In most states, nursing school graduates must wait at least 45 days after earning their diploma before they can take the exam. Although there are exceptions, it’s generally advisable not to wait too long after this point to take the test, because the NCLEX-RN is best taken when everything you have learned in nursing classes is still fresh in your memory. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again. However, there is a minimum waiting period of 45 days before candidates are eligible to retake the exam. You can retake the exam as many times as you wish, subject to additional restrictions imposed by various jurisdictions. Because it’s ideal to pass the NCLEX-RN on the first try, you may not necessarily want to take the test on the first available date after graduation. It’s an individual decision that must be made with respect to your confidence regarding the material. You might prefer to spend a few months in intensive study after nursing school so that you can take the test with greater confidence.