How to Pass the NCLEX (Even If You’ve Failed Before)
July 27, 2025
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How to Pass the NCLEX (Even If You’ve Failed Before)
How to Pass the NCLEX
(Even If You’ve Failed Before)
Every nurse’s journey is different, and if you’re here because you didn’t pass the NCLEX on your first try, I want to tell you this clearly:
You are not alone. You are not behind. And you are not out of options.
The NCLEX is a rigorous exam, and failing doesn’t mean you’re not smart or capable. It simply means your current strategy didn’t align with what the NCLEX actually tests. And the good news? That can be fixed.
This guide is designed specifically for repeat NCLEX test takers, whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN—and it’s built to help you pass in 2025 with confidence, clarity, and the right tools.
Why Repeat Test Takers Struggle—and How to Break the Cycle
First, let’s be honest: failing the NCLEX can shake your confidence. You may begin to doubt your abilities or feel overwhelmed with where to begin again.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need more information—you need better implementation.
Most repeat test takers fall into one or more of the following traps:
Using too many resources at once, leading to overload
Memorizing content without understanding application
Skipping content review and jumping straight into practice questions
Studying without a plan or clear timeline
Not addressing test anxiety or poor test-taking strategies
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
Step 1: Start With a Fresh, Focused NCLEX Study Plan
Repeating the same study plan that failed you won’t bring different results. You need a new, structured approach that targets both content mastery and critical thinking.
Here’s a 4-Week Reset Plan for repeat test takers:
Week 1: Content Review
Focus on high-yield areas: Priority, Safety, Infection Control, and Pharmacology
Use visual and auditory learning (video lectures, flashcards)
Week 2: Question Strategy
Practice 75–100 NCLEX-style questions per day
Focus on rationales, not just getting the right answer
Identify patterns in your mistakes
Week 3: Self-Assessment + Correction
Take a full-length CAT exam to simulate test day
Re-study weak areas based on your results
Review key labs, meds, and delegation
Week 4: Confidence + Control
Practice mixed-question quizzes daily
Journal or reflect on your progress
Prioritize mental wellness and test-day readiness
👉 Tip: Use a proven NCLEX program like ReMar V2, which is built specifically to help repeat test takers recover and pass.
Step 2: Use a Limited Number of Trusted NCLEX Resources
One major mistake repeat test takers make is collecting too many resources—and not mastering any of them.
Stick with 2 to 3 high-quality tools that address both content and critical thinking:
Quick Facts for NCLEX – Focused content review that’s easy to retain
ReMar V2 NCLEX Program – A complete prep system with structured videos, QBank, CAT exams, and a money-back guarantee
Optional: A daily question bank if you want on-the-go practice (but make sure it aligns with the NCLEX test plan)
Don’t confuse busyness with progress. Mastery comes from focus and repetition—not resource-hopping.
Step 3: Understand What the NCLEX Is Actually Testing
The NCLEX isn’t a memory test. It’s a thinking test.
It evaluates:
Your ability to prioritize care
Your clinical judgment under pressure
Your knowledge of patient safety
Your ability to respond to changing patient conditions
That’s why it’s common for high-performing nursing students to struggle on the NCLEX—it’s not just about knowing facts, it’s about knowing what to do first and why.
Your study plan must include:
Practice with priority and delegation questions
Realistic SATA (select all that apply) practice
Understanding of nursing process steps (ADPIE)
Step 4: Review Your CPR Report (If You Have One)
If you previously failed the NCLEX, you likely received a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This report is your blueprint for improvement.
It shows:
Which client needs categories you were above, near, or below standard in
Which areas you should focus your review on (e.g., Management of Care, Health Promotion, Physiological Adaptation)
Use it to customize your study plan. For example:
Below standard in Pharmacological Therapies? Focus on med classes and side effects.
Struggling in Management of Care? Practice delegation, prioritization, and legal responsibilities.
Step 5: Simulate the NCLEX Before Test Day
You wouldn’t run a marathon without training—and you shouldn’t take the NCLEX without simulation practice.
Key elements of simulation:
Take two full-length CAT exams before your test
Use the same time constraints as the real exam
Practice taking breaks and staying calm under pressure
Simulation reduces test anxiety by making the unknown known.
Step 6: Prepare for Test Day With Strategy and Faith
Here’s how to walk in ready:
Get a full night of sleep (no cramming!)
Eat something light and protein-rich before the test
Arrive at the center early with your ID and ATT
Expect nerves—but remind yourself: “I’ve prepared. I will pass.”
If the test ends at 85 questions, or goes all the way to 145, that tells you nothing. Focus on controlling what you can: your thoughts, your attitude, and your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions for Repeat NCLEX Test Takers
Plan for at least 4–6 weeks of focused study. Don’t rush—but don’t delay out of fear either.
Absolutely. It’s designed specifically for repeat and international nurses, with content refreshers, step by step support and complete NCLEX prep.
Simulate the exam, practice breathing exercises, and build confidence by mastering small sections daily. Faith, preparation, and support go a long way.
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