You didn’t fail, you gathered feedback.
The NCLEX can be brutal. The adaptive format, the pressure, the clock ticking down as your confidence wavers. Many nurses walk out unsure whether they passed or failed — and some don’t make it on the first try.
But here’s the truth: the second attempt is where many nurses find their rhythm. With better insight, refined strategy, and the right prep tools, you can and will pass.
This guide blends real stories from nurses who’ve done it, expert advice from leading NCLEX educators, and practical, step-by-step strategies to help you pass the NCLEX the second time confidently.
Why So Many Don’t Pass the First Time (and Why That’s Okay)
According to the NCSBN’s 2024 report, repeat test-takers had a 42.7% pass rate — lower than first-time test-takers, but not hopeless. Thousands retake the NCLEX every year and pass.
Failing isn’t the end of your nursing journey — it’s the moment you stop guessing and start focusing. You now have one advantage first-time test takers don’t: experience.
Step 1: Read Your CPR Like a Detective
Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) is your secret weapon. It shows exactly where you fell short — and where you excelled.
Here’s how to use it strategically:
- Highlight all “Below Passing Standard” areas. These are your high-yield targets.
- Match them with the NCLEX test plan. Study those specific categories first.
- Note your weak question types. SATA, case studies, or prioritization? Focus your drills there.
Your CPR isn’t just a summary; it’s a blueprint for your comeback.
Step 2: Build a Smarter, Second-Attempt Study Plan
Don’t do what didn’t work the first time.
One Reddit user who passed on their second try said it best:
“The first time I just wanted to finish all 2,000 questions. The second time, I slowed down, read every rationale, and treated every question like a lesson.”
Here’s the structure that works:
- Duration: 6–8 weeks
- Study time: 2–4 hours daily
- Focus: One weak area per day
- Weekly goal: Mix MCQs with NGN case studies
Step 3: Practice Questions With Purpose
The difference between the first and second attempt often comes down to how you practice.
Use these methods:
- Do questions in exam mode. No pausing, no distractions.
- Read every rationale — even for the questions you get right.
- Simulate full exams weekly to build stamina (150-question sittings).
- Use adaptive testing tools (like UWorld CAT mode) to get used to the NCLEX’s difficulty curve.
Step 4: Strengthen Your Weakest Links
If “Reducing Risk Potential” or “Safety & Infection Control” always bring your score down, that’s your battlefield.
Joyce University’s faculty advice still stands:
“Strengthen the weakest link, and oil the squeaky wheel.”
Studying your strong topics feels good — but it doesn’t move the needle. Force yourself to confront your weakest content areas daily. Use memory aids, visuals, and repetition to conquer them.
Step 5: Manage Your Mind — Not Just the Material
Nursing students who pass on their second attempt all share one trait: they forgave themselves early.
You don’t get bonus points for beating yourself up. Forgive, refocus, and remember: you’re not starting from zero. You’re starting from experience.
A few quick wins:
- Take the 2-hour break on exam day — refresh, don’t rush.
- Practice breathing techniques before long CAT exams.
- Visualize success — because mindset really does impact performance.
Step 6: On Exam Day — Be the Calm, Not the Chaos
When you walk into Pearson VUE again, remember this: You’ve already done the hardest part — showing up again.
Take your time. Trust your training. Answer each question as if it’s the only one that matters.
And when it shuts off at question 85 or 150, breathe — because this time, you built the knowledge, the strategy, and the mindset to finish strong.
FAQs About Passing the NCLEX the Second Time
Is the NCLEX harder the second time?
Not technically. But mentally, yes — it feels harder because the stakes are higher. Focus on pacing, endurance, and confidence.
How soon can I retake the NCLEX?
After 45 days, depending on your state board’s rules.
How do I use my CPR effectively?
Highlight weak categories, cross-reference with your study plan, and prioritize them in daily practice.
Should I switch study resources?
If your old prep tool didn’t work, yes. Combine UWorld or Bootcamp for NGN exposure with structured coaching (like MedCognito’s NCLEX Prep Course).
Can I really pass after multiple failures?
Absolutely. Many nurses have succeeded after their second, third, or even fourth try — because persistence and pattern recognition always win.
Final Words: Your Failure Isn’t a Stop Sign — It’s a Signpost
Failing the NCLEX once doesn’t define your future as a nurse — how you respond does. You’ve got the data. You’ve got the drive. Now it’s time to execute.
Thousands have passed the NCLEX on their second attempt — and you’re about to join them.If you’re ready for a guided comeback, explore the MedCognito NCLEX Prep Course — designed for international nurses and repeat test-takers who are done guessing and ready to pass.
