursing, and psychiatric nursing. Focus on understanding key concepts, principles, and commonly tested topics.
6- Practice with sample questions
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the NCLEX is by answering practice questions. Work through a wide range of practice questions, including both multiple-choice and alternate-format questions, to familiarize yourself with the exam format and reinforce your understanding of the content.
7- Take simulated exams
Simulated exams mimic the actual NCLEX testing environment and help you gauge your readiness. These exams provide valuable practice in managing time, applying critical thinking skills, and dealing with the pressure of the exam. Analyze your performance on these exams to identify areas that still require improvement.
8- Seek additional support
If you find yourself struggling with specific content areas or need guidance, consider seeking additional support. This may include joining study groups, attending NCLEX review courses, or working with a tutor who specializes in NCLEX preparation.
9- Consider talking with your former nursing instructor
If you discover that you have not passed the NCLEX, it can be beneficial to engage in a conversation with your previous nursing instructor(s). Your instructors possess a deep understanding of the student experience and the challenges associated with the NCLEX. They frequently provide valuable insights and alternative approaches to passing the NCLEX that you may not have previously considered.
10- Learn how to break down NCLEX questions
According to the nurses responsible for crafting NCLEX exam questions, it is crucial for candidates to comprehend the question thoroughly before providing an answer. It is recommended to read the question multiple times and rearrange both the questions and the answers into a true/ false format while reading, aiming to identify the correct answer. By developing proficiency in deconstructing the components of a question and evaluating answer choices within the context of the question, you can enhance your likelihood of success in future testing endeavors.
11- No more cramming sessions
If you are still relying on last-minute cramming instead of focusing on understanding and applying the concepts to analyze test questions, a change in approach is necessary. Merely memorizing information may not yield favorable results. Instead, it is crucial to develop the skill of analyzing and breaking down test questions. A helpful strategy is to read the question multiple times, interpret it using your acquired knowledge, and then formulate your answer accordingly.
How do you know if you failed the NCLEX?
The definitive way to determine whether you have failed the NCLEX is to await the official results provided by your state Board of Nursing. These results are typically issued around six weeks after you have completed the exam. However, there are a few unofficial methods that can be used to gain some indication of your performance.
One approach is to employ the Pearson Vue NCLEX trick, a popular technique utilized by some test-takers to gauge their success. To utilize this method, you should wait for the email notification from Pearson Vue confirming the submission of your test for scoring.
Typically, this email is received approximately two hours after completing the exam. Afterward, log in to your Pearson Vue account and attempt to register for the NCLEX once again. If the system prevents you from re-registering, it is considered a positive outcome and suggests that you have passed the NCLEX.
Conversely, if the system allows you to re-register and charges you the registration fee, it is regarded as a negative outcome, indicating an unsuccessful attempt at the NCLEX.
Certain State Boards of Nursing provide the quick results service, which allows test candidates to access unofficial NCLEX test results within approximately two days of taking the exam. Between the two options, the quick results service outcomes are deemed to be more reliable. Nevertheless, the sole results recognized as official and permitting an NCLEX candidate to practice as a nurse are those released by the nursing regulatory body to which they applied for licensure.
How many times can you take the NCLEX?
The NCSBN retake policies state that if a candidate fails the NCLEX exam, they can retake it 45 days after their initial attempt. They are allowed to retake the exam up to eight times per year, with a 45-day waiting period between each failed attempt. It's important to note that candidates must pass the NCLEX exam within three years of graduating from nursing school in order to be eligible for nursing licensure.
Certain states impose restrictions on the number of retakes allowed for the NCLEX exam, and they may require candidates to complete a refresher course after a specific number of failed attempts. To ensure accurate information regarding repeat testing, it is advisable for individuals who did not pass the NCLEX to reach out to their state Board of Nursing and verify the guidelines in place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you find yourself needing to retake the NCLEX exam, remember that it's not the end of the road. By following these tips for success, you can increase your chances of passing on your next attempt.
FAQs
1- How do I pass NCLEX after failing once?
If you have failed the NCLEX exam once, don't be discouraged. Many candidates find success on their second attempt by following these strategies:
Analyze your performance
Develop a targeted study plan
Utilize reliable study resources
Practice with realistic exam simulations
Focus on critical thinking.
Seek support and guidance
Stay positive and motivated
2- Why do I keep failing my NCLEX?
Failing the NCLEX, the licensure examination for nurses can be a challenging and frustrating experience. There can be various reasons why someone may not pass the exam, and it's important to evaluate these factors to understand how to improve your chances of success. Here are some possible reasons for repeated failures:
1- Lack of preparation
2- Ineffective study strategies
3- Test anxiety
4- Insufficient content knowledge
5- Inadequate test-taking skills
6- Time management issues
7- Psychological factors
