The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the standardized test required for all individuals seeking to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. This examination assesses whether a candidate has the minimum competence necessary to safely begin practice as an entry-level nurse. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is recognized as a valid educational pathway that generally qualifies a graduate to apply to take this important examination.
ADN Qualification for the NCLEX-RN
Graduates of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program have completed the necessary clinical and academic coursework required for entry-level nursing practice. The curriculum of an ADN program is specifically designed to meet the educational standards set by state regulatory bodies, focusing on foundational knowledge in patient care, pharmacology, and physiological integrity. Because these programs are fully approved by their respective State Boards of Nursing, their graduates are prepared to meet the eligibility requirements for the national licensure exam.
The NCLEX-RN is a single, national examination, meaning that the content and scoring are identical for every candidate, regardless of their educational background. There is no separate or modified test for graduates who hold an ADN compared to those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The examination utilizes Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) technology to determine competence by presenting questions based on the candidate’s previous responses.
State Board of Nursing Requirements for Eligibility
While an ADN degree provides the academic qualification, a candidate’s final eligibility to test is determined by the State Board of Nursing (BON) in the jurisdiction where they intend to seek licensure. The initial step is submitting a formal application for licensure by examination directly to the chosen BON. This application process verifies the candidate’s completion of an approved nursing program and their compliance with all state-specific regulatory criteria.
Specific requirements often vary between states and may include submitting official transcripts directly from the nursing program to confirm graduation. Most states mandate a fingerprint-based criminal background check (CBC), which must be completed and cleared before eligibility is granted. Candidates must also pay the required state application fees, which are separate from the NCLEX examination fee. The BON’s approval is a formal declaration that the graduate has met all legal and educational requirements to proceed with scheduling the national exam.
The NCLEX Registration and Testing Process
After submitting the licensure application to the BON, the next step is to register directly with Pearson VUE, the official testing service for the NCLEX. This registration requires the candidate to pay the non-refundable NCLEX examination fee, which is currently set at $200. The name used during this registration must precisely match the name on the BON application and the government-issued identification the candidate will present at the testing center.
Once the BON formally reviews and approves the candidate’s application and Pearson VUE has processed the registration, the testing service issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. The ATT is a time-sensitive document, typically valid for a testing window of approximately 90 days. The candidate must schedule and take the exam within this specific timeframe. Candidates are encouraged to schedule their appointment promptly, as testing center availability can fluctuate, especially during peak graduation periods.
From Exam to Registered Nurse Licensure
The NCLEX-RN is a pass-or-fail examination, and the result is not released as a numerical score or percentage. The Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system stops administering questions when it is 95% confident that the candidate’s ability is above or below the required passing standard. Official results are released by the State Board of Nursing, usually about six weeks after the exam date, and are not typically given at the testing site.
Upon successfully passing the NCLEX, the BON will finalize the candidate’s application and issue the official Registered Nurse license. This license is the legal authorization to practice nursing and must be maintained through periodic renewal, which often involves continuing education requirements specific to that state. If a nurse later chooses to practice in a different state, they will apply for licensure by endorsement, a process that relies on verifying their existing RN license and NCLEX success.