Your NCLEX application, one step at a time

Your RN license is issued by one state's Board of Nursing. Requirements, fees, and processing times differ — pick the state that fits your situation first.

• Shortlist 1–3 states using the state guides
• Decide on the Board of Nursing you'll apply to

💡 Many international nurses choose states with no CGFNS requirement and faster processing.

Collect everything the board will ask for now, so nothing stalls your application later. Missing transcripts and verifications are the #1 cause of delays.

• Valid passport / government photo ID
• Nursing diploma or degree certificate
• Official nursing school transcript
• Proof of name change (if applicable)

💡 Make sure your name is identical across every document and your ID — mismatches cause rejections.

If your board requires it, an agency like CGFNS verifies that your nursing education is comparable to a U.S. program. Start this early — it can take weeks.

• Check whether your state requires CGFNS / CES
• Order the credentials evaluation report

Most boards require proof of English proficiency for internationally educated nurses, typically IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT (unless you're exempt).

• Confirm if your board requires English proof
• Book and pass IELTS / TOEFL (if required)

Create an account with your chosen state board and complete the application for licensure by examination (RN). Pay the state application fee.

• Create your Board of Nursing account
• Complete the licensure-by-examination application
• Pay the state application fee

Request that your nursing school send an official transcript directly to the board. International nurses may also need home-country license verification.

• Request official transcript sent to the board
• Request license verification (Nursys or home authority)

💡 Documents sent directly from the institution are accepted — copies you forward yourself usually aren't.

Many states require a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Do this as soon as the board tells you how (often a Livescan vendor).

• Check whether your state requires fingerprinting
• Complete the background check (if required)

Register for the NCLEX-RN at Pearson VUE and pay the registration fee. The name on your registration must exactly match your ID.

• Create a Pearson VUE account
• Register for the NCLEX-RN and pay the fee

Once the board confirms eligibility and Pearson VUE processes your registration, you'll get an ATT email. It's valid for a limited window — usually about 90 days.

• Receive your ATT email
• Note your ATT validity window (test within it!)

💡 If your ATT expires before you test, you'll have to re-register and pay again.

Use your ATT to book the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. International candidates can test at approved centers worldwide.

• Pick a testing center (incl. international sites)
• Book a date that gives you time to prepare

💡 Filipino nurses can take the NCLEX in Metro Manila (Makati or Alabang) — no need to fly to the U.S. See exam locations on our Filipino nurses guide.

The NCLEX-RN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and includes Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) clinical-judgment items. Arrive 30 minutes early with your ID.

• Study with NGN-style practice questions
• Confirm your ID exactly matches your registration
• Take the NCLEX-RN

After you pass, your state board issues your RN license. You can verify it on Nursys once it's active.

• Receive your official NCLEX result
• Confirm your RN license is issued
• Verify your license on Nursys.com

If you plan to work in the U.S. on a visa (e.g., EB-3), you'll typically need a VisaScreen certificate. Start once you're licensed.

• Apply for your VisaScreen certificate
• Work with your employer / agency on the visa petition