How NCLEX registration works in the United States

The short version

This guide covers how to register for the NCLEX-RN in the United States. Your state board of nursing decides whether you're eligible. You then register with Pearson Professional Assessments (formerly Pearson VUE). Once the board makes you eligible in Pearson's system, Pearson emails your Authorization to Test (ATT), which is what lets you book your appointment.

Steps

• Apply for licensure with the board of nursing in the state where you want to be licensed.
• Meet all of that board's eligibility requirements. These vary by state.
• Register for the NCLEX with Pearson and pay the registration fee. Pearson sends you a registration acknowledgment email.
• Wait for your board to make you eligible in the Pearson system.
• Watch for your ATT email from Pearson.
• Schedule your exam with Pearson, within the validity dates on your ATT.

About your Authorization to Test

The ATT email contains your authorization number, your candidate identification number and an expiration date. Your board sets the validity period. The NCSBN bulletin says the average is about 90 days.

The ATT dates can't be extended. If you miss them, you'll need to register again and pay another exam fee. Your name also has to match your ID exactly, so check your registration details against your ID now.

Booking your appointment

Book early. Test centers fill up, and waiting until your ATT is close to expiring can leave you without a seat in time.

To change or cancel, log in to your NCLEX candidate profile or call Pearson at least 24 hours before your appointment. The bulletin has different rules for weekend appointments, so read that section before you rebook.

Accommodations are requested through your board when you apply for licensure. Submit them before you book your appointment.

Results and quick results

Your board sends your result. The NCSBN bulletin says it can take up to six weeks, though the timing varies by board. Check your board for its current timeline.

Some boards offer quick results, which are unofficial results sent after two business days for a fee. The NCSBN publishes a list of participating boards. Don't call Pearson, the test center or NCSBN for your result.

Check your board's own rules

Boards can add requirements beyond the NCLEX itself, and retake policies vary. Find your board's contact details through NCSBN's board of nursing directory, and check its current requirements before you apply.