Requirements

Nclex Requirements

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized exam required for nursing school graduates to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) in the United States and Canada.[1]

Basic requirements for the NCLEX include:

  • Graduation from an accredited nursing program (either an Associate Degree in Nursing [ADN] or Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BSN] for NCLEX-RN; diploma in practical nursing for NCLEX-PN)[1][3][4]
  • Completion of required clinical hours as determined by each state’s board of nursing[1]
  • Application for licensure to a Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) in the state/territory you wish to be licensed[2][3]
  • Registration with Pearson VUE and payment of the NCLEX exam fee[2]
  • Good moral character and often a criminal background check[1][3]
  • Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport)[1]
  • Some states require candidates to be at least 18 years old[2][3]

Internationally educated nurses must also provide an evaluation of their international credentials, typically verifying equivalence to a U.S. ADN or BSN and may require a work-eligible visa depending on the jurisdiction.[1]

After graduation, candidates must:

  • Apply for licensure/registration to an NRB and meet all state/jurisdictional eligibility requirements[3]
  • Register and pay for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE[2][8]

Only those who graduate from a state-approved nursing program are eligible; you cannot take the NCLEX without a nursing school degree.[3][4]

NCLEX exams use a computer adaptive testing system and assess practical clinical judgment and knowledge required for safe nursing practice, with the number and style of questions tailored to the candidate.[7]

References

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *