How many times are you allowed to take the NCLEX?

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I believe that you can take it as many times as you want within 7 years? And...has anyone taken it more than 3 times?

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UNLIMITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR LIFE...

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UNLIMITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR LIFE...

That's what I know as well.

You can take it as many times as you want until you pass.

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Stop.

This is most definitely not true from the start. Each and every state has their own requirements, there are several that permit unlimited testing, but no mention of the 7 year rule for any of them. Next, there are states that only permit three times testing and then they do not permit you to get licensed there unless you attend school again from the beginning. As well as states like VT that permit three times, but require an approved review program before permitting on to sit for the NCLEX exam for the third time.

Everything that has been posted above this is completely inaccurate.

First, you need to read the rules for your state. They are extremely specific with the requirements for retesting, from the number of times permitted to the limit of time if they have one. The NCLEX exam is a national exam and all of the requirements for sitting for it are per the state that you are testing for and no place else.

You cannot most definitely make a blanket statement like what is being seen above in the other posts to this thread.

CA and NY as well as a few others permit unlimited testing, but not for life either. Everything has limitations.

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Hi Suzanne and all!

What do you mean when you said "CA and NY as well as a few others permit unlimited testing, but not for life either"?

I am taking the nclex-rn for CA BRN and this is my 3rd time to take the exam, should I be complying for other requirements aside from the reapplication form? Thanks.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi Suzanne and all!

What do you mean when you said "CA and NY as well as a few others permit unlimited testing, but not for life either"?

I am taking the nclex-rn for CA BRN and this is my 3rd time to take the exam, should I be complying for other requirements aside from the reapplication form? Thanks.

Ca allows many attempts at the exam so unless they ask for anything different you just need to complete form for resit. What I would suggest is you do not rush to resit but study accordingly. Maybe even consider Suzanne's plan, all information can be found on the main NCLEX forum page

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Each state has their own requirements, there is never any total unlimited time to test. One cannot test every few months for many years until they pass, there is usually a time limit on it from the time that they have graduated from school until the time that the exam needs to be passed by or they need to have some type of remedial program.

You will not have any issues with CA at this time, just make sure that you are fully prepared for the exam. You just have to pay the fees to the state again as well as the $200 for the exam.

Best of luck to you.

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I registered with VT state though I don't live there. Its just that their processing is fast compared to other states.

For retakers:

If you have taken and failed the NCLEX exam two times:

You must complete a formal NCLEX review course. Please submit the curriculum plan (published

description of the course), your certificate of completion and a final overall score for the course

along with the retake application and $30.00 fee.

If you have taken and failed the NCLEX exam three times or more:

Please contact the Vermont Board of Nursing Office for information.

This is so sad on my part because of expenses and time that will be taken because of their policy. But I am NOT GIVING UP!

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And they have a very strict policy that they enforce.

And why we always tell people to consider where they wish to work, not a state because it is quicker. You usually end up paying more in time and money trying to endorse to the state where you wish to work.

Unfortunately for you, you are witnessing it first hand.

Best of luck to you.

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Thank you Suzanne!

Yes I thought everything is pretty simple at first but I knew about it when I failed and read the notes for retakers. :crying2:

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I agree with suzzane4. Each states have their own rules and regulations regarding retesting for NCLEX. I have a relative from Illinois, and candidates are only allowed to take the NCLEX 3x (I know, it sucks!), otherwise, the candidates has to go for a remedial program.

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The answer to this question depends on the rules of the state that the person testing is trying to get a license in. Look at the website of the Board or give them a call with your question.

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