NCLEX-PN retake: the 45-day rule, how to reapply and how to plan the next attempt
Written and reviewed by Rachel Goldberg, MSN, RN, CEN · 3 min read · Updated November 2026
Short answer
You can retake the NCLEX-PN after at least 45 test-free days, up to eight times a year under NCSBN's 2026 policy, unless your board sets a lower limit. To retest, tell your nursing regulatory body, meet its requirements, reregister with Pearson VUE and pay the 200 dollar fee, then wait for a new Authorization to Test.
How soon you can retake and how many times
The 2026 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin states that candidates may take the NCLEX eight times a year with at least 45 test-free days between each exam, unless the jurisdiction offers a limited number of attempts. The bulletin also says repeat candidates will be offered an appointment after 45 days. The same rule covers the PN and the RN.
Worked example: if you tested on March 2, the 45 test-free days run into mid-April, so your earliest retake date is mid-April. The real limit on total attempts comes from your board, so ask it directly. Some boards license practical or vocational nurses separately; California's Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians handles LVN licensure by exam.
The retake application, step by step
NCSBN's results page lists five steps: contact your nursing regulatory body and say you plan to retest, complete any fees or materials it requires, reregister with Pearson VUE and pay the fee, wait for a new Authorization to Test (ATT), and schedule your appointment. Your earlier ATT does not carry over.
As of the 2026 bulletin, the registration fee is 200 US dollars. The ATT is valid for a period your board sets, about 90 days on average, and the dates cannot be extended. If the window closes before you test, you reregister and pay again. Check nclex.com before paying, because fees and steps can change.
Read your PN Candidate Performance Report first
If you fail, your board sends a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). According to the bulletin, it confirms the failing result, shows how many items you were given, and summarizes your relative strengths and weaknesses across the test plan. NCSBN intends it as the guide for your next round of study.
Treat the report as a ranking of where to look first, and weigh each weak area by its share of the exam: a weak area worth 6 to 12 percent of items is a lower priority than a weak area worth 18 to 24 percent.
Build the plan on the 2026 PN test plan weights
The 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan, in effect from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029, gives these ranges: Coordinated Care 18 to 24 percent, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control 10 to 16, Pharmacological Therapies 10 to 16, Psychosocial Integrity 9 to 15, Reduction of Risk Potential 9 to 15, and Health Promotion and Maintenance 6 to 12.
Basic Care and Comfort and Physiological Adaptation are 7 to 13 percent each. Note that the PN plan uses Coordinated Care where the RN plan uses Management of Care, so use PN resources. Rank your CPR areas by this weight, spend the first half of your time on the heavy weak ones, and take timed mixed sets each week.
Sources
NCSBN: NCLEX Results (nclex.com). 45 days after administration, eight times a year with 45 test-free days; five retake steps; stricter jurisdiction limits; CPR for failing candidates
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin. Retake policy; repeat candidates offered appointments after 45 days; 200 USD registration fee; ATT validity about 90 days, not extendable; CPR contents; 2026 PN test plan ranges effective April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2029
California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians: Vocational Nurse licensure by examination. California licenses vocational nurses by examination through a separate board from RNs
Common questions
How soon can I retake the NCLEX-PN?
NCSBN's 2026 bulletin requires at least 45 test-free days between attempts. Your board can require a longer wait, so confirm with it before you reregister.
How many times can you take the PN NCLEX?
NCSBN allows up to eight attempts a year. Some boards limit the total number of attempts or add conditions, so your board's rules decide your real limit.
Do I pay the full fee again to retake the NCLEX-PN?
Yes. You reregister with Pearson VUE and pay the registration fee each time, 200 US dollars as of the 2026 bulletin. Your board may charge its own fee too.