
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a crucial test for nurses seeking licensure in the U.S. as it evaluates their nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Candidates can receive their unofficial results within one to two business days after taking the exam, provided their Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) participates in the Quick Results Service. However, official results are only available through the NRB and are typically sent to candidates within six weeks. International students can register for the NCLEX online through the Pearson VUE website, which includes fingerprinting for background checks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) |
| Exam Purpose | Tests nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills |
| Result Availability | Unofficial results available 2 business days after the exam; official results sent by the nursing regulatory body (NRB) within 6 weeks |
| Result Access | Unofficial results available through the NCLEX Quick Results Service; official results only available through NRB |
| Result Cost | $7.95 charged to a credit card for the quick results service |
| Retakes | Candidates can retake the exam after 45 days; some NRBs require a longer wait |
| Number of Retakes | Candidates can take the exam up to 8 times a year, with 45 test-free days between each examination |
| International Requirements | Registration includes fingerprinting for a background check; additional fees for international scheduling |
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What You'll Learn

Check the NCLEX website for quick results
Candidates who have completed the NCLEX exam and are seeking licensure in the U.S. can access unofficial results via the NCLEX Quick Results Service. This service is available in some states and allows candidates to access their results within 48 hours of completing the exam. To receive quick results, candidates must provide a credit card number to which a $7.95 charge can be billed. However, the credit card will only be charged if the results are available.
To access the Quick Results Service, candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the Pearson VUE website.
- Sign in using your username and password.
- Access your exam history to view your unofficial results.
It is important to note that the Quick Results Service provides unofficial results, and only the nursing regulatory body (NRB) can send official results to candidates. Official results are typically sent within six weeks after taking the exam. If more than six weeks have passed and a candidate has not received their official results, they should contact their NRB.
Additionally, candidates who do not pass the NCLEX will receive an NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which guides them in preparing for a retake. The NCSBN retake policy allows candidates to retake the exam 45 days after the administration of the initial exam, and there must be 45 test-free days between each examination.
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Register through the Pearson VUE website
To register for the NCLEX-RN exam, international students can follow these steps on the Pearson VUE website:
Step 1: Create an account
If you don't already have one, you'll need to create an account on the Pearson VUE website. Provide your first and last name, email address, and choose a password. Ensure that the name you register with exactly matches the identification you will present at the exam appointment.
Step 2: Find your program code
You will need to provide a program code when registering for the exam. This code can be found on the NCLEX website or through your nursing school or agency.
Step 3: Choose a payment method
Payment for the exam can be made online through the Pearson VUE website using a credit, debit, or prepaid Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card. Alternatively, you can use a third-party payment from nursing schools, agencies, or employers. The cost of taking the NCLEX exam varies depending on your location, and additional fees may apply for registration changes.
Step 4: Complete registration
After providing your payment details and program code, review your registration information to ensure it is accurate and complete. Submit your registration, and you should receive an email confirmation within two days.
Once your registration is complete, you will need to wait for candidate eligibility confirmation from the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB). This can take up to 365 days, and you must test within the validity dates specified in your Authorization to Test (ATT) email. If you are not deemed eligible within this period, you will need to re-register and pay the exam fee again.
It's important to note that you cannot have two NCLEX registrations of the same exam type open simultaneously. Ensure you carefully review the registration requirements and plan your exam date accordingly.
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Understand the retake policy
The NCLEX retake policy allows candidates to retake the exam up to eight times a year. However, state regulations may vary, so it is important to check with your specific state's Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) or Board of Nursing for their retake policy. For example, in Louisiana, you can attempt the NCLEX-RN exam four times, while in Michigan, there is no attempt limit, but you must pass within three years of graduation. In West Virginia, if you fail twice, you will need to provide evidence of additional assessment testing and a plan to address knowledge gaps.
After an unsuccessful attempt, candidates will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) and must wait at least 45 days before retaking the exam. To initiate the retake process, candidates must re-register with Pearson VUE and contact their state's NRB or Board of Nursing for instructions and guidance. There may be additional requirements and instructions provided by the relevant board, so it is important to stay in communication with them.
To receive unofficial quick results, candidates can sign into the Pearson VUE website two business days after taking the exam. A $7.95 charge will be billed to a provided credit card if the results are available. Official results will only be sent by the NRB within six weeks of the exam. If a candidate's result is cancelled, revoked, or invalidated without a finding of irregular behaviour, they may appeal the decision and will be offered a free retest.
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Learn about the exam and its requirements
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The NCLEX has two types: the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX-RN exam is meant to determine if it is safe for you to begin practising as an entry-level nurse. It tests your critical thinking skills and your ability to make nursing judgments based on the knowledge you gained in nursing school.
The NCLEX-RN exam is based on the five-step nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The majority of the questions fall under the Physiological Integrity category, which deals with adult medical and surgical care, pediatrics, and gerontology. The exam also covers Physiological Adaptation, which accounts for 11-17% of the exam and includes nursing actions such as Alterations in Body Systems, Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances, and Medical Emergencies.
The exam is available in a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, with questions selected from a test bank of 1,700-2,000 pre-tested and statistically analysed questions. The questions are coded according to topic and degree of difficulty. The exam primarily consists of multiple-choice questions with four possible answers, but there are also alternate question types such as multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank, hot spots, and drag-and-drop.
You will have a maximum of five hours to complete the exam, with a mandatory 10-minute break after about 2.5 hours, and an optional break after about four hours of testing. There is no minimum time limit, and you can take breaks at any time during the exam, but the break time will be deducted from the total test time.
To receive your official results, you must wait for your nursing regulatory body (NRB) to send them to you within six weeks of taking the exam. Some candidates can access unofficial results two business days after taking the exam through the Quick Results Service, which requires a credit card number to receive the results.
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Explore resources for international students
Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam can be a challenging journey, but there are many resources available to help international students succeed. Here are some options to explore:
UWorld's NCLEX Test Prep offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including practice tests, exams, and high-quality questions with detailed explanations and rationales. They provide engaging videos, practice questions, adaptive (CAT) tests, readiness exams, and flashcards, all written by nurse educators and practicing nurses. UWorld's NCLEX-RN practice questions include over 2,700 questions designed to challenge you and build your clinical judgment skills. They also offer a free trial that includes 50 NCLEX-style practice questions, high-yield videos, and study tools.
Archer Review is another excellent resource, offering tailored courses specifically for the NCLEX-RN exam. Their comprehensive resources include practice exams, advanced statistics, Q-Bank access, and live review opportunities. Archer Review provides flexible study schedules and the convenience of accessing courses from anywhere in the world via their mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. Their platform offers adaptive testing, informative videos, engaging practice questions, and readiness assessments to help you gauge your preparedness for the exam. They also provide various support options, including private one-on-one tutoring, live review sessions, and small group tutoring.
Additionally, the NCLEX website itself provides a wealth of information and resources to help students prepare. They offer a sample pack that includes RN and PN case studies and other examples, as well as an exam preview to understand how the item types fit into the overall exam. They also provide important information such as candidate rules, results processing, acceptable identification, and rules for scheduling or rescheduling exam appointments.
These resources can be invaluable tools to help international students effectively prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, gain confidence, and improve their chances of success.
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Frequently asked questions
The official results are sent by the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) within six weeks after taking the exam. Unofficial results may be available two business days after the exam via the Pearson VUE website, but this service costs $7.95.
Sign in to the Pearson VUE website with your username and password. You will need to provide a credit card number, but it will only be charged if your results are available.
Contact your NRB if you haven't received your official results within six weeks.
Candidates who do not pass will receive an NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR) to guide their preparation for a retake. The NCSBN retake policy allows retakes 45 days after the initial exam, and candidates can take the exam up to eight times a year.
Register through the Pearson VUE website and follow the instructions for third-party payment if applicable. The registration process includes fingerprinting for a background check, and you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email once eligible. The timeframe to take the exam varies by state, so book your test date and location promptly.



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