Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States is a rewarding career path that offers job stability, career growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. To practice as an RN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). This guide will walk you through the entire process, from eligibility and registration to exam preparation and certification.
Step 1: Understanding the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to assess whether a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your answers.
Exam Structure
- Number of Questions: 75-145 (minimum 75, maximum 145)
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, and case studies
- Exam Duration: Maximum of 5 hours
- Passing Criteria: Uses a computer adaptive testing (CAT) system to determine if you meet the passing standard
Subjects Covered
The NCLEX-RN tests knowledge in four major categories:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiological Adaptation
Step 2: Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for the NCLEX-RN, you must ensure you meet the educational and licensing requirements. These may vary by state, but the general criteria include:
✅ Educational Qualification: Graduation from an accredited nursing program (Associate’s Degree in Nursing – ADN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing – BSN)
✅ English Proficiency: If you are an international applicant, you may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
✅ Criminal Background Check: Required by most state nursing boards
✅ Credential Evaluation: International graduates may need an evaluation from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
Each state has its own Board of Nursing (BON), so it’s important to check the specific requirements for the state where you plan to practice.
Step 3: Registering for the NCLEX-RN Exam
- Apply to Your State Board of Nursing
- Submit an application for licensure with your chosen State Board of Nursing
- Pay the application fee (varies by state, usually between $100-$300)
- Provide required documents such as transcripts and ID verification
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the NCSBN
- Register with Pearson VUE
- Create an account on Pearson VUE
- Pay the NCLEX-RN exam fee of $200
- Schedule your exam at a Pearson testing center
Step 4: Preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam
Recommended Study Materials
📚 NCLEX Review Books:
- Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN
- Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN
💻 Online Practice Tests & Courses:
- UWorld NCLEX
- Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep
- NCSBN Learning Extension
📱 Mobile Apps for Practice:
- NCLEX RN Mastery
- SimpleNursing
Study Tips for Success
✅ Develop a study schedule and stick to it
✅ Focus on weaker areas identified through practice tests
✅ Learn test-taking strategies for different question types
✅ Take full-length practice exams to simulate test conditions
✅ Join study groups or forums for discussion and support
Step 5: Taking the NCLEX-RN Exam
🔹 On Exam Day
- Arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center early with your ATT and valid ID
- The test will begin with easier questions, but difficulty will adjust based on your responses
- You can take optional breaks at scheduled intervals
🔹 After the Exam
- Your official results will be available in 48 hours (for a small fee)
- If you pass, you will receive your RN license from your state board
- If you fail, you will get a Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which highlights areas for improvement
Step 6: Obtaining Your RN License
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you’ll receive your official Registered Nurse (RN) license from your state board. Some states also require:
- Fingerprinting and background checks
- Additional nursing jurisprudence exams
If you are an international nurse, you may need to apply for a VisaScreen Certificate from CGFNS to work in the US.