Getting ready for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those aiming to become registered nurses. That’s why we’ve gathered all the essential information you need, from what you need to be eligible to the test schedule, locations, and fees. Plus, we’ve thrown in some practice questions to help you get ready.
We understand the significance of this milestone in your career and are committed to providing you with the support and resources necessary for success. Soon enough, you’ll be part of the global community of dedicated nurses!
What is the NCLEX Exam and Why Does it Matter?
The NCLEX is a pivotal, standardized test all aspiring nurses must pass to obtain state licensure to practice. It is nationally recognized as the benchmark for safety and competence.
Passing demonstrates you have the essential nursing knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and clinical judgment skills to deliver safe, effective patient care. The rigor of the computerized exam ensures the public that new nurses meet high standards.
It is developed by expert nurse panels and practitioners and updated regularly to reflect current best practices. Testing the key competencies for nursing work goes far beyond academic knowledge and evaluates how you’ll apply skills in real clinical scenarios.
Read More: NCLEX 2023 Update: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
Application and Registration
Follow these steps to register:
1. To qualify, you need to apply to the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the location where you want to be licensed or registered.
2. You can register through Pearson VUE online, where you’ll need to include a program code and your email address during registration. All communication with Pearson VUE will happen through email. Learn how to use the Pearson VUE exam software by checking out the NCLEX Candidate Tutorial.
Registration Fees
Here are the costs* associated with the upcoming NCLEX you should expect:
- Registration Fee – 200 USD
- Additional International Scheduling Fee (+value added tax where applicable) – 150 USD
- Fee if you change NRB after registration – 50 USD
- Fee if you change exam type (RN/PN) after registration – 50 USD
- NRB Licensure/Registration fee – varies depending on NRB. Contact them for more information.
*Excludes local taxes
Payment Options
Test takers have two payment methods.
Online Payment
You have the choice of any of these payment methods on the Pearson VUE website:
- Make a payment using a card. Use a VISA, Mastercard, American Express/AmEx credit, debit, or prepaid card. Other card issuers or payment networks are not accepted.
- Third-party payments. Payments from nursing schools or staffing partners for direct hires should be made using the same payment networks mentioned above.
Payment Over the Phone
- Contact Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services by phone.
- Have your valid VISA, Mastercard, or American Express credit, debit, or prepaid card ready to purchase your exam. Provide your name, card number, and expiration date as shown on the card.
Note: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) suggests you register, schedule, and buy your exam online, as the call center experiences a high volume of calls.
Registration Time Limit
After completing the NCLEX registration, you have 365 days to access and proceed with the following steps until the NRB confirms your eligibility. Afterward, ensure to take the test within the validity dates mentioned in your Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
- If you don’t get approval or are denied eligibility by the NRB within the 365-day period, you’ll lose your NCLEX registration and exam fee. In such a case, you must sign up again and pay a new exam fee after the current registration expires.
- You shouldn’t simultaneously have two open NCLEX registrations for the same exam type. If you try to sign up again before your current registration ends, the second registration will be processed and denied, and the fee collected will be non-refundable.
Options for Setting up a Schedule
For first-time test-takers, an appointment will be provided within 30 days of the requested schedule. Repeat candidates will receive an appointment within 45 days.
Online Scheduling
- Go to the Pearson VUE website
- Log in with the username and password you created during registration
- Choose your preferred date and time for testing at the desired test center
Telephone Scheduling
- Contact Pearson VUE Candidate Services
- Provide your name, ATT number, and additional identity verification details.
- Indicate your preferred date and time for testing at the chosen test center.
Scheduling at an International Test Center
- You can book an appointment for an international test center either online or by reaching out to Pearson VUE Candidate Services via phone.
- When scheduling, you will incur an extra, non-refundable fee along with any applicable value-added tax.
Once you get your ATT, you’re strongly advised to pick a schedule immediately. If you wait, you won’t have as many dates to choose from.
After scheduling, you’ll get a Confirmation of Appointment email from Pearson VUE. Double-check all the details and review your appointment online. You’ll get confirmation each time if you make any changes to your schedule. If you get notified of changes you didn’t make, contact Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services.
Testing Locations
The NCLEX is available in both local and global test centers. For US Licensure, local refers to test centers within the United States and its territories, such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands.
Any testing centers outside these locations are considered international test centers. Opting for the exam at international test centers will incur an extra fee for international scheduling.
Key Reminders
- If you haven’t received confirmation for your NCLEX registration within two days of submitting it, contact NCLEX Candidate Services.
- Do not submit a new application before calling and stopping payment on the previous registration.
- You won’t qualify for a refund if you don’t reschedule or cancel your exam appointment within 24 business hours. Not showing up on the scheduled exam day will also make your registration ineligible for a refund.
Exam Preparation Resources
Review these resources before taking the upcoming NCLEX to ensure you’re ready.
NCLEX Information
NCLEX Test Prep
- NCLEX Practice Exam (NPE)
- NCLEX Practice Quiz Test Bank
- NCLEX-RN Cram Sheet
- How to Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
- 2023 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (Valid until March 2026)
Test Day Preparations
It’s time to prepare for the exam day. Here’s a guide to help you know what to anticipate on the test day.
Exam Day Reminders
Pay attention to the following on the day of the exam:
- Dress comfortably for the exam by leaving hats, scarves, gloves, and outerwear outside the testing room, although provisions are made for religious or cultural dress.
- Arrive early at the test center, aiming to arrive at least 30 minutes before your testing time. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you may need to forfeit your appointment, requiring you to reregister and pay another exam fee.
- Provide your biometrics, including a signature, photograph, and palm vein scan, for admission to the test.
- Upon arrival, you’ll receive materials such as an on-screen calculator and an erasable note board or marker for making notes.
- Manage your time wisely during the exam; you have five hours to complete the NCLEX, including breaks. Take the time to analyze each question carefully. Once a response is submitted, you cannot return to that question.
- When you finish the test, there will be a short survey. Afterward, raise your hand and wait for the test administrator to dismiss you.
Check-In Process
On the day of your exam, you will adhere to the check-in procedure at all Pearson Professional Centers.
- Personal devices: Make sure to store your electronic devices, like cell/mobile/smart phones, tablets, or any other electronic gadgets, in the sealable plastic bags provided by Pearson VUE at the test center. If you refuse to use the plastic bag provided for your electronic devices during check-in, you won’t be allowed to take the test. You’ll need to reregister and pay another exam fee for any additional NCLEX appointments.
- Technical issues: In case of technical problems, your exam might need to be rescheduled. If you end up waiting for more than 30 minutes past the scheduled appointment time or if the restart delay lasts longer than 30 minutes, you can choose to keep waiting or reschedule the appointment without an additional fee.
- Visitors: Remember, friends, relatives, or children are not permitted to wait in the test center or contact you during the examination.
- Candidate statement: Once you’re there, you’ll need to read the Candidate Statement and provide an electronic signature, signifying your agreement to the terms and conditions of the NCLEX.
ID Requirements
You are required to present one form of acceptable identification at the test center. If you arrive without proper identification, you will be refused entry and will need to reregister and pay another exam fee. If you paid the additional international scheduling fee, that amount will also be forfeited.
Acceptable IDs
For domestic test center:
- Passport books and cards
- Driver’s license
- Provincial, territorial or state identification card
- Permanent residence card
- Military identification card
For international test center:
- A passport book or card
Testing Room Policy
- Your test administrator (TA) will provide an erasable note board for you to use during the exam, and you can ask for a replacement if needed.
- You have five hours to finish the NCLEX, including an introductory screen, two optional breaks scheduled after the first two and 3.5 hours into the test, and any unscheduled breaks you might need. It’s important to note that all breaks are counted as part of the testing time.
- During breaks, you must leave the testing room, and your TA will inspect any personal items you may need during those breaks.
- Before and after each break, you’ll undergo a palm vein scan.
- If you wish, you can request earplugs. Remember, the test centers have no control over noises occurring during exams.
- At the end of the test, you’ll be asked to complete a questionnaire about your NCLEX experience. Once you finish, raise your hand, and the TA will collect and inventory all your test equipment before dismissing you.
After Taking the Exam
You can take a short break once you’ve completed the exam. The official results will be accessible through your NRB and will be sent to you about six weeks after completing the NCLEX.
Read More: Ready, Set, Succeed! How to Prepare for Your New Nursing Career in the US
Retake Policy
If you don’t pass the NCLEX-RN, you’ll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This two-page report provides a concise explanation of how Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) works, tells you how many questions you answered, and gives some tips on how to use this information.
Usually, you can retake the exam after 45 days, and you can do this up to eight times a year, with each retake at 45-day intervals. However, checking with your NRB to confirm their specific policy regarding exam retakes is advisable.
Read More: The NCLEX Study Plan That Works: Crafting Your Ideal Timeline
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Your path to becoming a registered nurse starts here with us. Get in touch with us today to get started!