Passing the NCLEX is the final hurdle before launching your nursing career in Illinois. But what if you don’t pass on the first try? How many times can you take the NCLEX in Illinois before you hit a limit?
Here’s everything you need to know about NCLEX retakes in Illinois, straight from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and other official sources.
NCLEX Retake Policy in Illinois
In Illinois, there is no strict cap on the number of times you can retake the NCLEX. However, there are three important rules you must follow:
1. 45-Day Waiting Period
After each failed attempt, you must wait at least 45 days before you can sit for the exam again. This rule aligns with NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) guidelines.
2. Eight Attempts Per Year
According to NCLEX testing policies, candidates may take the exam up to eight times in a calendar year. This rule applies nationwide and Illinois follows the same guideline.
3. Three-Year Limit
Illinois requires you to pass the NCLEX within three years of your application date (when the Illinois Board of Nursing received your application).
- If you don’t pass within this time frame, your application expires.
- You’ll likely need to reapply — and possibly meet additional requirements like remedial education or re-credentialing.
✅ Quick summary: In Illinois, you can retake the NCLEX as many times as you need, as long as you don’t exceed eight attempts in one year and you pass within three years of applying.
What Happens If You Fail the NCLEX in Illinois?
Failing the NCLEX isn’t the end — it just means you need a new game plan. Here’s the step-by-step process if you fail:
1. Get Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR):
Pearson VUE will provide a detailed breakdown of how you performed in each exam category.
2. Register for a Retake:
You’ll need to re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee again ($200).
3. Wait 45 Days:
You cannot schedule a retake until at least 45 days after your previous exam date.
4. Stay Within Your 3-Year Window:
Keep track of your timeline. If your three-year eligibility window closes, you may have to reapply and complete additional steps before being allowed to test again.
Why Does Illinois Have a 3-Year Rule?
The NCLEX is designed to test current, safe, entry-level nursing knowledge. The three-year rule ensures that candidates are taking the exam while their nursing education is still fresh and clinically relevant.
If too much time has passed, additional education may be required to bring skills and knowledge up to date.
FAQs About NCLEX Attempts in Illinois
How many times can you take the NCLEX RN in Illinois?
You can take the NCLEX RN as many times as you need, but only 8 times per year, and you must pass within 3 years of your initial application.
What happens if you fail the NCLEX 3 times in Illinois?
There’s no special penalty for failing three times. You’ll just need to wait 45 days between attempts and keep working toward passing within the 3-year limit.
What if I don’t pass the NCLEX within 3 years?
If you don’t pass within three years, your application with the Illinois Board of Nursing will expire. You’ll likely need to reapply and may be required to take additional coursework or meet other board requirements.
How long do I have to wait between NCLEX attempts in Illinois?
You must wait 45 days between attempts.
How to Increase Your Chances of Passing the NCLEX in Illinois
Multiple retakes can be expensive and discouraging. To maximize your chances of passing:
- Analyze your CPR: Identify weak areas and build a study plan around them.
- Use high-yield prep resources: Practice with questions that reflect the NCLEX’s Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format.
- Simulate test conditions: Take timed mock exams to build stamina and reduce test anxiety.
- Consider structured coaching: Many nurses who fail multiple times pass after enrolling in a targeted NCLEX prep program.
At MedCognito, we specialize in helping nursing graduates, including international nurses, finally pass the NCLEX. With adaptive question banks, live coaching, and exam strategies tailored to repeat test-takers, we’ve helped countless candidates turn failure into a license.
Final Thoughts
So, how many times can you take the NCLEX in Illinois?
As many as you need — up to 8 times a year, within a 3-year window.
If you’re struggling after multiple attempts, remember: failing the NCLEX doesn’t define you as a nurse. With the right prep strategy, you can walk into your next attempt confident and ready to pass.
