Becoming a registered nurse involves passing this big exam, NCLEX. There are some states with unlimited NCLEX attempts where you can take this exam as many times as you need to pass. This policy is helpful for nursing students, taking away some of the stress and ensuring everyone gets a fair shot at becoming a nurse.
Eight states that allow you to retake the NCLEX without restriction until you pass are
- California
- Arkansas
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Iowa
- New York
- Maryland
- Arizona.
While there is an unlimited time for a candidate to retake the exam in these states, each attempt requires adherence to the waiting period and completion of the necessary application process. Here are all the requirements for the unlimited attempt policy in these states.
1. California
As one of the largest states in the U.S., California has a high demand for nurses and provides unlimited attempts.
California allows candidates to retake this every forty-five days, with no limit on attempts. So, you can reattempt the NCLEX as many attempts as necessary until you successfully pass the exam and obtain your nursing licensure.
To retake, notify your NRB that you’ll retake it. Determine what materials and fees you must send to the NRB. Then, you can re-register with Pearson VUE.
2. Arkansas
In Arkansas, the regulations regarding unlimited NCLEX attempts allow candidates to register for this exam at any time.
Yet, you can’t retake the exam within 45 days of your last testing date. This time frame ensures you have enough time to address any areas of weakness before attempting the exam again.
To proceed with reattempting the NCLEX, you must complete Pearson VUE registration, the test vendor, before/at the same time submitting the State Licensure Application.
3. Pennsylvania
There are no restrictions on attempts a candidate can take this exam in Pennsylvania. In other words, you can attempt the exam until you pass. However, like other states, there is a waiting period of 46 days between examinations.
4. Ohio
In Ohio, you must wait 45 days before scheduling a retake after failing the exam. You need to obtain a new ATT from the Ohio Nursing Board.
Once they have the ATT, you can schedule another NCLEX attempt. This process ensures that candidates have time to adequately prepare and address any deficiencies before attempting the NCLEX again.
5. Iowa
In Iowa, candidates must also wait 45 days between each test, allowing for a maximum of 8 tests/year. However, there is no limit to the retests number a candidate can attempt.
To initiate a retest, you must repay the application fee to the IBON and, if over 12 months have passed since your last application, the fingerprinting fee as well. Also, you must register with Pearson VUE again to schedule their retest.
6. New York
In New York, you must wait for a duration of 45 days from the date of your previous exam administration before scheduling another attempt. Before retaking, you must obtain a new ATT from the New York SED.
Once the ATT is received, you can proceed with rescheduling the NCLEX. Although you have unlimited NCLEX attempts in this state, you must pay all applicable exam fees each time you attempt the exam.
Importantly, there are no additional licensure application fees or other charges imposed by the New York SED for retaking the exam.
7. Maryland
In Maryland, candidates who fail the NCLEX exam have the opportunity for unlimited NCLEX attempts. After failing the exam, you must also wait a minimum of 45 days before you can schedule a retake.
Upon receiving notification of your failure, you’ll get a rescheduled form with your failure results. Alternatively, you may request the rescheduled form from the Maryland Board of NED.
8. Arizona
Arizona allows candidates to retake this exam unlimited times (at least 45 days from the previous test) until they successfully pass.
However, there’s a caveat: if it has been over two years since the nursing program’s portion at the licensure time, individuals are obligated to undertake and pass a nursing refresher course.
This requirement ensures that nursing professionals who have been out of practice for an extended period refresh their knowledge and skills before obtaining licensure.
Final Thought
It’s all about fairness. Not everyone has a smooth ride getting ready for the NCLEX. Some might need a few tries to get it right. Unlimited attempts level the playing field, giving everyone a fair shake at proving themselves as capable nurses.
Patient safety is a big deal. We want nurses who know their stuff inside and out. Allowing unlimited attempts means candidates can nail down their skills before they hit the hospital floor, which means better patient care in the long run.
So yeah, while there are pros & cons to unlimited NCLEX attempt policy, it can make for a stronger, more diverse, and more confident nursing workforce.
Above are eight states with unlimited NCLEX attempts. By providing candidates with the opportunity to retake this exam without restrictions on the number of attempts, these states support nursing students in their journey toward licensure.
To make sure for your success, don’t forget to provide more knowledge with our NCLEX Guide for all nursing student.