It’s been five years since you graduated from nursing school. You did everything you were supposed to—passed all your courses, nailed your clinicals, and walked across the stage with your diploma.
But you didn’t take the NCLEX right away. Life happened. Responsibilities piled up. Now, you’re sitting there wondering: “Can I take the NCLEX 5 years after nursing school?”
Let’s be clear from the start: Yes, you likely can. But there are some important things to know and a few steps you may need to take to make sure you're eligible.
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the final step to becoming a registered nurse. But as with any important step, there are some requirements you must meet. If it’s been five years or more since your nursing graduation, don’t panic.
The process might look different from what you expected, but you still have options. Let's explore what steps you need to take to get back on track and ace that exam.NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN
It’s also worth noting that there are two versions of the NCLEX: the NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses and the NCLEX-PN for Practical Nurses. Each version of the exam has slightly different requirements and content, so be sure to check which one applies to you.
If you’re unsure which version of the exam applies to you, check your nursing program's curriculum and make sure you're registering for the correct test.
What You Need to Know About NCLEX Eligibility
Before we get into the specifics of what happens if it’s been a few years since you graduated, let's quickly cover the basic eligibility requirements for the NCLEX. Whether you're pursuing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, there are several key steps and qualifications to meet before you’re allowed to sit for the exam.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam. But what happens if you’ve been out of school for a while? That’s where things get a bit more complicated.
State-Specific Rules for NCLEX Eligibility
Here’s the thing: the eligibility requirements for the NCLEX aren’t universal. They vary by state, which means what applies in one state may not apply in another. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect if you want to take the NCLEX after a break from nursing school.
Graduate from Nursing School but Didn’t Take the NCLEX Right Away
If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. Many nurses put off taking the NCLEX for various reasons, but the good news is that most states will still allow you to take the exam, even after a significant gap. However, some states may require extra steps. These could include:
Can I Still Take the NCLEX 5 Years After Nursing School?
Yes, it is still possible to take the NCLEX after five years, but you may face a few obstacles. While most states allow you to sit for the NCLEX even after a long gap, there are certain things you may need to do to meet eligibility requirements. These could include taking a refresher course, providing evidence of continuing education, or submitting proof of clinical experience.
Steps to Take to Ensure NCLEX Eligibility
If you’ve been out of school for a while, there are several steps you can take to ensure you’re still eligible to take the NCLEX:
Taking the NCLEX in a Different State
If you’ve moved to a new state since you graduated from nursing school, you’ll need to check with that state’s Board of Nursing. Some states have slightly different rules, so even if you were eligible to take the NCLEX in your previous state, you might need to meet additional requirements for your new state. Here are a few things you might encounter:
Tips for Passing the NCLEX After a Delay
If it’s been several years since you’ve been in school, don’t worry! You can still pass the NCLEX with the right preparation. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
1. Start with a Review Course
The best way to refresh your memory and get back into the groove of nursing is by enrolling in an NCLEX review course. These courses offer structured study plans, practice questions, and expert guidance, which can make a huge difference in your exam preparation.
2. Practice with NCLEX-Style Questions
The NCLEX is a unique test with its own style of questions. To be prepared, you need to practice with questions that mimic the actual exam. Use online practice exams, apps, and question banks to get used to the format.
3. Focus on Key Nursing Areas
The NCLEX tests your knowledge in several key areas. Spend extra time reviewing subjects like patient care, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. These topics make up a significant portion of the exam.
4. Stay Up-to-Date
The healthcare field is always evolving. To succeed on the NCLEX and in your career, you’ll need to stay current. Follow nursing journals, attend webinars, and join professional organizations to stay informed about the latest trends.
Tips for Retaking the NCLEX After 5 Years: Getting Back on Track
Taking the NCLEX after a long break is no small feat. If you’ve been away from the nursing world for a few years, it’s understandable to feel a bit out of practice. But don’t worry! You can still do this.
It’s all about knowing how to prepare efficiently and effectively. Here are a few tips to help you get back on track for the NCLEX after five years, even if it feels like a distant memory.
1. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It
When you’ve been away from nursing for a while, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of preparing for such a big exam. The key is to break down your study sessions into manageable chunks.
Create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle and make sure to stick with it. Try dedicating 2-3 hours each day for review sessions, and include breaks so you don’t burn out.
2. Focus on Your Weakest Areas
If it’s been five years since you graduated, it’s likely that some areas of nursing knowledge may need more attention than others. Make sure to focus extra time on subjects you feel less confident about.
3. Take Advantage of NCLEX Review Courses
If it’s been a while since you were last in nursing school, an NCLEX review course might be just what you need to get back into the groove. These courses offer structured content reviews and provide you with helpful practice exams to make sure you’re ready.
You’ll get access to detailed explanations of questions, tips for answering, and strategies to handle difficult test items. Many review courses are available online and allow you to go at your own pace.How to Stay Motivated While Preparing for the NCLEX After 5 Years
Studying for the NCLEX is tough. Add the fact that it’s been a few years since you’ve been in school, and it can feel even harder.
But staying motivated is key, and there are simple ways to push through those tough moments. Here are some strategies to help you stay on track as you prepare for the NCLEX, even after five years.1. Celebrate Small Wins
Preparation for the NCLEX is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories along the way, like completing a study module, mastering a tricky concept, or scoring well on a practice exam. These small wins will build momentum and keep you feeling accomplished.
2. Find a Study Buddy or Group
If studying alone seems overwhelming, consider finding a study buddy or joining a study group. Having someone else to share the journey with can make all the difference. You can quiz each other, discuss difficult topics, and keep each other accountable.
If you’re retaking the NCLEX, you’ve got to subscribe to the NCLEX Daily Dose emails! Every day, you'll receive a helpful tip, a question of the day, and strategies to get you prepared for the big test.
These emails are packed with everything you need to stay focused, stay motivated, and keep moving toward your goal. Don’t miss out—sign up today!
3. Stay Positive and Focused on the Goal
It’s easy to get discouraged, especially after such a long gap. But remember: you have everything it takes to succeed. Stay positive, keep your end goal in mind, and remind yourself why you’re pursuing this path.
Need a quick way to study for the NCLEX? Download our NCLEX Cheatsheets today! These cheatsheets provide you with all the key information in a compact, easy-to-reference format, helping you stay organized and on top of your study game.
Perfect for last-minute review or daily use, they’ll make sure you’re ready to take on the exam. Get your cheatsheets now and keep your studies on track!
Final Thoughts on Can I Take the NCLEX 5 Years After Nursing School?
In conclusion, the answer to the question, "Can I take the NCLEX 5 years after nursing school?" is yes, with a few important conditions. While most states will allow you to sit for the exam after a long break, you may need to take additional steps to prove you’re still up-to-date with nursing practices.
These steps might include taking a refresher course, showing proof of continuing education, or providing documentation of your clinical experience.
If you’ve been out of nursing for a while, don’t let the time gap hold you back. With the right preparation, you can still achieve your goal of becoming a registered nurse. Just be sure to check your state’s specific eligibility requirements and take the necessary steps to make sure you’re ready for the NCLEX. You’ve got this!