Failing the NCLEX doesn't mean you can't become a nurse! Here's how to prepare for your next attempt:
- Review your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) to identify areas that need improvement.
- Identify why you struggled, whether it was content knowledge, test-taking strategies, or test-day factors.
- Create a focused study plan that targets your weaknesses and builds your confidence for your retake.
Failing the NCLEX can be discouraging, but an unsuccessful attempt doesn't determine your future as a nurse. Many students pass on their next attempt!
The key is to approach your next attempt with a clear understanding of where you need to improve and a plan to get there. Here are four steps to help you prepare.
1. Review Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR)
If you don't pass the NCLEX, you'll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) with your official results.
Your CPR identifies areas where your performance was:
- Below the Passing Standard
- Near the Passing Standard
- Above the Passing Standard
These ratings cover the NCLEX Client Needs categories and clinical judgment.
Start by focusing on areas rated Below or Near the Passing Standard, while continuing to review your stronger areas.
Not sure where to start?
Upload your CPR to Bootcamp's CPR Analyzer to identify areas for improvement and get guidance on which topics to prioritize.
You can also use the table below to identify which NCLEX Bootcamp resources correspond to your CPR results.
2. Identify Why You Struggled
Before you resume studying, take time to reflect on your previous preparation.
Ask yourself: What was making questions difficult?
Content gaps: Were you struggling to recognize conditions, medications, or nursing interventions? You may need to strengthen your foundational knowledge in certain content areas.
Test-taking strategy: Did you overthink, misread questions, or struggle with NGN case studies? You may need more practice applying clinical judgment and effective test-taking strategies. Check out our NGN Strategy Course to learn how to approach these questions with confidence.
Test-day factors: Did anxiety, fatigue, or time management affect your performance? Consider how your test-day experience may have influenced your ability to answer questions.
You may identify several areas that need improvement. That's okay! Understanding these challenges will help you make the most of your study time.
3. Create a Focused Study Plan
Start by entering your retake date into the Study Schedule Creator to build a personalized day-by-day study plan.
As you study:
- Prioritize your weaker areas. Focus on content identified as Below or Near the Passing Standard on your CPR.
- Practice consistently. Regularly complete NCLEX-style questions and NGN case studies to strengthen your clinical judgment.
- Learn from your mistakes. Review rationales for both correct and incorrect answers to understand the reasoning behind each option.
- Review content as needed. Use Bootcamp's Cheat Sheets and Crash Course videos to reinforce topics you find challenging.
Remember: The goal isn't simply to complete more questions. It's to understand the content and strengthen your clinical judgment.
4. Assess Your Readiness Before Retesting
Take Bootcamp's CAT Readiness Exams when recommended in your Study Schedule to evaluate your progress and assess your readiness for the NCLEX.
These exams use computerized adaptive testing, similar to the NCLEX, and provide a chance-of-passing rating:
Low | Borderline | High | Very High
Use your results to identify areas that still need attention, and check your Pass Targets to see whether you're on track for test day.
If your results indicate that you need more preparation, adjust your study plan to focus on the areas that need improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I retake the NCLEX?
You must wait at least 45 days between NCLEX attempts. However, some nursing regulatory bodies have additional retake requirements, such as mandatory remediation or limits on exam attempts. Check with your nursing regulatory body to confirm when you're eligible to retest.
How many times can I take the NCLEX?
NCSBN's retake policy allows up to eight attempts per year, although individual nursing regulatory bodies may impose stricter limits.
Is the NCLEX retake harder?
No. You'll take the same computerized adaptive exam, with the same passing standard, but you'll receive a different set of questions.
Do I have to register and pay again?
Yes. You'll need to register again and pay the exam fee. You may also need to reapply to your nursing regulatory body and pay additional fees.
For U.S. candidates, the registration fee is currently $200 USD and will increase to $350 USD on February 1, 2027. For Canadian candidates, the fee is currently $360 CAD and will increase to $570 CAD on the same date.
Always check your nursing regulatory body's requirements before scheduling your retake.
