What to Do After Failing the NCLEX: A Comprehensive Guide

Nov 14, 2025 0

The National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX prep is stressful enough. But if you’ve already taken the exam, you know it’s a taxing experience. With so much on the line in your nursing career, looking for signs you failed the NCLEX when you take it is understandable. However, it’s important to remember that failing the NCLEX doesn’t mean you’re done with nursing - it’s just one extra step in becoming a nurse.

And as of April 2023, there is a new version of the NCLEX exam called the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), which includes newer and more difficult material. But if you know you failed the exam, what happens next in your nursing journey?

Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Infographic

What Happens If You Fail the NCLEX?

If you failed the NCLEX already, you’re not alone. You get to try again, but you’ll have to wait 45 days from when your results were released before you can retake it. Retaking the NCLEX can be expensive and time-consuming after so much studying, though. Between receiving the bad news and retaking the NCLEX, you can invest in a supplemental resource catered to passing the exam.

How to Find Out Your Results

The nursing regulatory body (NRB) is the exclusive source for official results, which will be provided to candidates within six weeks following the completion of the exam, but there are ways to find unofficial results of your exam. If your nursing regulatory body (NRB) participates in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)’s Quick Results Service, you can purchase “unofficial” results for eight dollars within two business days after the exam. Otherwise, official results are only available through your NRB six weeks after taking the exam.

Read also: Understanding the NGN Exam

Since the NCLEX is an adaptive test using Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), you can possibly find out if you failed or passed within the first 85 questions (also called “items”).

NCLEX Test Taking Strategy & Mindset | Nurse Mike's NCLEX Review Series

10 Signs You Failed the NCLEX

Some of these signs will be more obvious than others when you’re taking the NCLEX or waiting for your official pass or fail score:

You were given questions at random difficulty. NCLEX questions are supposed to increase in difficulty as you go along. But it might indicate failure if they range from very easy to extremely difficult in no particular order.
The exam shuts off before completing the minimum required questions. You will automatically fail if you answer enough questions incorrectly within the minimum amount.
You received a lot of easy questions on the exam. Question complexity and difficulty increases with the number of correct answers you give. That means incorrect answers will be followed by easy questions each time until you fail or get the questions right.
You run out of time before responding to the minimum required questions. If the time limit (five hours) for the test expires before it shuts off, it indicates that you answered too many questions incorrectly.
You received a bad pop-up from the Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick. Some NCLEX takers use the Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick to help them pass the exam. Although it’s not a 100% guaranteed sign, some NCLEX takers claim to see a “bad pop-up” at the end that indicates failure.

NCLEX takers may see this pop-up at the end of the exam if they fail.

The Pearson Vue Quick Results Service says you failed. As mentioned above, you can purchase unofficial results of your NCLEX exam for a fee.
Your name and license number don’t appear on the state board of nursing. You can check your state board of nursing to find your name and license number - but if it’s not there, that most likely means you failed the NCLEX.
You weren’t familiar with the exam’s questions. Even if it’s a result of a lack of studying, starting with complex questions could indicate failure early in the exam.
You weren’t given any questions on advanced nursing skills. If the exam didn’t give you questions related to higher-level nursing skills, it could mean that you’re answering too many questions incorrectly.
An NCLEX Candidate Performance Report was sent to you. The Candidate Performance Report (CPR) is an NCSBN official report detailing your performance in each test plan’s topic areas. If you receive it, that means you failed the exam. To prepare for retaking the exam, you can utilize the CPR as a reference.

What You Need to Know About Failing the NCLEX

These are common questions about failing the NCLEX - before taking it and after receiving official results.

What do I do if I failed the NCLEX?

First, take a deep breath and think about what went wrong. Was it an issue with timing or pacing? Was there too much information on one question? Or Did you run out of time? Knowing what went wrong will help you prepare for your next attempt, and utilizing resources like the CPR can help immensely.

You could retake the exam as soon as possible (after a 45-day waiting period) until you get that passing score.

How common is it to fail the NCLEX?

In short, it’s fairly common - and more common for those who don’t study or have the right materials.

According to the NCSBN’s pass rates, here are the failure rates for the NCLEX-RN:

Overall, an average of 42% of all NCLEX-RN takers will fail (including first-timers and retakers).
For first-time US test-takers, an average of 20% of them fail.
For US retakers, an average of 59% of them fail.

And for the NCLEX-PN:

Overall, an average of 34% of all NCLEX-PN takers will fail (including first-timers and retakers)
For first-time US test-takers, an average of 20% of them fail.
For retakers, an average of 62% of them fail.

How many questions can you miss on the NCLEX to pass?

You can miss up to 85 questions before officially passing the NCLEX exam. But it’s important to note that pass and fail scores are more based on the NCLEX’s confidence interval.

Read also: Understanding NGN Pass Rates

You technically pass when correctly answering enough questions to remain above the passing line with a 95% confidence interval. And conversely, you can fail the test if they do not remain above that 95% confidence pass line.

How many questions on the NCLEX do you need to get right to pass?

You must get at least 85 questions correct, or achieve a 95% confidence level, to pass the NCLEX.

Can you work as a nurse if you fail the NCLEX?

All nurses have to pass the NCLEX to acquire a nursing license and practice. If you fail the exam, you should reschedule and restudy as soon as possible to get closer to working as a nurse. In some states, you must inform your employer once you learn you didn’t pass the NCLEX (if you’re already employed).

How many times can you fail NCLEX?

Test takers must pass the NCLEX within three years after their nursing school graduation. Even though most applicants pass the test on their first attempt, those who don’t are allowed to retake it 45 days after their initial test date. And while you can take the NCLEX as many times as it takes to pass, you have up to eight tries per year.

How accurate is the Pearson Vue trick?

Similar to any hacking method, the Pearson Vue NCLEX results trick cannot guarantee absolute accuracy in all cases. Employing this technique carries inherent risks, and it is advised to proceed with caution.

Understanding Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR)

If your first NCLEX attempt wasn’t successful, you’ll receive a CPR to help you prepare for the next round. This 2-page report breaks down your performance in each content area of the exam and highlights exactly where you fell short. It’s not just a score. Your CPR is a personalized roadmap for improvement. For each category, your performance will fall into one of 3 levels: “above” the passing standard, “near” the passing standard, or “below” the passing standard. This isn’t a score or grade - it’s an indicator of how well you met the expectations in each area.

See this sample CPR for NCLEX-RN.

How to Read Your CPR

Your CPR contains important information about the results of your NCLEX. Consider it a guide for the next time you sit for the licensure exam. The front side of the CPR tells you how many questions you answered. The number gives an estimate of how close you were to the passing standard:

If you didn’t answer at least 60 test items (for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN), the CPR will only provide the number of test items you answered. There isn’t enough information to indicate how well you did in each category.
If you were close to the passing standard, you were given 130 test items (for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN) as the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) tried to calculate your performance.
If you were far from the passing standard, CAT gave you fewer test items, because it could calculate that you would not pass. The test shut down as soon as it was confident of a pass or fail decision.

The back side of the CPR gives specific details about how well you did in each of the eight NCLEX Test Plan categories. For each category, you will see the quality of your ability:

Above the Passing Standard
Near the Passing Standard
Below the Passing Standard

By looking at where you did well compared to where you need to improve, you now have a personalized study guide. NCLEX is not graded by category, but by your overall performance. But now you know where to focus for your studies, along with the areas included in the category.

Here is what “Below the Passing Standard” looks like for the NCLEX-RN category of Management of Care:

Management of Care (17 -- 23% of the test). BELOW THE PASSING STANDARD

Providing and directing nursing care that enhances the care delivery setting to protect clients and health care personnel. Related content includes but is not limited to: Advance Directives, Advocacy, Assignment, Delegation and Supervision, Case Management, Client Rights, Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team, Concepts of Management, Confidentiality/Information Security, Continuity of Care, Establishing Priorities, Ethical Practice, Informed Consent, Information Technology, Legal Rights and Responsibilities, Performance Improvement (Quality Improvement), Referrals.

Here is what “Below the Passing Standard” looks like for the NCLEX-PN category of Coordinated Care:

Coordinated Care (18 -- 24% of the test). BELOW THE PASSING STANDARD

Collaborates with health care team members to facilitate effective client care. Related content includes but is not limited to: Advance Directives; Advocacy; Client Care Assignments; Client Rights; Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team; Concepts of Management and Supervision; Confidentiality/Information Security; Continuity of Care; Establishing Priorities; Ethical Practice; Information Technology; Informed Consent; Legal Responsibilities; Performance Improvement (Quality Improvement); Referral Process; Resource Management.

Preparing to Retake Your NCLEX

Failing the NCLEX is disappointing and stressful. But don’t be discouraged! Now that you’ve been through it, you’re familiar with the process and how the exam works-no need to be nervous about the actual Test Day this time around.

Think about what factors could have influenced your first NCLEX:

Were you really ready? Did you take the exam too soon?
Did you rush through studying or not use good study habits?
Did you do enough practice questions and learn from your mistakes?
Were you able to answer practice questions within 60-90 seconds?
What study materials did you use?
Did you have personal issues on your mind on Test Day?
Were you running late or not prepared for the day?
Did you have a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast?
Were you hoping just to do well enough to pass?

Sometimes, just identifying distractions or reasons that prevented you from passing can help you do better this time.

7 Tips to Get Ready for Your Retake

You also know your strengths and weaknesses and you can create a specific study plan. Give yourself enough time to really learn the categories that you didn’t pass. Here are 7 tips to help you succeed:

Download the NCLEX Test Plan. There’s one for RN and PN. Each category and sub-category is covered; there are lists of topics that can be included on the exam and a few practice questions for each one.
Focus on Analysis and Application. Now that you’ve already taken the NCLEX, you’ve seen that most questions ask you to analyze and apply information. There aren’t many memorization questions beyond vital signs, lab values, and some assessment items like the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Start with Your Weakest Areas. Start with the categories on your CPR that were “below the passing standard.” Using the Test Plan as your guide, make sure you’re familiar with all the listed topics. Go back to your nursing texts and notes, look up items you’re not sure about, take as many practice tests as possible.
Learn the Types of NCLEX Questions. Learn the types of NCLEX questions and how they are written. Become comfortable with the style and wording of an NCLEX question. Soon, you’ll know how to “speak NCLEX” so you can focus on what the test item is asking and how to select the BEST response.
Move to Areas Near Passing Standard. After you’ve studied the categories that were most troublesome, move on to the “near the passing standard” categories. Here, you did fairly well, but didn’t quite answer enough test items correctly. Use the same technique as before; by now, you’ll be able to pinpoint those items on the Test Plan that you know were incorrect.
Review Areas Above Passing Standard. Finally, include the categories that were “above the passing standard.” You did well on these, but don’t neglect them. They will need some review, too. Continue to take practice tests, noting the test items you miss, so you can go back and review them.
Consider Adding Another Component to Your Study Plan. If you studied alone last time, perhaps joining a study group might be useful. If you only used online sources, maybe a printed review guide and workbook might make a difference. Making flash cards for the practice questions that you miss can increase retention.

Consider joining a study group for your NCLEX retake preparation.

The NCSBN Retake Policy: What to Know and Do

NOTE: On 3/22/22, the NCLEX Retake Policy was updated. “Candidates who need to retake the NCLEX can start their re-registration process after receiving their result.” You can retake the NCLEX 45 days after the date of your previous examination, up to eight times in a year.

Before you reapply, you must notify your state’s Nursing Review Board (NRB) to inform them that you intend to retake the NCLEX, complete any NRB requirements, and find out if there are different timeframes or limits for annual testing attempts.

Follow these steps when you’re ready to sit for your NCLEX again:

Contact your state’s NRB and let them know you want to retake the NCLEX. Ask if any fees or documents are required to be eligible to retake the exam.
Reregister with Pearson VUE and pay the examination fee.
Wait to receive a new Authorization to Test (ATT).
Schedule a new NCLEX appointment.

Keep a positive attitude! You’re going to be so much better prepared this time! The CPR told you exactly where to focus your studies this time. You know what to expect and what you can do better. Remember that you passed hundreds of exams in nursing school and have your degree. You’re only one more test away from your new career. Keep calm and retest!

Additional Tips for Success

Don’t just move on after missing a question. Stop and ask why the correct answer was right and what led you to the wrong choice. Review similar questions or revisit content in your QBank to close those gaps.

You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with others who are preparing for the NCLEX by joining online study groups, discussion forums, or social media communities.

If your first attempt mainly focused on reviewing content instead of practicing with NCLEX-style questions, you’re not alone. Many students make this mistake the first time they test.

It’s natural to feel discouraged after not passing, but it’s important to remember how far you’ve come. You’ve completed nursing school, gained valuable clinical experience, and know exactly what to expect on exam day.

Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Still, preparing for the NCLEX a second time can feel mentally and emotionally draining. To keep going, find small ways to stay encouraged. Reward yourself for sticking to your study plan, leave notes of encouragement where you’ll see them, or track your progress visually to see how far you’ve come. The key is forward motion.

We all face failure at some point in life, whether personally, professionally, or academically. Failing the NCLEX® can feel devastating. But here’s the truth: failing the NCLEX once does not mean you won’t succeed. In fact, many incredible nurses failed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt and are now thriving in their careers.

The NCLEX isn’t just another test, it’s the culmination of your training, goals, and nursing future. So, what’s the first step after failing the NCLEX? Take time to process. Cry if you need to. Rest. Talk to someone you trust. Everyone bounces back on their own timeline, and that’s okay.

Remember: failure is temporary-giving up is permanent. You are not alone.

Expert Advice for Retaking the NCLEX

Practice Self-Care

It’s become a cliché, but taking the time for self-care is critical, especially during periods of stress. Research on stress in undergraduate student populations shows that the neglect of self-care can significantly impact academic performance. The period after graduation or after your first NCLEX attempt is a good moment to take some time off, even if it’s a few days. Use this time to physically and mentally reset.

Reframe Your Mindset

Failing an exam is never a good feeling. But try not to let it affect your self-confidence, which can also impact academic performance. Remember that standardized exams are not a reflection of your capabilities or a prediction of your career trajectory. Remind yourself of all the obstacles you faced in nursing school. This is just another challenge that you will overcome.

Now that you’ve taken the exam once, you have more insight into its structure and content.