In this article, I’ll go over some of the things you need to know about whether or not your NCLEX exam expires after taking it.
Like everything in life, there’s a standard answer and exceptions to that answer.
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Does Your NCLEX Expire?
As long as you’re a practicing nurse, your NCLEX does not expire. In other words, you do not have to retake it. If you haven’t practiced for an extended period, you may be required to retake the NCLEX or take remedial classes to have your license reinstated.
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Practicing Nurses Don’t Need to Worry
Rest assured that your NCLEX score will not expire if you’re a practicing nurse that’s meeting all of your requirements for active licensure.
You might be wondering what I mean by requirements.
Some states set requirements for how many hours nurses must work a year for active licensure.
On top of that, some states also set continuing education requirements (CEUs) that nurses must accomplish to be in good standing.
What About Moving to Another State?
Generally, if you’re moving to another state, you do not need to retake the NCLEX if you’re already in good standing in your current state.
You would typically need to apply for licensure by endorsement to get a license in a new state based on your licensure in another state.
Every State is Different
To make a very long story short, every state is different.
To know how your state will handle a particular situation, you’ll need to contact that state’s board of nursing for clarification.
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Check out the comprehensive NCLEX prep review that I recommend. Don’t bother with other NCLEX preps that over promise and under deliver. Did I mention they have a 99.86% NCLEX pass rate?
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