Registration Time Limit

All NCLEX examination registrations will remain open for a 365-day time period during which a board of nursing may determine the candidate's eligibility. The time period begins when the board of nursing receives the candidate's registration from the test service. Once a candidate is made eligible, he or she must test within the validity dates printed on the Authorization to Test (ATT).

If a candidate's board of nursing is unable to make a candidate eligible within the 365-day time period, they must wait until their current registration expires before re-registering. A candidate may not have two NCLEX examination registrations (of the same exam type) open at the same time. If a candidate re-registers before their current registration expires, their second registration will be processed and denied, and the fee collected will be non-refundable.

Candidates who are not made eligible by their board of nursing within the 365-day time period will forfeit their registrations, including the candidate registration fee. Candidates who wish to take an NCLEX examination will need to re-register and re-pay the examination fee.

How to Register for the NCLEX Examination

1. Candidates must submit an application for licensure to the board of nursing where they wish to be licensed. Candidates must be sure to meet that board of nursing's application deadline.
2. Candidates need to register using one of the following methods: on the web, by mail or by telephone.

Candidates who provide an e-mail address when registering for the NCLEX Examination will receive all subsequent correspondence from Pearson VUE only through e-mail.  If a candidate does not provide and e-mail address when they register then all correspondence from Pearson VUE will arrive only though U.S. mail.

Registering on the Internet

1. Go to the NCLEX Candidate Web site (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex) and select the "Create a Web Account and register" option. Answer each question as directed. Use the Candidate Bulletin (RAR 5.5mb) as a guide to answering the questions.
2. Candidates must pay for their rgistration by credit card, using one of the following: VISA, MasterCard or American Express. Candidates should have their credit card ready when they begin their internet registration.

Registering by Mail

1. Candidates must enclose a certified check, cashier's check, or money order (made payable to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing) for $200 in U.S. currency drawn on a bank in the United States with their registration. Candidates can use the enclosed envelope to return their registration form and payment. Mail to: NCLEX Operations, P.O. Box 64950, St. Paul, MN 55164-0950.
2. Personal checks, cash, foreign currency, stamps, receipts or proofs of payment will not be accepted.
3. Credit cards cannot be used when registering by mail.

NOTE: Registrations that are not properly completed and/or are not accompanied by the proper payment will be returned to the candidate and will delay testing.

Registering by Telephone

1. Call NCLEX Candidate Services
2. Before a candidate calls, they should have the mail in registration form completed. The customer service representative will ask the candidate to provide the information collected on the registration form.
3. Payment methods: valid VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card.
4. Candidates need to have their credit card ready when they call to register. Candidates must supply the name shown on the credit card, the credit card number, and the expiration date.
5. Credit cards will be verified before registrations are processed. Delays may be encountered if credit cards cannot be verified.