For many internationally educated nurses, passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a crucial step toward building a nursing career in the United States or Canada. The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams assess your ability to deliver safe and effective care in a clinical setting. If you're planning to migrate or work as a registered nurse abroad, especially in the U.S. or Canada, understanding the registration process is the first step toward achieving licensure.
This guide walks you through each phase of registering for the NCLEX as an international nurse—from credential evaluation to scheduling your test.
Understanding the NCLEX: Who Needs It and Why
The NCLEX is required for any nurse wishing to work legally in the U.S. or Canada. It applies to:
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International nursing graduates seeking licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Practical Nurse (PN)
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Foreign-trained nurses planning permanent relocation or employment-based immigration
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Nursing candidates who completed a diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree in countries outside North America
For many nurses from Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and other countries, passing the NCLEX opens doors to long-term employment opportunities, residency sponsorships, and professional growth.
Step-by-Step NCLEX Registration Process for International Nurses
1. Choose the State Board of Nursing (BON) or Regulatory Body (RB)
Every state in the U.S. and province in Canada has its own nursing regulatory body. Start by selecting where you want to be licensed. The state you choose determines your application process, fees, and requirements.
Important factors to consider include:
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Whether the board accepts international credentials
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Whether a Social Security Number (SSN) is required for licensure
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How flexible the state is for nurses without U.S. residency
States like New York, Texas, and Illinois are more accessible to international candidates because they often don't require SSNs during the initial process.
2. Apply for Credential Evaluation
Before registering for the NCLEX, you must have your academic qualifications verified. This involves submitting your documents to an evaluation agency recognized by your chosen board of nursing.
Common steps in this stage:
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Create an account with a credentialing body such as CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or another approved agency
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Request transcripts and proof of nursing registration from your home country
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Pay the evaluation fee (usually between $300–$400 USD)
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Wait for evaluation processing, which can take up to 2–4 months
Your educational background must match the standards expected of a U.S. or Canadian nursing graduate. If your education is found to be lacking in certain areas, you may be required to take additional coursework.
3. Submit Application to the State Board of Nursing
Once your credentials are evaluated, apply to the nursing board of your chosen state. This application typically involves:
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Submitting identity verification (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
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Criminal background check and fingerprinting
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Declaring nursing education and clinical hours
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Paying state-specific registration fees
Each state board has its own website where the application form and guidance documents are available. Processing times vary depending on the state.
4. Receive Eligibility and Authorization to Test (ATT)
After your application is reviewed and accepted, the board will notify Pearson VUE (the NCLEX testing service) that you're eligible. Pearson VUE will then issue an Authorization to Test (ATT).
This document allows you to:
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Schedule your exam online
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Choose a testing center (either in the U.S. or an international testing site)
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Select the exam date within your ATT validity window (usually 90 days)
It's important to note: you cannot schedule the NCLEX without an ATT.
5. Register with Pearson VUE
To take the NCLEX, you must create an account with Pearson VUE and pay the registration fee:
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$200 USD for U.S. testing centers
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Additional international scheduling fee if testing outside the U.S. or Canada
Pearson VUE offers test centers in select countries including India, the Philippines, UAE, South Africa, and others. Some international nurses choose to travel to the U.S. or another country to take the exam, depending on availability.
6. Prepare for the NCLEX Exam
While this step is not part of the formal registration process, it's critical to success. Most candidates spend 2–6 months preparing, depending on their level of readiness.
Effective preparation includes:
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Using NCLEX-specific question banks (Qbanks)
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Studying with NCLEX review courses (virtual or in-person)
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Practicing computer-adaptive testing formats
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Reviewing case studies and management-based questions
The NCLEX is not simply about knowledge—it assesses critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and safety-focused judgment.
7. Take the Exam
On your exam day:
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Arrive early at the testing center with your ATT and valid ID (passport for international candidates)
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The NCLEX is computer-adaptive, meaning the number of questions you receive can range from 85 to 150 (for the RN exam)
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The exam typically lasts up to 5 hours, including breaks
You will not receive your results immediately. Some boards offer unofficial results within 48 hours, but official results are released by the board of nursing within a few weeks.
8. Receive Results and License Status
If you pass, the board will issue your nursing license or registration number. If unsuccessful, you may receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) which outlines areas needing improvement. You can retake the NCLEX after a waiting period, usually 45 days.
Timeline Summary for International NCLEX Registration
| Step | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Choose board and credentialing body | 1–2 weeks |
| Credential evaluation | 8–16 weeks |
| Application to board of nursing | 4–8 weeks |
| ATT issuance | 1–2 weeks after approval |
| NCLEX registration with Pearson VUE | Same day |
| Preparation | 2–6 months |
| Exam scheduling and sitting | Based on availability |
| Licensing | 2–6 weeks after exam |
Frequently Asked Questions
The NCLEX registration process for international nurses may seem complex, but it's entirely manageable with proper planning and patience. From choosing the right state board to successfully passing the exam, every step brings you closer to a globally respected nursing license.
For nurses based in Sri Lanka, India, Africa, or the Middle East aspiring to work in the U.S. or Canada, this exam is more than a requirement—it's the bridge to a life-changing professional opportunity. Stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and remain persistent. The path to becoming a licensed nurse abroad is absolutely within reach.
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