What is the NCLEX exam?

• The NCLEX exam stands for National Council Licensure Examination and can either be for a registered nurse or practical nurse.
• Passing the exam demonstrates compentency as an entry-level nurse.
• The test is put on by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
• The tests are conducted on a computer at Pearson VUE.

First things first, registration For NCLEX

You must register to take the NCLEX exam.  The registration process is as follows:

• Submit an application for licensure to the board of nursing where  you wish to be licensed.
• Meet all of the board of nursing’s eligibility requirements to take     the NCLEX examination.
• Register for the NCLEX examination with Pearson VUE.             
• Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt of Registration from             Pearson VUE.
• The board of nursing makes the candidate eligible to take the       NCLEX.
• Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Pearson VUE.

Show me the money- Fees for NCLEX

• The fee for the NCLEX examination is $200.  This fee does not     include any fees associated with the board of nursing in your        jurisdiction.  *other fees may apply
• There may be other fees associated with a change of testing         locations

No Refunds...

There are no refunds issued for any reason!  So be careful when registering.  If for some reason you thought you may have registered but you are not sure, contact before re-registering for the NCLEX!

Registration Period is How Long?

Registration time period last for 365 days.  So once received the ATT, you must take the exam within a year’s time. 

If you fail to test within this time period, you must reapply and repay to test. 

Authorization to Test (ATT)

• After the board of nursing declares you are eligible, you will receive your ATT
• You MUST have your ATT before scheduling an appointment to      test. 
• You MUST bring the ATT to the testing center on the day of the     NCLEX exam. 

Scheduling Appointment to Test

First-time NCLEX exam takers will be offered an appointment within 30 days of request for an appointment.  Those that are retaking the exam will be offered an appointment within 45 days. 

Failure to Make Scheduled Test

*Without Canceling within 24 hours of scheduled NCLEX exam

• If you fail to arrive for your scheduled NCLEX exam, you will        forfeit your registration fees and your ATT will be invalidated.
• You will have to reregister for the exam and repay all fees           associated with registration.
• You will also receive an Incident Report which is viewable by the   Board of Nursing.
• Make sure you cancel your appointment greater than 24 hours to   your exam time.  If your exam is on Saturday, Sunday, or         Monday, call no later than Friday 24 hours before exam time. 

What to Bring

Identification and ATT

Identification must be one of the following:

• Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. Driver’s License
• Department of Motor Vehicles U.S. State Identification
• Passport
• U.S. Military Identification

*** Your first and last name on your ID must match IDENTICAL to your name on your ATT.

What to Bring, What NOT to Bring!

The rules of what you may and may not bring are pretty stringent.  This process is setup to create a fair and equal testing environment.  Because there are so many rules, we have created a whole page dedicated to the What and What Nots.  Click Here to access what you can and cannot bring into the NCLEX examination. 

Checking-In on the Big Day

• Show up 30 minutes earlier than scheduled appointment time.
• Bring ATT and acceptable identification.
• You will be required to provide your signature, palm vein scan, fingerprint, and photograph.
• Personal items will have to be stored in provided lockers and you will not have access to them until after the exam.
• The TA will give you a brief orientation and then you will be escorted to a computer terminal.
  

Take a Break

Breaks are allowed, however, they do count towards total testing time.  You have six hours to complete the NCLEX-RN exam and five hours to complete the NCLEX-PN exam. 

NCLEX exam results

In some states, you may access “unofficial” results within 24 hours.  You can do so by accessing www.pearsonvue.com/nclex or calling 1-900-776-2539


*information on this page is from National Council of State Boards of Nursing