Limit of how many times you can take the NCLEX exam?

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So first let me say, I am in my first semester in an ADN program. I have to withdraw for medical reasons, so I am several years away from taking my NCLEX exam. I can't pretend to know how hard the exam is or how much effort goes into studying for it. I just wanted to get some insight and information about it, without upsetting anyone.

Is there a limit to how many times you can take the exam? I know of a BSN program where your degree was void if you did not pass by the 3rd time (not sure if you had to retake classes or what). Would you be worried about a nurse's abilities if they had to take the exam over and over again? Do patients or hospitals worry about it (maybe they never even know)?

I have a feeling I may be one to retake it, I traditional do not test well.

Thanks for reading :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

There are many threads on here about this subject. Please use the search tool.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As mentioned there are many threads discussing this, in regards to how many times you can sit it will depend on your state. Some states have 3 attempts and then further studying and others allow unlimited attempts

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

thread moved to NCLEX for best response

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

There ought to be limits but sadly, many states have none. Nice little money maker.

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I apologize this is long. I know this doesn't answer your question, but it sounds to me at least like you are already stressing yourself out over an exam that is far off. The exams you are going to take in nursing school *should* be NCLEX style questions. This will help you start to learn how to answer NCLEX style questions. By the time you graduate, you will be used to these types of exams. So, essentially you are preparing for the NCLEX from the get go. I highly recommend, and I cannot stress this enough, to buy an NCLEX book if not now, then at least by the time you start your classes again. For each topic you learn in class, go home that day/week (or wherever you study) and do those questions in the NCLEX book. Get yourself as familiar as possible from the get go with NCLEX style questions.

Preparedness should help decrease your test taking anxiety. For example, if you are learning in class neuro, read your text or supplement books, and before your class moves on to the next body system, look up neuro in your NCLEX book and do those questions. Then read the rationales for the answers. When I was studying for the NCLEX, I even read the rationales for the questions I got right, because I seamed to always learn something new. Sometimes I found out I chose the right answer but not for the right reason.

Im sorry you are set back because of a medical issue. I too was set back at the end of my first semester due to medical reasons. I used that time to keep studying. I wish the best of luck to you, and I hope you take into consideration my advice of using an NCLEX book alongside your class topics. And one more thing. You may think you're bad at test taking, but you got INTO nursing school by taking exams. That's an accomplishment in and of itself :-)

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