The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) serves as the mandated gateway for all graduates seeking licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Virginia. This standardized, pass-fail assessment ensures a candidate possesses the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for safe entry-level practice. The regulatory authority governing the entire process, including rules for re-examination attempts and mandatory waiting periods, is the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBOD). Understanding these specific re-testing regulations is essential for any candidate who does not pass the exam on their initial attempt.
The Governing Authority for NCLEX Retakes in Virginia
The state’s nursing practice is overseen by the Virginia Board of Nursing, which operates under the Department of Health Professions. This board establishes the rules for initial licensure and re-examinations. The VBOD utilizes its regulations, primarily found within the Virginia Administrative Code, to dictate the eligibility requirements for all candidates. The board works in conjunction with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and Pearson VUE, the testing vendor, to administer the NCLEX and manage the re-examination process.
Maximum Number of NCLEX Attempts Allowed
Virginia does not impose a maximum limit on the total number of times a candidate can attempt the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Candidates are not cut off from the licensure path after a specific number of failures. The state’s primary restriction on attempts aligns with the policy set by the NCSBN, which governs the frequency of testing. The rules for re-examination apply identically to both the Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse examinations. The VBOD grants eligibility for subsequent attempts as long as the applicant complies with all re-application procedures and the mandatory waiting period between testing dates.
Mandatory Waiting Period Between Re-Examinations
The mandatory waiting period is required after a failed attempt. Following the national standard, candidates must observe a 45-day waiting period before they are eligible to schedule their next examination. This time frame is measured from the date the previous exam was administered, not the date the official results were received. The 45-day requirement is designed to ensure candidates use the time for focused study and preparation. This period allows the candidate to receive and review the Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which details their performance across the content areas. The testing system will not permit an appointment before the 45-day period has elapsed.
The Re-Application Process for Subsequent Attempts
A candidate who fails the NCLEX must complete a dual re-application process to restore eligibility for re-examination. This involves re-registering and paying the required examination fee to Pearson VUE. Simultaneously, the candidate must re-establish eligibility with the Virginia Board of Nursing by submitting a repeat examination application and paying the VBOD’s re-application fee. This fee is separate from the testing vendor’s fee and is necessary to process eligibility within the state. After the VBOD processes the application and confirms eligibility, the candidate receives a new Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE. This ATT is required to schedule the next exam appointment and contains the validity dates within which the candidate must sit for the test.
Requirements After Exceeding the Attempt Limit
The licensure process is subject to a time-based limitation. VBOD regulations state that an applicant’s eligibility expires if the examination is not taken within 12 months of the date the board determined the candidate was eligible. If a candidate allows their application to lapse beyond this one-year window, they must file a new licensure by examination application and pay the initial application fee again, not just the repeat exam fee.
Remedial Education Requirements
For candidates who experience multiple failures over an extended period, the board may eventually require a demonstration of renewed competency. The VBOD has the authority to request additional evidence that a candidate is prepared to resume the licensure process safely. This may involve the candidate completing a board-approved refresher course or other remedial education. This coursework would focus on areas of weakness identified in their performance reports. Successful completion of such coursework is a prerequisite for the board granting further eligibility to test.