The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the standardized test every nursing program graduate must pass to obtain professional licensure in the United States. This examination ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe and effective practice as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This article focuses on the rules and limitations set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) regarding retaking the NCLEX after an unsuccessful attempt.
Total Number of Attempts in New York
New York is one of the few states that does not impose a hard limit on the total number of times a candidate can attempt to pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Candidates who fail the exam retain the ability to retest indefinitely, provided they adhere to all other state and national regulations. This policy is an advantage compared to many other jurisdictions that cap attempts or require mandatory remedial coursework after multiple failures.
The national testing standard restricts candidates to a maximum of eight attempts within a single calendar year. The NYSED does not require candidates to complete additional education, such as a refresher course, regardless of how many times they fail. Candidates must ensure their initial application for licensure with the NYSED remains active throughout their retesting period.
Mandatory Waiting Period Between Retakes
A mandatory waiting period is enforced between every unsuccessful NCLEX attempt, applying uniformly across all states, including New York. This period ensures that candidates have adequate time for focused study and remediation. The governing body for the NCLEX, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), requires a minimum of 45 test-free days between the date of a failed exam and the date of the next attempt.
This waiting period is strictly enforced by the testing vendor, Pearson VUE, and is reflected in the issue date of the new Authorization to Test (ATT). The 45-day requirement provides a structure for candidates to analyze their Candidate Performance Report (CPR) and address specific areas of weakness.
Steps to Re-Register for the NCLEX
The logistical process for re-registering involves two steps, beginning after the candidate receives an official “Failure” notification and the corresponding Candidate Performance Report. The first step involves confirming continued eligibility with the New York State Education Department. This confirmation is often automatic since New York does not require re-application for licensure or payment of state fees after a failure.
The second action is re-registering with Pearson VUE, the testing service provider. This requires the candidate to pay the full examination fee again, currently set at $200 for each retake attempt. Upon receiving payment, Pearson VUE verifies eligibility with the NYSED and then issues a new Authorization to Test (ATT). The new ATT, typically valid for 90 days, permits scheduling an appointment only after the mandatory 45-day waiting period has elapsed.