In what states can you take the NCLEX unlimited times?

Several states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, generally offer unlimited NCLEX attempts with no overall cap, though candidates must follow the mandatory 45-day wait between attempts and the NCSBN's limit of 8 attempts per year. Other states like California, Colorado, and Texas also allow unlimited attempts but may have specific requirements, such as reapplication and fees, or waiting periods.

Which state has unlimited NCLEX exams?

Each State Board of Nursing Can Have Separate Rules:

For example, you can take the NCLEX® in these states as follows: Texas: Every 45 days for 4 years . . . then you have to go back to school. California: Every 45 days as many times as you want.

Can you take the NCLEX unlimited times?

Overview. Candidates are permitted to take the NCLEX exam up to eight times within a calendar year, adhering to a mandatory waiting period of 45 days between attempts. It is crucial that candidates pass the exam within three years of their graduation from nursing school.

How many times can you take the NCLEX by state?

test-takers who fail the California Board exam must re-apply, with an additional fee and a new application. Florida: Test-takers have three attempts to pass the NCLEX. After that, they must complete a Florida Board of Nursing-approved remedial course to reinstate testing eligibility for a fourth examination.

How many times can you take NCLEX Florida?

❓ How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX in Florida? You can take the NCLEX RN exam up to 8 times per year with at least a 45-day wait between attempts. In Florida, you may only attempt the NCLEX 3 times within a 3-year period. After 3 failures, you must complete a Florida BON-approved RN Remediation Program.

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.
 

How many times can I take NCLEX in Texas?

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.

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.

How many times can you take the NCLEX in Arizona?

In these states you'll have eight attempts to take the NCLEX each year, with a 45-day break between tries. Here's a list of states that align with these guidelines: Alabama. Arizona.

How many times can you take the NCLEX in Tennessee?

Tennessee's Board of Nursing allows students who do not pass the NCLEX the first time to retake the exam. You can take it eight times per year but there must be 45 test-free days between each examination and you must pass within three years of graduation.

What states allow you to challenge the RN exam?

Challenging the Exam Board

Pennsylvania, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida are the ONLY states that allow LPNs or military medics to challenge the nursing exam board to bypass a nursing program to become an RN. An accredited LPN program must still be completed.

Is 70% enough to pass NCLEX?

You can potentially pass the NCLEX with a 70% on practice tests, as it's not about a fixed percentage but consistently demonstrating competency above the passing standard, though scores above 70% often indicate readiness, with some aiming for 70%+ in practice questions. The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) that adapts difficulty, so a high practice score means you're likely answering harder questions correctly, putting you above the passing threshold.
 

Can I transfer my NCLEX 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.

What state has the easiest RN program?

2026 List of the Easiest Nursing Schools to Get Into

• The University of Texas at El Paso. ...
• Georgia State University. ...
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University. ...
• 6. California State University, Fresno. ...
• Lewis-Clark State College. ...
• Sam Houston State University. ...
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. ...
• The University of New Mexico.

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 what state I take my NCLEX in?

Yes, the NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you.

Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate?

Total Number of Candidates (2024): 836

New Hampshire has the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., exceeding the national average by more than five percentage points.

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.

How many times can you take NCLEX in Colorado?

Colorado. Colorado only allows you to take the exam three times within three years of your first attempt. If you want to take the exam a fourth time, you must submit a petition.

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.

How many times can you take NCLEX in Utah?

It's not uncommon to take the NCLEX more than once. You can take the NCLEX 8 times per year with a 45 day waiting period between each test. The average NCLEX test-taker in Layton spends about three months studying for the exam.

What state pays RN the most money?

California consistently ranks as the highest-paying state for Registered Nurses (RNs), with average salaries often exceeding $130,000-$140,000 annually, followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, though specific figures vary by source and year, with cost of living adjustments also influencing rankings.
 

What disqualifies you from being an RN?

You can be disqualified from becoming an RN due to serious criminal history (especially violent, sexual, or drug-related felonies), substance abuse issues, fraudulent application, or certain uncontrolled health conditions that impair safe practice, with specific rules varying by state board of nursing, though felony convictions, abuse, and fraud are common hurdles. While some crimes are automatic disqualifiers, others may be reviewed based on rehabilitation, time passed, and context. 

Can I have an RN license in multiple states?

Yes, you can have an RN license in multiple states, primarily through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses in member states to practice in other NLC states with a single multistate license, eliminating the need for separate licenses in each state and easing telehealth and travel nursing. If you don't live in a compact state or need to practice in a non-compact state, you must apply for a traditional single-state license in that specific jurisdiction.