What happens if you don’t pass the NCLEX on the first try?
Finding out you didn’t pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) on the first try can be devastating. However, failing this demanding exam the first time you take it doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful nursing career. It simply means that you will have to wait a little longer to get started.
Here’s what you need to know to rebound and get back on track with achieving your professional goals.
1. Don’t panic!
It’s normal to feel a sense of panic when you realize that your worst fears have come true. You’re entitled to experience your emotions but don’t let them hold you back. Instead, use your frustration to fuel your motivation and resolve to do better.
Realize you’re not alone in failing to pass the NCLEX on the first try. Data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which develops the NCLEX, indicates that the pass rate for first-time candidates who are graduates of accredited nursing programs has been about 90% in recent years.
“Pass rates can vary by year and by state, and many candidates do not pass on their first attempt. A significant proportion of candidates who do not pass on their first try often go on to successfully pass the exam on their second attempt. Overall, while not every nursing graduate will pass the NCLEX on their first attempt, it is a common experience, and many are able to learn from the experience and succeed in subsequent attempts. Support from peers, educators, and resources designed for NCLEX preparation can help facilitate this success,” said Meaghan Gerhardstein DNP, MSN, RN, Director, Academic Program–BSN Online, Chamberlain University.
While failing to pass the NCLEX is not ideal, Gerhardstein advises that every experience, whether success or failure, can help you grow as nurse. Embrace the opportunity to learn and improve as you prepare for your next steps. When you’re ready to move on, set your sights on your ultimate goal, which is to care for patients and make a difference in their lives. This can help you regain your motivation and the confidence to succeed, she said.
2. Know your options
You’re entitled to re-take the NCLEX if you don’t pass on the first try. The NCSBN’s retake policy allows any candidate who has applied for licensure or registration with a participating regulatory body, such as a board of nursing, to retake the exam. In fact, you can take the NCLEX up to eight times a year if necessary. However, you must allow 45 test-free days between each examination.
Since some states have different limits on the number of times you can take the NCLEX, check with your state’s regulatory body to confirm their criteria for retaking the exam. Do this before you register and pay for a second or subsequent NCLEX.
Follow these steps to register to retake the NCLEX if you failed on your first try:
3. Create a plan of action
Nursing candidates who fail the NCLEX receive an individualized Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This document provides an evaluation of your performance in various content areas measured by the exam. It highlights your strengths and shows the areas in which you need to improve.
The CPR includes performance indicators for each of the NCLEX Test Plan Areas and Clinical Judgment. Your performance in each area will be identified at one of the following levels:
“Once you know which areas you struggled with, you can tailor your study plan to focus more on those specific subjects. By reviewing your strengths as indicated in the report, you can also build confidence in your knowledge and abilities, helping to prepare for clinical practice or any retake of the exam. This targeted approach can help improve your knowledge and skills to help better prepare for your second NCLEX exam,” said Gerhardstein.
Your CPR can also provide insight to others who can help you work on your weakest areas. “Share your Candidate Report with instructors or mentors to get additional support and resources tailored to your performance. This collaboration can provide new insights and understanding,” said Gerhardstein.
When creating your study plan, break down the material into small, manageable chunks of content. Establish a realistic schedule that allows for consistent daily studying rather than last-minute cramming.
“Use the information from the report to set specific, measurable goals for your next study cycle. Focus on content areas that need improvement to build a strong foundation for your nursing career. Furthermore, the report may provide insights into how your performance indicates your readiness for the NCLEX format. This understanding can help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked and the critical thinking needed,” advised Gerhardstein.
4. Locate quality NCLEX prep materials
Rather than relying solely on the NCLEX prep materials you used for your first exam, explore options that you may not have used when studying for your first attempt. A fresh perspective can help keep you interested and motivated during this period of intensive study.
You’ll find numerous options for free and paid NCLEX prep materials. To ensure you invest your time and effort in quality NCLEX study resources, Gerhardstein advised using the following criteria:
“Before taking the NCLEX, you should be well-prepared and informed about various aspects of the exam and understand the distribution of questions in the content categories to help you prioritize your study efforts. It is important to consider the format of the NCLEX prep materials you use. Do you learn better through online courses, mobile apps, or traditional textbooks? Choose materials that fit your learning style,” said Gerhardstein.
5. Plan for exam day
Take advantage of your experience with the NCLEX to prepare for test day. Since you know what to expect, plan accordingly. Consider factors that may have interfered with your ability to do your best the first time you took the NCLEX. Think through practical details, like leaving adequate travel time, to reduce your stress on exam day.
Practice self-care to ensure you’re able to do your best under pressure. “Taking care of physical and mental health is essential in the days leading up to the exam. Adequate sleep, nutrition and stress management can significantly impact performance on test day. Maintaining a positive mindset can be incredibly beneficial, too,” said Gerhardstein.
Resources for the NCLEX
Some common NCLEX prep materials include:
NCLEX practice tests
NCLEX practice exams closely mimic the format, style and difficulty of the NCLEX. These tests can help improve your critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. They are available from various online resources such as the website of the NCSBN.
“By taking these practice tests, you become accustomed to the types of questions you will face, the time constraints and the overall structure of the exam. Taking practice exams allows you to assess your current knowledge and understanding of nursing concepts. This helps identify both strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to focus your study efforts where they are most needed,” said Gerhardstein.
The most realistic practice tests use the same computer adaptive testing (CAT) as the real NCLEX. CAT uses an algorithm to select each exam question based on your previous answers. The program chooses the questions and identifies your ability based on your performance.
“Many practice exams offer detailed feedback and rationales for correct and incorrect answers. This immediate feedback helps you understand your mistakes and reinforces your learning, allowing for continuous improvement. The more practice exams you take, the more comfortable you become with the material and the exam format. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and build confidence, which is essential for performing well on your second attempt at the NCLEX,” said Gerhardstein.
Flashcards
Flashcards utilize spaced learning, which is the process of dividing learning into multiple sessions and regularly practicing over a long period of time. Whether you prefer paper or electronic flashcards, research shows they can both be effective when used properly. In any format, flashcards promote understanding, active recall, memorization and retention.
“Flashcards can help you focus on specific topics or areas where you felt less confident during your first attempt. By identifying weak areas and creating targeted flashcards, you can streamline your study sessions and make the most of your time. Flashcards also provide a way for you to quiz yourself, helping you assess your knowledge and readiness for the exam. This self-assessment can highlight areas that still need attention,” said Gerhardstein.
While you can purchase prepared flashcards, you may achieve better results if you make your own. The act of researching and preparing your own flashcards promotes active learning, which can further enhance retention and comprehension.
“You can customize the flashcards to match your learning style or focus on specific areas of difficulty. Whether it is pharmacology, clinical procedures or patient care scenarios, personalized flashcards can cater to individual study needs,” said Gerhardstein.
NCLEX tutoring prep classes
NCLEX tutoring prep classes are structured online or in-person courses. Depending on the format, a tutor provides one-on-one or group classes that involve targeted practice questions, review sessions and other strategies to help you pass the NCLEX.
“NCLEX tutoring prep courses often teach effective test-taking strategies, including how to approach multiple-choice and select all that apply questions, time management and critical thinking techniques. Understanding these strategies can significantly improve performance on the exam. Some prep courses provide simulated NCLEX exams that mimic the actual testing conditions. This helps you practice under pressure and become comfortable with the exam format, reducing anxiety on test day,” said Gerhardstein.
Before signing on for a tutoring prep class, ensure you know your instructor’s credentials. Look for classes led by RN instructors with experience teaching NCLEX prep.
In addition to improving your test-taking skills, having regular meetings with an instructor can help you stay on track with your study plan. “NCLEX tutoring sessions and prep courses typically have a set timeline and schedule, which can motivate you to stay committed and accountable in your studies. This structured approach can help prevent procrastination and ensure consistent progress,” said Gerhardstein.
