The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the official licensure exam for nurses in the U.S., Canada, and several other jurisdictions. It’s administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to evaluate whether nursing graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective care at the entry level. The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) — meaning each question adjusts in difficulty based on your previous answers.
In April 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) was introduced, adding new question formats like case studies, drag-and-drop, and hot spots to better assess clinical judgment. Simply put, passing the NCLEX is the key step to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or Practical Nurse (PN) and practicing legally in your region.
Who is Eligible for the NCLEX?
- Eligibility depends on the state board of nursing you apply to, but generally you must:
- Graduate from an approved nursing program (Diploma, ADN, or BSN).
- Apply for licensure by examination to the relevant state board of nursing.
- For international nurses, complete credential evaluation, education verification, and English proficiency tests (if required).
- Undergo criminal background checks and meet good character standards.
- International nurses often go through TruMerit or other credentialing agencies for education verification (CES reports) and licensure validation before applying for the NCLEX.
You may not be eligible if your program isn’t board-approved, your documents can’t be verified, or your application lapses.
In April 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) was introduced, adding new question formats like case studies, drag-and-drop, and hot spots to better assess clinical judgment. Simply put, passing the NCLEX is the key step to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or Practical Nurse (PN) and practicing legally in your region.
Why is the NCLEX Required?
Passing the NCLEX is essential because it:
Ensures public safety by verifying that nurses can make sound clinical decisions.
Provides standardization across states, maintaining consistent nursing competency.
Serves as a credential for mobility, helping you work across states or countries.
Is a legal requirement — no nurse can practice without passing it.
Reflects current nursing practice through NGN’s updated question types.
Steps in the NCLEX‐Processing Journey (from examination to licence activation to visa/immigration if applicable)
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the typical process. Note: exact procedures vary by state/jurisdiction and for international candidates; always check the specific state board of nursing you plan to apply to.
Pre-examination / eligibility phase
1.Complete an approved nursing education program
Graduate from a recognised nursing school (diploma, ADN, BSN) that meets state board requirements.
2.Gather and submit application for nursing licensure by examination to the state board of nursing (NRB)
Submit required paperwork: application form, education transcripts, background check, proof of identity, any other state‐specific forms.Pay application/fee as required. Example: an application might be valid only for a certain time (e.g., 3 years) in some states.
3.Internationally educated candidates only: credential evaluation / verification via a service such as TruMerit.For example, TruMerit offers a “Certification Program” (including credentials‐evaluation of secondary + nursing education + licensure, plus an English language requirement) for internationally‐educated nurses.TruMerit’s process also includes verification of documents, with published processing times (varies by country) and potential delays if documentation is rejected.
- State board declares you eligible to test
After your application is reviewed and accepted, the board notifies you (or directly authorises) that you are eligible for registration for the NCLEX. Example: one board states that after the application is submitted and program verified, allow up to 10 business days to receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).
Registration and scheduling for NCLEX
- Register for the NCLEX examYou (or your state board) register with the testing vendor (in the U.S., Pearson VUE) once eligible.Receive confirmation of registration.
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE.The ATT is typically valid for a limited time (e.g., 90 or 180 days depending on board) and you must schedule your exam within that window. Example: “The Authorization to Test (ATT) is valid for 180 days from the date of eligibility.”
3. Schedule and take the NCLEX at a test centreSelect your test date, pay the exam fee (if not already paid as part of registration), show up at the Pearson VUE center with required ID and ATT letter.Take the exam in CAT format. Note new item types under NGN.
- Obtain exam results
After you finish the exam you’ll get some sort of immediate unofficial result (depends on state). Official results come from the state board. Expect generally several days/weeks. Example: one state board said “approx 4 weeks after your examination” for official results.
Post‐exam / licence activation
If you pass – licence issuance
Once you pass the exam, the board will activate your licence (or notify you to pay a licence fee) and you become a legally licensed nurse in that jurisdiction.You may receive a digital licence, printable certificate or physical card depending on state.
If you fail – retesting,If unsuccessful, you may apply to retake the exam (subject to waiting periods, re-application and fee). Example: one state board required a 45-day waiting period before retesting.
License activation & employment :After licence activation you can legally use the title (e.g., RN) and practise according to the scope defined by your board.You may need to update or maintain your licence (renewals, continuing education) as required by your board.
Visa / immigration / international employment (if applicable)
1.Credential/visa screening (for internationally educated nurses seeking employment/visa in U.S.)For nurses educated outside the U.S., employers/immigration may require credential verification and evidence of licensure/NCLEX pass. For example, TruMerit offers the VisaScreen® program: “a comprehensive screening programme for some health-care professionals, including nurses, who are not U.S. citizens and are seeking an occupational visa.” You may need to have a credentials‐evaluation report (e.g., CES Report) and an English language proficiency exam.
2.Visa interview / immigration paperwork:Once you have your credentials verified, licence in hand and job offer (if applicable), you may go through employer/visa interview process (depending on country). For example: a U.S. employer may file Form I-129 or other visa paperwork on your behalf (depending on visa category, e.g., H-1B, EB-3, etc). Your NCLEX/licence credentials will support your eligibility.
- Relocation / licence reciprocity (if moving state/country)If you plan to practise in a different U.S. state, you may need to apply for licence by endorsement in that state (using your NCLEX pass and current licence).If moving to another country, you may need to check certification/licence equivalency and additional exams.