Results, Retakes, and Attempt Rules

What Happens After the Knowledge Exam

Washington candidates should separate the knowledge exam process from the current skills test process. Current Washington information says Credentia handles the online knowledge test in Washington, while current skills testing is provided through training programs or Washington Board of Nursing regional scheduling when needed. For the knowledge exam, Credentia score reports are generally available within a few hours after the testing event is completed for the day. Results are not given by phone and are not sent to an employer.

Candidates should use the official score-report process rather than relying on a workplace, instructor, or informal message.

A score report is more than a pass or fail notice. When a candidate does not pass, the report can help guide remediation. The best response is not to immediately take another random practice test and hope for a different outcome. The candidate should identify weak areas, review the relevant outline categories, and practice the kinds of scenarios that caused trouble. If the exam was written, the candidate might also review reading pace and question interpretation. If the exam was oral, the candidate might practice listening for the resident cue and the action word.

The retake rule should be stated carefully. If the written or oral exam is failed, a new exam fee is required. State and federal regulations allow four attempts to pass the written or oral exam. After four failures, the candidate must complete state-approved training and retake both parts. This is not a reason to panic after one failed attempt, but it is a reason to use each attempt intentionally. A candidate should not schedule the next exam only because the calendar has an opening. Readiness matters.

Rescheduling and no-show rules also affect planning. Credentia online exam rescheduling or canceling must be at least 48 hours before the scheduled time. A no-show forfeits the fee and does not count as an attempt. That distinction is important: losing the fee is still serious, but it is different from using one of the four allowed attempts. Candidates should confirm technology, identification, appointment time, location or online requirements, and the correct NAC credential number before test day to avoid preventable delays.

Do not add unofficial score claims or employment certainty claims when discussing results. Washington source material in the brief does not provide an official fixed written score threshold for candidates to rely on here. The safer advice is to prepare until practice performance is stable across domains, not just until one practice set looks good. Passing both parts is required to be considered for certification, and credentialing is handled through the official Washington process.

A disciplined retake plan has three steps. First, review the score report and reconstruct the questions or topics that felt difficult. Second, study by domain and by error reason, using official outline language as the organizing map. Third, complete timed mixed practice only after the weak areas have been reviewed. Retakes should show better reasoning, not only more repetition.