How Much Does the NCLEX Exam Cost?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) registration fee varies by country:
- U.S. licensure candidates: USD 200
- Canadian licensure candidates: CAD 360
- Australian licensure candidates: $200
This one-time fee covers basic registration. Additional charges for services such as changing exam type or nursing regulatory body may apply. Accepted payment methods include debit, credit, or prepaid cards.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Take the NCLEX exam?
To be eligible to take the NCLEX, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational requirement: Completion of an approved nursing program. This typically means:
- For NCLEX-RN: A bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing
- For NCLEX-PN: Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
- Program accreditation: The nursing program must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body and approved by the state board of nursing.
- Application to state board:Candidates must apply to their state board of nursing (or desired state of practice) for licensure/registration.
- Background check:Most states require a criminal background check.
- Authorization to Test (ATT):Receive an Authorization to Test from the state board after they’ve reviewed and approved the application.
- International applicants: Must have their educational credentials evaluated for equivalency to U.S. nursing education standards. English proficiency tests may also be required.
- Age requirement: Candidates must typically be at least 18 years old, though this may vary by state.
- Identification: Valid, government-issued identification matching the name used for registration.
Specific requirements can vary slightly by state. Candidates should always check with their specific state board of nursing for any additional or unique requirements.
How Much Does the NCLEX Cost?
The NCLEX exam fees are consistent across all testing sites, nursing programs, and boards of nursing. Key points to note:
- Fees are identical for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams.
- The NCLEX-PN is only offered in the United States.
- Costs remain the same for each exam attempt, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation.
- No refunds are provided for exam failures, and there are no retake discounts.
Registration fees vary by country as follows:
| Fee | Candidates Seeking U.S. Licensure | Candidates Seeking Canadian Licensure/Registration | Candidates Seeking Australian Licensure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $200 USD | $360 CAD | $200 USD |
| Additional International Scheduling fee (+value added tax where applicable) | $150 USD | $150 USD | $150 USD |
| Change the nursing regulatory body after the registration fee | $50 USD | $50 USD | $50 USD |
| Change exam type (RN/PN) after registration fee | $50 USD | $50 USD | N/A |
| Change exam language (English/French) after registration fee | N/A | $50 USD | N/A |
| Licensure/Registration Fee | Varies by state | Varies by province/territory | Varies by state/territory |
Are there any additional NCLEX fees?
While the base registration fee covers the core cost of taking the NCLEX, candidates should be aware of potential additional fees that may apply in certain circumstances:
- Additional International Scheduling Fee: Candidates taking the NCLEX outside their country of residence are subject to an extra $150 USD charge, plus any applicable value-added tax. This fee applies to all international test-takers, regardless of their target licensure location.
- Change Fees: Modifying your initial registration can incur additional costs. Changing your nursing regulatory body or switching between the RN and PN exams after registration will result in a $50 USD fee. For Canadian candidates, altering the exam language between English and French also carries a $50 USD charge.
- Licensure/Registration Fees: These fees vary by state, province, or territory and are separate from the NCLEX registration fee. Candidates must pay these directly to their respective nursing regulatory bodies.
- Unofficial Results Fee: For a small fee of $7.95 USD, candidates can access their unofficial results via the Quick Results Service, typically available two business days after the exam.
- Retake Fees: If a candidate needs to retake the exam, they must pay the full registration fee again. There are no discounts for retakes.
Candidates should factor these potential additional costs into their budget when preparing for the NCLEX to avoid any financial surprises during the licensure process.