Follow the NCLEX registration process carefully, and schedule your exam once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). Before exam day, review the test center requirements so you know what to bring and what to expect.
Follow the registration steps on the official NCLEX website:
- Apply for licensure: Apply with the nursing regulatory body (NRB) where you are seeking licensure (e.g., your state board of nursing).
- Register with Pearson: Register for the NCLEX and pay the required exam fee.
- Receive your ATT: Once your NRB confirms eligibility and your registration is complete, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) by email.
- Schedule your exam: Once you receive your ATT, select a Pearson testing location and schedule your exam appointment.
Important: Your ATT is valid only for the dates specified by your NRB (an average of 90 days), and you must test within that period.
Exam Day Reminders
Read over this checklist so you know what to expect for exam day:
- Bring acceptable identification: Candidates without acceptable ID will not be admitted and must reregister and pay another exam fee.
- Arrive early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam. Candidates arriving more than 30 minutes late may forfeit their appointment and will need to reregister and pay another exam fee.
- Dress comfortably: Hats, scarves, gloves, and outerwear must remain outside the testing room. Accommodations are made for religious and cultural dress.
- Store electronics: Electronic devices must be powered off and stored in the sealable bag provided by Pearson.
- Expect security procedures: Check-in includes a signature, photograph, palm vein scan, and security scanning. Security scanning also occurs when returning from breaks.
- Use provided materials: An on-screen calculator and erasable note board and marker are provided.
- Set your pace: You have up to five hours to complete the NCLEX, including breaks. Once an answer is submitted, you cannot return to that question.
- When you finish: Complete the short survey, raise your hand, and wait to be dismissed. Official results are provided through your NRB, not at the test center.
References
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2026). 2026 NCLEX® examination candidate bulletin. 2026 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Register: How to register to take the NCLEX. NCLEX registration process
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Exam day: NCLEX rules and what to expect. NCLEX exam day
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Acceptable ID: Exam day identification requirements. NCLEX acceptable identification requirements
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