Can I retake NCLEX in another state?

Yes, you can take the NCLEX in any state convenient for you, even if you plan to get licensed elsewhere, as Pearson VUE locations are available nationwide. However, the results go to the Board of Nursing (BON) where you applied for licensure, so you must apply for a license in the state where you intend to practice, and you must meet that specific state's requirements, which can differ, especially for retakes after multiple failures (like in Florida).

Can I retake my NCLEX in another state?

Yes, the NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing (BON) where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. You should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and/or practice.

What state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate?

Florida's NCLEX Performance

The Florida Center for Nursing reported that Florida's first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84.9% in 2024, 6.3 percentage points below the national average of 91.2%. For NCLEX-PN test-takers, Florida's first-time pass rate was 80.8% versus the national average of 88.4%.

Is the NCLEX transferable to another state?

If you passed your NCLEX in a compact state, then you may already have a compact license (or “multi-state license”). That means you can already work in another compact state without getting another license. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Can I change my NCLEX location?

Once an NCLEX registration has been created, candidates who want to change the nursing regulatory body where licensure/registration was requested or the type of examination requested must contact Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services and will be required to pay a change fee.

Does It Matter Where You Take the NCLEX? | Taking the NCLEX in a Different State

Which state is hardest to get an RN license?

California, New York, and Hawaii are often cited as having the hardest nursing license processes due to long processing times, extensive documentation (like fingerprints/background checks), and being non-compact states, meaning no license portability; other states like Maryland and Ohio also present challenges with stringent requirements and delays, while Florida has lower NCLEX pass rates, indicating educational preparedness issues rather than application hurdles.
 

Do you really have to wait 45 days to retake NCLEX?

Retake Policy

Candidates who have applied for licensure/registration with a participating nursing regulatory body (NRB) can take the NCLEX eight times a year and there must be 45 test-free days between each examination.

What is the easiest state to pass the NCLEX?

Top 5 States with the Highest NCLEX Pass Rates

1. New Hampshire. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 96.5% ...
2. North Dakota. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 96.4% ...
3. Nebraska. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 95.1% ...
4. Tennessee. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 94.9% ...
5. Wyoming. NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2024): 94.9%

Can you be an RN in two states?

Nurses who live in a compact state can apply for a multistate license if they meet the licensure requirements.

Can I transfer my NCLEX?

These candidates may ask to request a score transfer when applying to another NCLEX-participating NRB. (If the applicant was licensed, see instead: Nursys Verification for Endorsement.) Applicable candidates must request the score transfer from the NRB that currently owns the exam result.

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE trick (getting the "good pop-up" saying you can't re-register), your Pearson VUE account showing "exam complete" and no ATT, seeing your name on the State Board of Nursing's license verification site (often with an RN/LPN number), and feeling confident after the exam with tough questions appearing at the minimum question count (like 85) before it shuts off. The only official confirmation is the State Board of Nursing, but these indicators provide strong clues.
 

Which states pay nurses the lowest?

Best Paying States for Nurses

The state with the highest annual wage is California, which has an average wage of $133,340 per year. Following behind California are Hawaii, with an average salary wage of $113,220, and Oregon at $106,610. The states with the lowest average wage are Alabama, Arkansas and South Dakota.

What is better, ACen or CCNE?

Neither ACEN nor CCNE is inherently "better"; both are respected, U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditors ensuring quality nursing education, with the main difference being scope: ACEN covers all levels (LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP), while CCNE focuses on Baccalaureate (BSN) and higher (MSN, DNP) programs, making CCNE more common for advanced degrees and ACEN for foundational ones, but either is excellent for career mobility and advanced studies. Your choice depends on your program level and career goals, but always choose a program accredited by one of these, or another recognized agency like CNEA. 

Does it matter in what state you take the NCLEX?

Can I take the NCLEX at a test center outside of my desired jurisdiction of licensure/registration? You are able to take the NCLEX at any Pearson Professional Testing location, regardless of where you are applying for licensure/registration. The NCLEX is given year round and is administered by Pearson.

How much does it cost to retake NCLEX?

How much does it cost to retake the NCLEX? The registration fee for NCLEX retesting is $200 with Pearson VUE, and there's a $75 reapplication fee. Before paying any registration fees, though, contact your local nursing board and determine your state guidelines and requirements for retesting.

Which state is the easiest to apply for NCLEX?

The Bottom Line

While each state has its own requirements, New York, Connecticut, and Montana stand out as the easiest states to apply for NCLEX to obtain a nursing compact license. We highly recommend considering these options if you want to make your journey easier.

What is the easiest state to become an RN?

Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure into the world of nursing and find your perfect destination!

• Overview of Nursing Profession.
• Top 7 Easiest States to Become a Nurse.
• Texas:
• Florida:
• Ohio:
• North Carolina:
• Tennessee:
• Arizona:

What score do I need to pass the NCLEX?

The Board of Directors then votes to set the passing standard. The NCLEX test plans outline the knowledge, skills, abilities, and clinical judgment expected of entry-level nurses. As of 2024, the passing standards are 0.00 logits (RN) and –0.18 logits (PN), in effect through March 31, 2026.

Is 70% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with a 70% on practice tests, as it indicates good readiness by showing consistent performance above the typical 60-70% target, but the actual NCLEX is adaptive and doesn't use percentages; you pass by consistently demonstrating nursing competency above a set standard (0.00 logits), so a 70% score on a practice question bank (QBank) is a strong sign you're ready for the real exam's variable difficulty.
 

Which state has the strictest nursing board?

Hardest States to Obtain an RN License

• California. Compact State: No. Challenges: Requires individual state licensure—no reciprocity or compact privileges. ...
• New York. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Massachusetts. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Hawaii. Compact State: No. Challenges: ...
• Nevada.

What is the easiest nurse to become?

LPNs/LVNs are the fastest entry-level nursing program, often taking between one year and 16 months. They have the lowest level of authority and professional autonomy among all nurses.

What are signs you failed the NCLEX?

Signs you might have failed the NCLEX include the test shutting off at the minimum questions (75/85) while you felt you were answering basic/easy questions or didn't know the content, questions becoming consistently easier (indicating you're not meeting the passing standard), and not receiving your license or a new Authorization to Test (ATT) soon after, which would be needed to re-register. However, the only sure way to know is official results, as feelings are unreliable; many pass even if the test ends early or seems hard.
 

How many nurses pass NCLEX on first try?

Overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates surged after the test change in April 2023, climbing from 88.6% in 2023 to 91.2% in 2024. However, through most of 2025, overall first-time pass rates3 have dipped to 87.5% — prompting reflection about what these trends mean for student preparedness and program effectiveness.

What states have unlimited NCLEX attempts?

California: Every 45 days as many times as you want. Florida: 3 attempts then you have to go back to school. Pennsylvania: Unlimited attempts. Ohio: Unlimited attempts.