The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the required examination before a nursing graduate can begin practicing. This standardized, pass-or-fail test assesses whether a candidate possesses the minimum competencies required for safe, entry-level nursing practice. While the exam is uniform nationwide, the rules governing retakes are determined by each state’s regulatory body. This article focuses on the policies established by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for candidates who need to retest.
Maximum Attempts Allowed in New York State
New York’s policy on NCLEX retakes does not impose a lifetime limit on the number of times a candidate can attempt the NCLEX until they achieve a passing score. This differs from many other state boards of nursing that enforce a cap or require remedial coursework after multiple failures. Candidates are permitted to take the NCLEX up to eight times within a single calendar year, provided they adhere to the mandatory waiting period between attempts. The absence of a numerical maximum means a candidate’s eligibility to test is sustained as long as they follow the required reapplication process and the mandatory waiting period between attempts.
Mandatory Waiting Period Requirements
The time lapse required between NCLEX attempts is a national standard set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which the NYSED enforces. Candidates who fail the exam must wait a minimum of 45 test-free days from the date of their last attempt before they are eligible to schedule a new examination appointment. This 45-day period is non-negotiable and is designed to provide the candidate with adequate time to review their performance and conduct focused preparation. The testing vendor, Pearson VUE, will not issue a new Authorization to Test (ATT) until this 45-day interval has fully elapsed. The process of re-registering and receiving a new ATT should begin promptly after receiving a failing result, even though the exam date must be at least 45 days away.
The Reapplication Process with NYSED and Pearson VUE
A candidate who fails the NCLEX must complete two distinct actions to become eligible for a retake. The first step involves re-registering and paying the required examination fee directly to Pearson VUE for each attempt. Candidates should access their existing Pearson VUE account to initiate this payment and the re-registration process. The second action is receiving a renewed Authorization to Test (ATT) from the New York State Education Department. The payment to Pearson VUE triggers the process for NYSED to re-establish eligibility and issue the new ATT, which is necessary to book the next appointment.
Maintaining Eligibility and Authorization to Test (ATT)
The Authorization to Test (ATT) is a single-use administrative document that has a strict expiration date, typically 90 days in New York. Candidates must schedule and sit for the examination within this window. If the ATT is allowed to expire, the candidate loses eligibility for that attempt and must restart the reapplication process by paying Pearson VUE’s fee again to obtain a new ATT. While the initial NYSED application for licensure remains active, the administrative timeline for the ATT is firm. Candidates should monitor their ATT expiration date closely and ensure their study plan aligns with the available testing window.
Essential Resources for Success After Failing
A non-passing result on the NCLEX requires refining one’s study strategy. The primary resource provided is the Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which is issued to every candidate who fails the exam. The CPR analyzes performance across the NCLEX content areas, categorizing results as “Above,” “Near,” or “Below” the passing standard for each client needs category. A strategic retake plan should begin with a detailed analysis of the CPR to identify specific areas of content weakness. Candidates should focus study time almost exclusively on the “Below” and “Near” categories identified in the report, utilizing professional review courses for structured preparation.