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NCLEX-RN® Registration Guide
A complete walkthrough of every step between graduating nursing school and walking into the Pearson VUE test center — eligibility, registration, ATT, scheduling, ID, and check-in.
Always verify your exact requirements with your Nursing Regulatory Body. Licensure and registration requirements vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change.
How the registration system works
The NCLEX-RN® uses a two-organization system. NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) owns and develops the exam. Pearson VUE is the authorized testing vendor that delivers it at test centers worldwide.
As a candidate, you deal with three entities:
Your NRB
The state or territorial Board of Nursing that grants your license. They declare you eligible to test.
NCSBN
Develops and owns the NCLEX® exam. Sets the passing standard and publishes the test plan.
Pearson VUE
Administers the exam at test centers. Issues your ATT and handles scheduling, confirmation, and quick results.
The five registration steps — in order
Step 1
Apply to your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB)
Your nursing regulatory body (NRB) determines eligibility for licensure or registration. Apply under that regulator's instructions. Requirements, fees and timing depend on the jurisdiction, so use its official website for your application.
Step 2
Register with Pearson VUE
Once your NRB application is submitted or in progress, register with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/nclex. You will need: your program code (from your nursing school), a valid email address, and a payment method for the exam fee. Your registration stays open for up to 365 days while waiting for NRB eligibility.
Step 3
Wait for NRB eligibility + ATT
After your NRB processes your application and declares you eligible, Pearson VUE will send your Authorization to Test (ATT) by email. The ATT contains your candidate ID number, eligibility period, and the exact validity dates you must schedule within. Processing times vary by NRB.
Step 4
Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE
Log into your Pearson account and schedule your appointment at a Pearson VUE test center. Choose a date, time, and location that gives you adequate preparation time — but do not wait too long. Your exam must be completed before your ATT expiry date. You will receive a confirmation email with your test center address.
Step 5
Prepare your ID for exam day
Bring one acceptable physical, non-expired, government-issued ID with a recent photo; its first and last names must exactly match your Pearson registration. If it lacks a signature, a matching secondary ID with a signature is required. Domestic and international test centers accept different documents; international centers, including Puerto Rico, require a passport book or card. Verify the official acceptable-ID list before travel.
Name Match Tool
The first and last names used for your Pearson VUE registration must exactly match the acceptable ID you bring on exam day. A mismatch in either name can result in being turned away and forfeiting fees. Use this tool to check your registration name against your ID before exam day.
Name Match Tool
Your Pearson registration name must exactly match the name on your government-issued ID.
Name on your ID
Name for Pearson registration
Understanding your ATT
The Authorization to Test (ATT) is the official document that permits you to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam. It is issued by Pearson VUE by email once your NRB declares you eligible. Without it, you cannot schedule or take the exam.
What the ATT contains
- Your Pearson candidate ID number
- Your legal name as registered
- The exact validity start and end dates
- Eligibility period for scheduling
Critical ATT rules
- Validity dates cannot be extended — no exceptions
- You must schedule AND sit for the exam before the expiry date
- An ATT that expires unused means reapplying and repaying fees
- Check your spam/junk folder if you haven't received it within your NRB's published timeline
ATT Countdown Planner
Enter your ATT validity dates to calculate how much study time you have, whether your planned exam date is within the window, and when to set your scheduling deadline. ATT validity dates cannot be extended.
ATT Countdown Planner
Enter your ATT dates and preferred exam date to see if your scheduling window is safe.
ID requirements for exam day
Your ID will be inspected at check-in. Verify each requirement below and check the official acceptable-ID list for your test-center location. If your primary ID has no signature, bring the required matching secondary ID with a signature.
Physical (not a digital or printed copy)
Pearson staff must verify a physical document.
Non-expired on exam day
An expired ID — even one day — will not be accepted.
Government-issued
School IDs, work badges, and library cards do not qualify.
Name in Roman (Latin) alphabet characters
Staff must be able to read and verify the name.
Recent photograph of you
Used for visual identity verification.
Signature on an ID
If your primary ID has no signature, bring a matching secondary ID with a signature, as the official ID rules require.
First and last name exactly matching Pearson registration
An incorrect first or last name may result in being turned away. Check name-change document rules if applicable.
What happens at the test center check-in
Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment
Late arrivals may be turned away and required to reschedule.
Present your qualifying ID
Staff will inspect your physical, government-issued, non-expired ID. The name must match exactly.
Biometric verification
The official NCLEX check-in process includes a palm-vein scan, photograph and signature. Follow the test administrator's security screening instructions after breaks.
Photo taken
A digital photo is taken at check-in and stored with your exam record.
Personal items in locker
Phones, wallets, keys, watches, medical devices, and food must be stored in the provided locker. Only your ID is allowed at the testing station.
Note board provided
The test center provides an erasable note board and marker; an on-screen calculator is also available.
Escorted to your testing station
Staff will escort you to a monitored workstation. Follow the current candidate rules and on-screen directions to begin.
After the exam — results timeline
Quick Results (unofficial)
Candidates seeking U.S. licensure through a participating NRB may purchase unofficial Quick Results two business days after testing. They do not authorize practice. Check the official Quick Results page for eligibility and current price.
Official Results (from your NRB)
Only your NRB sends official exam results. NCLEX guidance says official results are available within six weeks. Ask your NRB how it communicates results and handles licensure.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Confirm your ID against the official ID rules before exam day.
Common mistakes that delay or disqualify registration
Not checking your NRB's specific requirements before applying.
✓ Every NRB sets its own eligibility rules. Visit your NRB's official website or contact them directly before starting.
Registering under a different first or last name from your exam-day ID.
✓ Check that the first and last names match exactly. Review the official name-change rules if applicable.
Missing or entering the wrong program code during Pearson registration.
✓ Get your program code directly from your nursing school's registrar or NCLEX® coordinator.
Scheduling the exam too close to the ATT expiry date.
✓ Schedule with a buffer of at least 2–3 weeks before expiry in case you need to reschedule.
Not checking email (including spam/junk folders) for the ATT and Pearson confirmations.
✓ Add Pearson's sending domain to your contacts and check junk/spam daily during the waiting period.
Registering with Pearson before the NRB application is in progress.
✓ The order matters. Begin your NRB application first; Pearson registration can overlap but the ATT won't arrive until both steps are done.
Assuming exam length means pass or fail.
✓ NCLEX may end under different stopping rules, including the maximum item or time limit. Neither 85 nor 150 questions reveals whether you passed.
Registered and waiting on your ATT? Read the complete 2026 NCLEX-RN® guide — exam format, adaptive scoring, question types and study strategy in one place.