NCLEX-RN Eligibility
Careers
NCLEX Eligibility
In order to take the NCLEX examination, you must apply for nursing license from your state board of nursing. That board will determine whether or not you meet its criteria for NCLEX examination-eligibility. You must then register to take the exam.
NCLEX Registration
Once you've applied for a license from your state board of nursing, you will receive an NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin in the mail. You may then register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's testing service by phone, or by filling out a mail-in registration form.
Once your state board of nursing has verified your eligibility to take the NCLEX examination, you will receive an Authorization to Take the Test (ATT), along with a list of testing centers and instructions for how to schedule an appointment to take the examination.
Examination Fee
As of January 2003, the fee is $200.
Length of Test
The NCLEX examination is a multiple choice exam which uses an interactive system called Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to gauge your level of competence. RN candidates will answer a minimum of 75 questions, LPN candidates a minimum of 85 questions. After you have answered the minimum number of questions, the computer will attempt to access your level of competence.
If you are clearly above the passing standard at this time, you will pass; likewise, if you are clearly below the standard you will fail. If you are too close to the standard to allow a definitive result to be determined, you will continue to answer questions until a final assessment can be made. RN candidates may take a maximum of 265 questions, LPN candidates a maximum of 205.
Time to Complete the Exam
You will have 5 hours in which to complete the exam. This includes the time set aside for the introductory computer tutorial and for two 10-minute breaks.
NCLEX Examination Scoring
The NCLEX examination is scored once by the computer on which you are taking it, and a second time by the National Council's testing service.
Receiving Results
It will take about a month for your state board of nursing to mail you the results of your exam.
Not Passing the Test
If you fail the test, your state board of nursing will mail you a diagnostic profile that will outline both the areas of knowledge in which your performance was satisfactory and the areas in which it was not.
Retaking the Test
Yes, you may retake the test as many times as you need to. The National Council's policy dictates that you wait at least 91 days before retaking the test. Individual state boards may impose other, stricter requirements.
Q. Do I have to have a Social Security Number to apply for licensure by examination?
A. A Social Security number is required to process an application.
Q. Does my application have to be notarized?
A. No, your signature on the application affirms that the information you provided on the application is accurate and true.
Q. If I am retaking the examination, what do I have to provide to the Board?
A. You must provide a new application and fee. If your original application with the Board of Nursing was submitted within the past 12 months, a transcript is not necessary. If your original application with the Board of Nursing was submitted greater than 12 months ago, a new official transcript is necessary
Q. What if I took the NCLEX in another state?
A. If you have taken the NCLEX in another state, complete Part I of the "Out-of-State Repeat Examination Application" and mail the form along with a self addressed stamped envelope to the state board of nursing where you originally applied for licensure by examination. That board may charge a fee for completion of the form. Enclose the completed form with your application packet.
Q. How can I pay my fee to the Board?
A. You may enclose the application fee, made payable to the Board of Nursing, with your paper application. Fees may be paid by money order, certified check, cashier’s check, corporate or business check, and personal check. NOTE: THE RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL CHECKS ARE
- Counter checks are not an acceptable method of payment. Personal checks must be imprinted with the name, address, and account number of the applicant or licensee.
- Personal checks by third parties (spouse, friend, parents, etc.) are not acceptable. Again, the name of the applicant or licensee must be on imprinted on the check. Business checks are acceptable.
- Personal checks on out-of-state banks are not acceptable.
Applicants who have checks returned due to insufficient funds may be prohibited from paying any future fees by personal check. As of January 1, 2003, a bad check charge of $30 will be assessed. Your application and fee is retained for up to one year. If the process has not been completed within that time, a new application and fee must be submitted. FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
Q. How do I register for the NCLEX exam?
A. Follow the instructions in the "NCLEX Candidate Bulletin". For more information, please visit the NCSBN web site at www.ncsbn.org/public/testing/testing_index.htm
Q. How do I request special accommodations?
A. Requests for modification of the procedures for administering the examination for candidates with disabilities, must be submitted to the Board with the application for licensure and must include an evaluation of the disability by the applicant’s licensed physician or licensed psychologist and a statement from the director of the nursing education program addressing any accommodations made during the nursing education process.
Q. What about a temporary permit?
A. A first time applicant for licensure by examination may request a nonrenewable 90 day temporary permit to practice nursing. A temporary permit will be issued upon approval of a completed application packet for licensure by examination. The permit will enable the applicant to practice as a Nursing Graduate under the supervision of a currently licensed registered nurse physically present in the facility, and under direct supervision of a registered nurse physically present and accessible to designate or prescribe a course of action when performing more complex or advanced skills. The Nursing Graduate shall not assume charge responsibilities.
A temporary permit will expire upon receipt by the applicant of notice of licensure approval and issuance of a license, or license disapproval or upon notice of failure to pass the examination. The applicant must notify his/her employer immediately upon receipt of notice of failure to pass the examination or of licensure disapproval.
Q. I was educated outside the United States. What requirements must I meet?
A. A Social Security number is required prior to issuance of a license.
Prior to licensure, individuals educated in other countries who wish to practice in must:
- Provide certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Also, have a full course by course evaluation package furnished by CGFNS forwarded to the Board of Nursing.
- Be a graduate of a nursing education program approved by the proper authorities in the country where the program is located.
- Meet the requirements for nursing program content employed as criteria for approval in at the time of the applicant’s graduation.
- Make up any educational deficiencies.
- Provide proof of completion of secondary school or its equivalent.
- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).