What Happens If You Fail the NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the test all nurses must take to become licensed to practice in the United States. The NCLEX-PN is the test for practical or vocational nurses, and the NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing is the developer of the test and it is administered through Pearson VUE testing centers by computer. When candidates fail the test, it is possible to take it again.
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Eligibility
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State licensing boards and territories determine a candidate's eligibility, which is based on completing a state-approved nursing program and a specified number of clinical hours in designated areas. Other requirements tend to include criminal background clearance and completion of a licensing application. Individual state boards of nursing provide candidate-eligibility information to the testing service, Pearson VUE. It is the candidate's responsibility to register and schedule the examination.
Registration
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Once all state requirements have been met, candidates register with Pearson VUE. This can be done online, by mail or over the phone. As of February 2011, the registration fee is $200 and non-refundable. Those testing outside of the United States pay an additional fee of $150.
Pearson VUE will send an Authorization to Test (ATT) to all testing candidates. The ATT is necessary to schedule an exam date and must be taken to the testing center the day of the exam. It contains important information such as the identification number, testing eligibility and expiration date. If the ATT expires, it will be necessary to re-register and repay.
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Taking the Test
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All testing candidates are required to present valid state ID and the ATT upon arriving at the testing site. Up to six hours is given to finish the NCLEX-RN and five hours for the NCLEX-PN, with time for breaks that are figured into the time allowance. The NCLEX-RN may have anywhere from 75 to 265 test questions, and there are 85 to 205 questions on the NCLEX-PN. No books, aids, electronic devices or study materials of any kind can be brought in the testing area. Results are not given at the center and are mailed from the state nursing boards within a month of completing the examination. Candidates can pay an additional fee for quick service, allowing unofficial reporting of results within 48 hours of testing. Service availability varies by state.
Those who fail the test receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This report contains information aimed at helping the candidate study -- indicating strong and weak testing areas.
Retesting
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According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, those who fail can retake the examination as many as eight times in a year. However, the number of total times a candidate is permitted to retest is set by the state nursing board in the jurisdiction of intended practice, which could be fewer. Candidates must allow at least 45 to 90 days between testing periods. It is important to contact the state board of nursing to find out the exact number of days, as there are differences. The $200 registration fee, as well as applicable international fees, must be repaid each time the test is taken.
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References
Resources
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