<p>The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a comprehensive, standardized assessment used to determine the competency of entry-level nurses. It’s a mandatory test that all foreign-educated nurses must take in order to obtain a license to practice nursing in the United States. In this article, discover the NCLEX requirements and eligibility criteria you need to take the exam.</p>
<h2>NCLEX Exam Requirements for Foreign Nurses</h2>
<p>State nursing regulatory bodies (NRB) determine NCLEX exam requirements, and they vary from state to state. It, therefore, should not be a surprise if your NCLEX application process varies from other nurses. General requirements for the NCLEX exam include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A diploma or degree in nursing from an accredited institution</li>
<li>Verification of educational qualifications</li>
<li>A nursing license</li>
<li>Verification of the foreign nursing license/licenses</li>
<li>Criminal history report</li>
<li>Authorization To Test (ATT) letter</li>
<li>Register with Pearson VUE</li>
<li>Application fees</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>English or French language proficiency as the exam is only offered in those languages. Some states require proof of recent nursing work experience while others won’t allow candidates without US Social Security numbers to apply for the exam.</p>
<h2>New York NCLEX Requirements</h2>
<p>To work as a Registered Nurse in the state of New York, you have to apply for licensure, pay the registration fee, then register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam. </p>
<p>The steps to follow as a graduate of foreign nursing school registering for a nursing license in New York include:</p>
<ol>
<li>Complete an NYSED (New York State Education Department) approved Infection Control Course and a Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Course from an approved provider.</li>
<li>Pay a first-time registration fee of $143 using a credit card. It is worth noting that the registration fee is subject to change.</li>
<li>Have your nursing credential verified. You have two options, according to NYSED official site. You can have your credentials verified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or by your foreign nursing school using a<a href="https://www.op.nysed.gov/sites/op/files/documents/nurse2f.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Certification of Professional Education (Form 2F).</a></li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<p>Only when your application for licensure and education credentials has been reviewed by NYSED can you register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="820" height="312" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/04/Graphic-NCLEX-Requirements-and-Eligibility-Criteria-Shutterstock_796472536.jpg" alt="NCLEX" class="wp-image-16793" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/04/Graphic-NCLEX-Requirements-and-Eligibility-Criteria-Shutterstock_796472536.jpg 820w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/04/Graphic-NCLEX-Requirements-and-Eligibility-Criteria-Shutterstock_796472536-300x114.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2023/04/Graphic-NCLEX-Requirements-and-Eligibility-Criteria-Shutterstock_796472536-768x292.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></figure>
<h2>How To Register for the NCLEX Exam</h2>
<p><strong>Step 1: Apply to the Nursing Regulatory Board (NRB)</strong></p>
<p>Submit an application to the Nursing Regulatory Board in the state you want to practice nursing. Because different states have different NCLEX exam requirements inquire with your state’s board of nursing about their requirements and registration process. Meet all your state’s NRB requirements.</p>
<p><strong>Step 2: Register with Pearson VUE</strong></p>
<p>Open a<a href="https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/profile/create/SignUp/NCLEXTESTING" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Pearson VUE account</a> and register for the NCLEX exam. To register online go to Pearson Vue’s official webpage and click “Register.” Fill out the registration form. Pay the registration fee with your Visa or Mastercard.</p>
<p>Note that when you register with Pearson VUE the first and last name you use must match your identification credentials. If your registration name does not match the identification credential you present at the testing center you will not be allowed to test. Worse, you will not be refunded any fees paid and you will have to pay the fees again to sit the NCLEX exam. </p>
<p><strong>Step 3: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) email</strong></p>
<p>Once your NRB declares you eligible to sit the NCLEX exam and verified your registration with Pearson VUE you will receive your ATT email. Your ATT email enables you to schedule an appointment to take the NCLEX exam.</p>
<p>The ATT email will contain your authorization number, identification number, and expiration date. The ATT is valid for the period specified by your NRB (the average length is 90 days). If you do not take the exam within the validity date of your ATT you will have to reregister and pay another exam fee.</p>
<h2>How to Schedule your NCLEX Exam</h2>
<p>You can schedule your exam online via your computer or smartphone. Sign in to your Pearson VUE account and request a date and time to take the exam at your preferred testing center.</p>
<p>You can get an appointment for your NCLEX Exam within 30 days if you are a first-time taker. Repeat candidates can expect their appointment within 45 days. You can choose to decline the appointment offered and schedule later than 30-45 days. </p>
<h2>Final Words</h2>
<p>The process of registering for the NCLEX Exam involves multiple steps, including obtaining licensure through your state Board of Nursing and registering with Pearson VUE. Understanding these requirements ahead of time can help ensure that you are well-prepared and ready to take the Exam when your appointment arrives. </p>
<p>Here are<a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/nclex-nurses-usa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> job opportunities</a> for NCLEX nurses in the USA.</p>