Retaking NCLEX

If you were unsuccessful taking NCLEX, you may not be employed in Kentucky in a licensed nursing position, nor may you orient to a licensed nurse position until you are issued a permanent Kentucky license.

Applicants for licensure by examination may take NCLEX every 46 days.  There is no limit to the number of times NCLEX can be taken.

You must reapply to both KBN, via the online UNIVERSAL APPLICATIONS, and Pearson/VUE  and pay both fees again.  The criminal history report is valid for 6 months from the date listed at the top of the report.  If the criminal history report is older than 6 months, you must request another report from the Administrative Office of the Courts.  Criminal History Request Form [PDF Format - 13k].  You may also submit a paper application to KBN by printing and completing the Examination Application Form [PDF Format - 85k].

After KBN makes you eligible to test, Pearson/VUE will send you an ATT.  When you receive your ATT, contact Pearson/VUE  to schedule a testing date within the time frame shown on your ATT (test centers are listed on the website).

More information regarding the Provisional License and Clinical Internship when retaking NCLEX can be found on the Credentials Licensure by Examination page.

Download the NCLEX® Candidate Bulletin  for registration and scheduling information.  

You may register with Pearson/VUE by one of the following methods:

• Online at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex,  select the registration option (Create a Web Account and Register), and follow the instructions provided.  Payment for this method is by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. 
   
• Telephone NCLEX Candidate Services at 1-866-496-2539, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CST), to schedule an exam.   You will need the completed registration form to use as a guideline for scheduling the exam.  Payment for this method is by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express (credit cards will be verified before registrations are processed).
  
  
• Mail a $200 certified check, cashier's check, or money order (made payable to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing) to:
  
  NCLEX Operations
  PO Box 64950
  St. Paul, MN 55164-0950
  
  Personal checks, cash, foreign currency, or credit cards cannot be used when registering by mail.