The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN exam) has one purpose: to determine if it's safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse. It is significantly different from any test that you took in nursing school. Nursing school exams are knowledge-based. The NCLEX-RN® exam, however, is application-based. You will be tested on how you can use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments.
The NCLEX-RN exam is organized according to the framework, "Meeting Client Needs." There are four major categories and eight subcategories. All of the questions on the exam involve integrated nursing content. Many nursing programs are based on the medical model where students take separate medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, and obstetric classes. However on the NCLEX-RN® exam, all content is integrated.
This exam can be taken in London – learn more about it here.
Registering for the NCLEX Exam
Your first step is to submit an application to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). You will be required to follow the procedures established by the individual State Boards of Nursing. Some states have combined registration for the NCLEX-RN® exam with the application for licensure. In all other states, you must apply for licensure with the State Board of Nursing in the state in which you wish to become licensed. Once you have applied, you will receive a Candidate Bulletin to register for the NCLEX-RN® exam.
Exam and licensure fees
The cost to take the NCLEX-RN® exam is $200 plus $150 international fees. Additional licensure fees are determined by the individual State Board of Nursing.Sending it in
You are responsible for sending the completed test application and the fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. You can register by phone by calling: 1-866-496-2539 in the USA1-952-681-3815 for outside the USAYou will not be able to schedule an appointment to take the exam until your State Board of Nursing declares you eligible and you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) in the mail.
