What is NCLEX Exam
The NCLEX exam is a nationwide test for nurses. The state to which you apply for your NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) will grant you licensure to practice once you pass. Test takers can either register for the NCLEX-RN if they have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing or NCLEX-PN if they are Practical Nursing Diploma holders.
When Can You Take the NCLEX Exam?
Although the timeline varies depending on your state, the earliest you can take your NCLEX exam is approximately 45 days after graduation. In addition to state-specific requirements, the time it can take you to sit for your NCLEX exam depends on factors such as the authorization-to-test waiting period. However, graduates must pass their NCLEX exam within three years after graduation.
How to Apply for the NCLEX
Test takers can register for the NCLEX exam once they graduate from an accredited nursing school. Successful graduation is the first prerequisite. You can follow these two steps to apply for the NCLEX exam:
- Submit your application to the Nursing Regulatory Board for licensure.
- Apply for the NCLEX examthrough Person VUE.
How Long Do You Have to Take the NCLEX Test?
You have a five-hour time limit to take your NCLEX test. However, these five hours include the time you spend on breaks, during the introductory process, and during the actual NCLEX test-taking.
When Does NCLEX NextGen Start?
The NCSBN is expected to begin administering the NextGen NCLEX exams on April 1, 2023. The Next Generation NCLEX is the next exam version expected to measure clinical judgment ability.
Benefit from FVI School of Nursing & Technology’s NCLEX Prep Course
Enroll in FVI School of Nursing & Technology to access faculty who can help you pass the NCLEX-RN and NextGen NCLEX-RN (NGN) exam. FVI received a first-time pass rate of 90.9% in 2022, the highest first-time pass rate of ALL other accredited AD-RN programs in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
AtFVI School of Nursing, the nursing programs’ curriculums have been developed to include clinical judgment exercises, NCLEX review classes, and video tutorials.
Our nursinggraduates receive adequate training and preparation to take and pass their NCLEX-RN and the NextGen NCLEX-RN exams on their first attempt.
FVI’s Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares students to join a rapidly growing workforce.
Learn more about NCLEX Prep Course:
FAQs
Test takers can register for the NCLEX exam once they graduate from an accredited nursing school. Successful graduation is the first prerequisite.
Can I take the NCLEX before graduating? ›
Although the timeline varies depending on your state, the earliest you can take your NCLEX exam is approximately 45 days after graduation.
Can you take the NCLEX without finishing school? ›
No, you can't take the National Council Licensure for Examination (NCLEX) without going to nursing school.
What happens if you graduate nursing school but don't pass NCLEX? ›
So no, you cannot legally practice as a registered nurse without passing the NCLEX exam. However, alternative career options are available to nursing postgrads while they prepare for and retake the NCLEX.
Is it better to take the NCLEX right after graduation? ›
You should sit for your exam as soon as you are eligible. The thought behind this is you have just finished your studies, have been doing practice exams in school, and all that knowledge is "fresh" in your mind. You are primed and about as ready as you will be to take it. Delaying rarely works in your favor.
Can I take NCLEX if I graduated 10 years ago? ›
The Texas BON allows test-takers to retake the NCLEX exam. However, they must continue to submit an application and pay applicable fees each time. test-takers must pass the exam within four years of graduation. The last application must be made at least 120 days before they become ineligible to take the exam.
Can I take the NCLEX whenever I want? ›
The earliest date on which you can take the NCLEX-RN® exam varies depending on your state, but the majority of students test approximately 45 days after the date of their graduation.
Can you challenge the NCLEX without going to nursing school? ›
No, you can't take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) until you complete a nursing degree. The type of degree needed depends on the nursing license you wish to obtain. In general, you'll need to pass a diploma program or get an associate's (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
Are there people who never pass the NCLEX? ›
And although every year the majority of nursing graduates earn a passing grade, many do not. In 2022, about 20% of NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN test-takers failed on the first try. The good news: Applicants don't need to give up. They can take the test again.
Does passing the NCLEX make you an RN? ›
Congratulations! You've finished nursing school. Your next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) so you can practice as a licensed registered nurse (RN). The NCLEX is a unique test that requires careful planning.
Hearing about the stress caused by the NCLEX might lead some aspiring nursing students to wonder if there's any path into a nursing career without needing to pass the exam. The short answer is no.
What percent of nursing students never pass the NCLEX? ›
Pre-Next Gen NCLEX Pass Rates by State
| STATE | OVERALL PASS RATE % |
|---|
| Alaska | 88.5 |
| Arizona | 91.4 |
| Arkansas | 83.4 |
| California | 90.9 |
47 more rowsFeb 13, 2024
If you don't pass the NCLEX after three times, you'll need to complete a remedial training before a fourth attempt.
Can I take NCLEX exam before graduation? ›
In most cases, you cannot take the NCLEX exam before you have graduated from an accredited nursing program. The NCSBN requires that you provide proof of graduation or eligibility to graduate in order to register for the exam.
How long after graduating nursing school do you have to take the NCLEX? ›
Typically, you can take the exam 45 days after graduation [1]. However, the date varies state by state. The first step is to complete the two-step registration process on NCSBN. Once approved, you'll have 365 days to take the NCLEX.
How long do NCLEX results take? ›
Official NCLEX results typically take around 6 weeks to arrive. There are a couple main reasons as to why this waiting period is so long. For starters, the NCLEX exam is actually scored twice - once at the test site (immediately after the conclusion of the exam) - and then again at the Pearson VUE center.
Do you need a degree to take the NCLEX exam? ›
One cannot become a licensed RN without an ADN or BSN. The Associate's Degree is the minimum requirement to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Is there a deadline to take the NCLEX after graduation? ›
The Typical Timeline:
Most nursing graduates take the NCLEX-RN® exam approximately 45 days after graduation. This timeframe is a common benchmark and can vary slightly depending on your state. It's important to recognize that this 45-day window is not set in stone.
How early do you have to be to get to NCLEX? ›
ARRIVE EARLY: Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before testing time.
How soon after passing NCLEX can you work? ›
Can I Work Immediately After Passing The NCLEX-RN? Once your NCLEX-RN scores are official and published by your state's Board of Nursing, you can legally practice as a nurse in your state.
