How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in Ohio?

If you’re preparing for the NCLEX in Ohio, you might be asking the golden question: “What happens if I fail? How many times can I retake this exam?” Don’t worry, Ohio’s Board of Nursing has clear guidelines, and the good news is that you have flexibility.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how many times you can take the NCLEX in Ohio, what the waiting period looks like, and what to do if you don’t pass on the first try.

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Can You Retake the NCLEX in Ohio?

Yes. If you fail the NCLEX in Ohio, you can retake it. In fact, Ohio is considered one of the more generous states because there is no lifetime cap on retakes. Instead, the state follows the broader NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) retake policy.

Here’s what that means for you:

45-day waiting period – You must wait at least 45 days after your exam date before scheduling another attempt.
Up to 8 retakes per year – The NCSBN allows candidates to take the NCLEX as many as eight times annually.
Unlimited attempts overall – Unlike some states that impose 3-year or 4-year limits, Ohio does not cap the total number of attempts.

The catch? Each attempt requires you to reapply, get a new Authorization to Test (ATT), and pay all exam fees again.

How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in Ohio?

To answer directly:

You can take the NCLEX in Ohio up to 8 times per year, with a 45-day waiting period between attempts, and there is no lifetime limit on how many times you can retest.

This means if you’re determined and committed to improving your prep each time, you can keep retaking the exam until you pass as long as you continue meeting application requirements.

What Happens If You Fail the NCLEX in Ohio?

Failing the NCLEX is tough, but it’s not the end of the road. Here’s what happens next:

Candidate Performance Report (CPR): After failing, you’ll receive a CPR, which shows your strengths and weaknesses across the NCLEX test categories. This is your roadmap for what to focus on before the next attempt.
Wait 45 Days: You must wait at least 45 days before reapplying to test.
Reapply for ATT: Submit a new application to the Ohio Board of Nursing and register again through Pearson VUE.
Schedule Your Next Exam: Once your new ATT arrives, you can lock in your next test date.

NCLEX Fees in Ohio

Keep in mind that retesting isn’t free. Every time you sit for the NCLEX, you’ll need to pay:

$75 – Ohio Board of Nursing initial licensure application fee
$200 – Pearson VUE NCLEX registration fee

If you need quick results, Ohio also participates in the Pearson VUE Quick Results Service, which costs an additional $7.95. These unofficial results are available within 2 business days.

How to Improve Your Chances of Passing Next Time

Ohio may give you unlimited attempts, but no one wants to be stuck in a cycle of retakes. Each failed attempt can chip away at your confidence and bank account. The smarter move? Focus on preparation strategies that actually work.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Use your CPR report as a targeted study guide.
Take practice exams under timed conditions to build stamina.
Focus on weak areas like pharmacology or management of care.
Consider a prep program that fits your schedule and learning style.

At MedCognito, we’ve built an NCLEX prep course specifically for international nurses and repeat test-takers. With adaptive question banks, live coaching, and performance analytics, our course doesn’t just prepare you, it sharpens you for the real exam.