Failing the NCLEX hurts. You walk out of the test center with hope in one hand and doubt in the other — and if the results don’t go your way, the first question is always: “How many times can I take this exam before I’m out of chances?”
The answer isn’t as simple as one rule. While the NCLEX itself is created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), each state’s Board of Nursing decides how many times (and how often) you can retake it.
This guide breaks down:
- The national NCLEX retake policy
- How state rules differ
- A state-by-state list (with links) so you can check your state’s exact requirements
- What to do if you’ve already failed multiple times
The General NCLEX Retake Rules (NCSBN)
Here’s what applies nationwide:
- 45-Day Waiting Period: You must wait at least 45 days between attempts.
- Maximum Attempts Per Year: Up to 8 attempts in a year.
- 3-Year Completion Window: Many jurisdictions require you to pass within 3 years of graduating nursing school (but this varies by state).
- No National Lifetime Limit: NCSBN doesn’t cap your total attempts. It’s the states that impose stricter rules.
How State Boards of Nursing Change the Rules
This is where it gets tricky. Some states let you retake as many times as you want. Others say: three strikes, and you need remedial coursework. A few have strict “finish within X years” deadlines.
Examples:
- Florida: After 3 failures, you must complete a state-approved remedial course before trying again.
- Texas: Unlimited retakes, but only within 4 years of graduation.
- New York: No limit, no deadline.
- Illinois: Must pass within 3 years, or you’ll need additional education.
State-by-State NCLEX Retake Policies
Click your state below for full details:
- Florida: How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in Florida?
- Texas: How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in Texas?
- New York: How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in New York?
- California: How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in California?
- Illinois: How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in Illinois?
(More states will be added — bookmark this guide for updates.)
What to Do If You’ve Failed the NCLEX Multiple Times
1. Don’t Panic (Really)
You’re not alone. Thousands of nurses don’t pass on the first try. What matters is how you adjust.
2. Identify the Problem
- Was it content knowledge?
- Was it test-taking strategy?
- Was it timing or anxiety?
3. Change Your Approach
Doing the same thing and expecting a different result isn’t the move. If self-study hasn’t worked, it’s time to try structured prep.
4. Use Professional Support
At MedCognito, we’ve helped international nurses and new grads turn NCLEX struggles into success stories. With:
- Comprehensive prep courses tailored for IMGs and U.S. grads
- Realistic mock exams under timed conditions
- Strategy coaching to handle CAT-style testing
- Step-by-step review plans
— you’ll study smarter, not just harder.
Check out MedCognito’s NCLEX Prep Course
Final Thoughts
So, how many times can you take the NCLEX? Nationally, as many as you need. But your state’s nursing board sets the real rules — and those rules can be forgiving or strict.
Here’s the truth: failing once, twice, or even more doesn’t define you. What defines you is how you regroup, prepare, and walk back into that exam ready to win.
With the right plan (and the right prep), your next attempt can be your last.
