How to take the NCLEX® in the U.S. or Canada

October 1

Debra S. McDonough

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If you are finishing up nursing school, or an experienced nurse looking into taking the NCLEX-RN® in the U.S. or Canada, chances are you have some questions about getting through the process. Today, we will walk you through the 8 steps necessary to get it done!

  1. To get the process started you must apply for licensure/registration with the state board of nursing (BON) or provincial regulatory body (RB) in the state or province in which you wish to be licensed. Application fees vary depending on state/province. This application process includes background checks, fingerprints, and in some cases a letter from your mother. Ok, just kidding on the mom part, but there are quite a few eligibility requirements that must be met!
  2. Register to take the NCLEX® and pay the exam fee to Pearson VUE – www.pearsonvue.com/nclex. The registration fee in the U.S. is $200. If you plan to test in Canada, the fee will set you back $360 CAD. Pearson VUE accepts MasterCard, Visa, or American Express.
  3. Once you are paid up, Pearson VUE will provide you with an acknowledgment email that they have received your registration. ALL communication from Pearson VUE will be by email. Be sure to check your spam and junk folders if there is a delay!
  4. Once you complete all of your graduation requirements, your school of nursing will give the BON or RB the thumbs up. The BON or RB will then make you eligible in the Pearson VUE system. The BON/RB must confirm your eligibility within 365 days of your registration with Pearson VUE, so wait until you are fairly certain of your graduation date to register and pay.
  5. At this point, all systems are go! Pearson VUE will email your Authorization to Test (ATT). It is very important that you test within the validity dates on your ATT because there are NO extensions. The ATT is valid for an average of 90 days.
  6. You have some flexibility now – make an appointment at the testing center. This can be done by accessing your online account with Pearson VUE or by phone. Select a time that you are well-rested and ready to go!
  7. On test day, be sure you are familiar with the test center location. This is not a time to take a wrong turn and get lost! Arrive at the test center early and present your acceptable form of identification. A list of IDs that will get you in the door can be found at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex .
  8. Once your test is complete, the BON or RB will notify you of the result. The time period varies among states/provinces. Most states provide a “quick results” option for preliminary results – for a fee of course!

It’s quite the registration process, and you certainly only want to do it once. Be sure that you are fully prepared! Check out our NCLEX® Review options at www.hurstreview.com

May 10

Debra S. McDonough, RN, MSN, EdD