NCLEX Requirements for Exam and Repeat Exam Applicants

NCLEX-RN Additional Examination Requirements

In addition to submitting a standard exam application and fee, candidates who meet specific timeframe or repeat-attempt criteria must complete additional approved study and remediation activities prior to receiving authorization to test (ATT).

📋 Who Must Fulfill These Additional Requirements?

You must complete one (1) Category A requirement AND one (1) Category B requirement if you fall under any of the following categories:

  • First-Time Applicant (> 5 Years): Applying to take the NCLEX-RN for the first time more than five (5) years after graduation from a Board-approved nursing education program.
  • Single Failed Attempt (> 5 Years): Applying to retake the exam after one (1) failed attempt and more than five (5) years since graduation.
  • Two or More Failed Attempts: Applying to retake the exam after two (2) or more failed attempts, regardless of graduation date.

💡 Satisfactory Completion Standard & Submission Rule

Grade Requirement: Satisfactory completion is defined as a grade of "C" or higher on an A–F grading scale, or a "Pass/Credit" mark for an audited course.

Direct Submission: All documentation verifying completion of additional requirements must be sent directly from the instructor, institution, or qualified faculty member to the Board office. Incomplete applications lacking required direct documentation cannot be processed.

Category A: Maintaining Current Nursing Knowledge

Select and complete ONE (1) activity from Category A. Activities must focus on maintaining current general nursing knowledge.

Option 1: Comprehensive Self-Study Plan

An individualized self-study plan identifying the duration of study, learning resources, textbooks, review manuals, audio/video materials, study schedules, and computer tutorial programs.

Required Documentation: A signed letter from the candidate certifying completion of the action plan as previously submitted to the Board.

Option 2: Knowledge-Targeted Self-Study Plan

An individualized self-study plan that explicitly identifies specific nursing concepts and clinical knowledge to be gained as a result of the study process.

Required Documentation: A signed letter from the candidate certifying completion of the action plan as previously submitted to the Board.

Option 3: Formal NCLEX Review Course

Completion of a formal review course offered by an educational institution, school of nursing, or commercial provider. The course must be completed since your last failed exam result and within the preceding 12 months.

Required Documentation: Certificate of completion displaying the institution name, candidate name, course title, course dates, and location.

Category B: Remedying Knowledge Deficiencies

Select and complete ONE (1) activity from Category B. Activities must remediate identified clinical or academic knowledge gaps.

Option 1: Private Tutoring (10+ Hours)

Completion of ten (10) or more contact hours of private tutoring with a Registered Nurse who holds a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and has current or past teaching experience in an RN program.

Required Documentation: Signed letter on official letterhead from the faculty member detailing tutoring dates, hours, and topics, sent directly to the Board along with the tutor's Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Option 2: Formal Nursing Science Course

Completion for academic credit or audit credit of a formal course in nursing science offered by a state-approved registered professional nursing education program.

Required Documentation: Official transcript sent directly to the Board showing course completion with a grade of "C" or better, or audit credit.

Option 3: Didactic / Lecture Portion of Nursing Science

Completion for credit or audit credit of the lecture (didactic) component of a formal nursing science course from a state-approved RN education program.

Required Documentation: Official transcript or a direct letter from the course instructor certifying exam completion with an overall grade of "C" or better.

Option 4: Formal Pharmacology Course

Completion for academic credit or audit credit of a formal course in pharmacology offered by an accredited institution of higher learning.

Required Documentation: Official documentation sent directly from the course instructor or institution registrar to the Board office.

Submitting Remediation Documentation

All certificates, faculty letters, transcripts, and tutor CVs must be transmitted directly from the primary source to the Board:

  • Email (Preferred):rnboard@wv.gov
  • Postal Mail: West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses, 5001 MacCorkle Ave. SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
  • Phone Inquiries: (304) 744-0900

Policy Reference: Board Policy Rev. 10/2007; Reaffirmed 10/2015, 04/2021; Revised 05/30/2024.