Certification: National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2900 Chicago, IL 60601-4277

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN), National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) tests knowledge, abilities, and skills essential to the safe and effective practice of entry-level nursing. Nursing regulatory bodies (NRB) use the results to help make licensure and registration decisions. Each state requires licensure candidates to meet set requirements that include passing NCLEX-RN examination and education/training from the state-approved nursing school. Individual states administer NCLEX-RN exam to qualifying candidates. Candidates must refer to their state Board of Nursing for details about requirements, the application process, and the fees involved in sitting for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

More than two years of work experience required?
No
Oral or Written Exam Required?
Yes
Renewal Required?
Every 2 Year(s)
Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)?
Yes
Renew through Re-Examination?
No
Renew through Continuing Professional Development(CPD)?
No
Does applicant have choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)?
No

Third Party Exam Center

Core

  1. The certification does not have a minimum education level or has an education level below a two-year Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree and the certification does not have a minimum requirement for work experience or requires two or less years of work experience.
  2. The certification has an education level of an Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree or higher, but has a work experience requirement of less than 2 years of work experience.
  3. The certification has a work experience requirement of more than 2 years but does not require a two-year Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree.

  • This certification is related to military occupational specialties.