Failing the NCLEX three times does not permanently ban you from becoming a nurse, but it triggers significant requirements and a mandatory waiting period before you can test again. The specific rules are set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and the individual state board of nursing where you are seeking licensure.

After a third failure, you will be required to complete a mandatory remediation or “cooling-off” period. Most state boards require you to wait a minimum of 45 days before your next attempt, similar to previous retakes. However, many states impose an additional, longer-term requirement after the third fail, which can include:

Proof of Remedial Education: You may need to provide evidence that you have completed an approved NCLEX review course or a prescribed remedial education program.
Extended Waiting Period: Some states may require you to wait several months (e.g., 90 days to a year) before applying to retest for the fourth time.
Additional Documentation: You might need to submit a new application, a new fee, and a detailed plan of study to your state board for approval.

There is no lifetime limit on the number of times you can take the NCLEX at the national level, but individual state boards have the authority to set limits or impose conditions after multiple failures. It is critical to contact your specific state board of nursing for their exact policy after a third unsuccessful attempt.

To continue, you must obtain a new Authorization to Test (ATT) from your state board after meeting their post-failure requirements. You will also need to pay the exam fee again to Pearson VUE.

For more context on the essential role of the NCLEX, you can read about working in the USA without it.

For the official retake policy and to find your state board’s contact information, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.