Does it Take Longer to Get NCLEX Results If You Fail?

Does it take longer to get NCLEX results if you fail? That thought creeps into your mind the second you step out of the testing center. The exam is over, but now, a whole new phase begins: waiting.

Some people swear they got their results in just a day or two. Others claim they waited over a week, and they failed. Someone says their results took forever, and it turned out they passed. You start second-guessing everything.

But does failure really mean a delay? Or is it just another myth nursing students pass around in forums? Let’s clear it up once and for all.

How NCLEX Results Are Released: The Breakdown

Every NCLEX exam follows a strict process before results reach you. Pearson VUE, the company that administers the exam, does not directly send your results. Instead, results go through multiple steps before arriving in your inbox.

How the NCLEX is Scored

If everything happens automatically, why do some people get results sooner than others?

Does It Take Longer to Get NCLEX Results If You Fail? The Truth Behind the Rumor

Many NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test-takers believe delays in results mean failure, while fast results confirm a pass. But is that actually true? Let’s break down how NCLEX results are processed and whether failing really causes a delay.

Why Do Some Results Come Out Faster?

The NCLEX does not release results at the exact same time for every test-taker. Multiple factors influence how long you wait:

Do Failing Test-Takers Wait Longer for Results?

No, failing does not automatically delay your results. Most candidates—whether they pass or fail—receive results within the same timeframe.

However, some situations may cause delays for failing candidates:

So, while failing itself does not slow things down, certain factors related to failing may cause a minor delay.

How Long Does It Take to Get NCLEX Results? A State-by-State Look

Each state board of nursing follows its own timeline for releasing official NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN results. Here’s a general guide:

Some states allow candidates to purchase Quick Results through Pearson VUE. This option provides unofficial results within 48 hours, but it is not available in every state.

What If Your NCLEX Results Are Delayed? Common Reasons

Sometimes, results take longer than expected. If you’re waiting longer than your peers, these could be the reasons:

1. Exam Review Holds

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) places a temporary hold on some exams to verify accuracy. This can happen if:

2. Quick Results Payment Issues

Paid for Quick Results but still don’t see them? Double-check your payment. If Pearson VUE encounters a payment error, results will not be accessible.

3. State Board Processing Delays

Some state nursing boards process results in large batches. If you test on a Friday, don’t expect results over the weekend. High test volumes may also slow processing times.

4. Pearson VUE System Errors or Maintenance

If Pearson VUE experiences technical issues, results may be delayed. This happens occasionally, especially during periods of high traffic.

How to Handle the Waiting Period: Staying Calm and Productive

Waiting for NCLEX results can feel like torture. But stressing won’t make them come faster.

Ways to Stay Sane While Waiting

The NCLEX waiting period feels never-ending, but panicking won’t change the outcome. Instead of stressing over results, focus on productive ways to stay calm. Here’s how to manage the wait without losing your mind.

Step Away from Pearson VUE

Constantly checking your Pearson VUE account won’t speed up your results. Refreshing the page repeatedly increases stress and fuels unnecessary anxiety. Set a specific time to check once or twice a day, then leave it alone.

Prepare for Both Outcomes

Whether you pass or fail, have a plan ready. If you pass, celebrate and prepare for your nursing license. If you don’t, review your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) and create a structured plan for your next attempt.

Stay Busy

Keeping your mind occupied helps make the waiting period more bearable. Engage in work, hobbies, or exercise. Spending time with loved ones can also distract from unnecessary overthinking about results.

Stop Overanalyzing Your Exam

The number of NCLEX questions does not predict your results. Some pass with 145 questions, others fail with 75. The Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system determines your competency, so overanalyzing test length or difficulty won’t provide answers.

How to Minimize Anxiety While Waiting for NCLEX Results

The wait for NCLEX results feels like an emotional rollercoaster. The thought lingers—does it take longer to get NCLEX results if you fail? The stress alone makes the wait feel longer. But instead of letting anxiety take over, focus on strategies that keep your mind occupied and your stress levels low.

1. Avoid Overanalyzing Your NCLEX Experience

The number of questions you got, the difficulty of the test, or whether your exam shut off at 75 questions does not determine your results. Some pass with 145 questions. Some fail at 75. The NCLEX follows Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), so every test-taker’s experience looks different. Overanalyzing the exam serves no purpose.

2. Limit Checking for Results

Refreshing your Pearson VUE account every five minutes won’t speed up the process. Set a schedule—check once in the morning and once at night, if necessary. Anything beyond that creates unnecessary stress.

3. Stay Busy with Productive Tasks

Distraction is key. Focus on tasks that keep your brain engaged:

4. Stay Off Online Forums

Scrolling through NCLEX forums may seem helpful, but it often increases stress. Some test-takers claim their results came fast, while others swear delays mean failure. This leads to unnecessary panic. Everyone’s experience differs, and comparing results only fuels anxiety.

5. Sleep and Eat Well

Waiting for NCLEX results often causes disrupted sleep and poor eating habits. But self-care is important. Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and drink enough water. A healthy body helps maintain a healthy mindset.

How to Prepare for an NCLEX Retake If You Fail

If your results arrive, and they don’t say what you hoped, it’s tough. But a failing score does not define your future as a nurse. Thousands retake the NCLEX every year and pass on their next attempt. The real question is: what happens next?

If you fail, you receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which breaks down your performance in different test categories. This report shows which areas need improvement, helping you create a more effective study plan.

2. Identify Weak Points and Adjust Your Study Plan

Look at the CPR and pinpoint your weakest areas. Then, make adjustments:

3. Use a Different NCLEX Prep Method

If your last study approach didn’t work, try something new:

4. Schedule Your Retake at the Right Time

Rushing to retake the NCLEX without proper preparation leads to the same result. Give yourself enough time to review weak areas but don’t wait too long. Retaking within 45–90 days keeps information fresh. 

5. Build Confidence Before Retesting

Mindset plays a huge role in NCLEX success. Walk into your next exam with confidence. Adjust your study techniques, practice answering questions with clarity, and trust in your preparation. Many nurses fail once and pass on their second attempt—it’s part of the journey.

Final Thoughts on Does It Take Longer to Get NCLEX Results If You Fail?

Does it take longer to get NCLEX results if you fail? No, failing does not automatically delay NCLEX results. Most test-takers receive results within the same general time frame, regardless of their outcome.

However, some failing candidates may experience slight delays due to extra review, state processing differences, or the time needed to generate a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). If your results take longer than expected, don’t panic—contact your state board of nursing for an update.

The NCLEX is a challenge, but the waiting game doesn’t have to add unnecessary stress. Whether you pass or need a retake, the path to becoming a nurse continues. Keep moving forward—you got this!