How to Register for the NCLEX: Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. and International Nurses

Registering for the NCLEX isn’t just a matter of paying a fee and picking a date. You’ll need approval from your State Board of Nursing (BON), registration through Pearson VUE, and, in some cases, additional documentation depending on your education and country of origin.

This guide walks through every step, including requirements for international applicants, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do once your test date is confirmed.

Step 1: Apply to Your State Board of Nursing (BON)

Before you can schedule the NCLEX, you must be deemed eligible by the licensing board in the state or jurisdiction where you plan to practice.

What Most U.S.-Educated Applicants Submit

• BON application form (completed online or by mail.
• Official nursing school transcripts (sent directly from your program)
• Background check or fingerprinting, if required
• Application fee 

Processing time varies by state, so check your BON website for current timelines.

Additional Requirements for International / Foreign-Educated Nurses

If you completed your nursing education outside the U.S. or Canada, you’ll follow the same overall process, but most states require additional verification.

Education Credential Evaluation

States typically require proof that your nursing education meets U.S. standards. CGFNS International handles education and license validation while ERES handles transcript evaluation. You'll have to get in touch with these organizations before sending your reports directly to your BON.

English Proficiency (If Required)

Unless your nursing program was delivered in English and in a recognized English-speaking country, you may need to pass:

• TOEFL iBT
• IELTS Academic

Check with your BON to see if you qualify for an exemption.

VisaScreen® (For Employment in the U.S.)

If you plan to work in the U.S. after passing, federal immigration law requires a VisaScreen® Certificate, issued by CGFNS. This verifies your education, license status, and English ability. It should be started early, as it can take several months to process.

Step 2: Register with Pearson VUE

Once your BON application is submitted, you must also register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE.

• Go to https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
• Create your account
• Select NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
• Pay the exam fee

Be sure the name you enter matches your legal ID exactly, including middle names, hyphens, and suffixes.

Step 3: Wait for Your Authorization to Test (ATT)

After both your BON application and Pearson VUE registration are processed, you’ll receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email.

• Most U.S. applicants receive it within 2–4 weeks
• International applicants or those with pending background checks may wait longer
  
  

The ATT includes your Candidate ID and testing window, typically 90 days. You cannot schedule your exam without it.

Step 4: Schedule Your NCLEX Exam Date

Once the ATT arrives, log in to Pearson VUE and choose:

• Your preferred testing center
• A test date and time

Appointments fill quickly during peak graduation seasons, so it is best to schedule early.

NCLEX Registration Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure every part of the process is complete.

Application and Eligibility

• Apply to your State Board of Nursing (BON)
• Submit official transcripts
• Complete fingerprints or background check (if required)
• Pay BON application fee

For International Applicants

• Submit education credentials to CGFNS or ERES
• Complete English proficiency testing, if required
• Begin VisaScreen® application if planning to work in the U.S.

Pearson VUE Registration

• Create account at pearsonvue.com/nclex
• Select RN or PN exam type
• Pay the exam fee
• Verify name matches legal ID

Final Steps

• Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
• Confirm ATT expiration date
• Schedule your NCLEX exam
  

After You’re Registered: Begin Exam Preparation

Once your test date is locked in, the focus shifts to preparation. The best results come from consistent practice using NCLEX-style questions, exposure to Next Gen case formats, and structured review of high-yield content.

Start Studying with NCLEX Bootcamp

To make studying easier, NCLEX Bootcamp offers:

• Full-length Next Gen practice cases with scoring that mirrors the real exam
• Strategy walkthroughs explaining how to think like the NCLEX
• A 12-week study plan for guided review

Your registration is complete. Now it’s time to prepare with focus.

Start your study plan with NCLEX Bootcamp for free today.