If you’re a nurse in the United States, you have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed. However, before taking the NCLEX, you have to pay fees.
The NCLEX fees can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the different costs associated with the test. In this blog post, we will break down the NCLEX exam fees, explain what each fee covers, and provide some tips on how to save money on the exam. Whether you are taking the NCLEX for the first time or retaking it, understanding the NCLEX fees involved can help you better prepare and budget for this critical step in your nursing career.
Understanding the NCLEX exam fees
One of the most important things to know about the NCLEX exam is the cost. As of 2023, the NCLEX exam fee for both RN and PN exams is $200 per attempt, except for candidates seeking Canadian licensure, who have to pay $360 CAD. However, this nursing license exam fee can vary depending on different factors. It's important to check with the NCSBN website or your state board of nursing for the most up-to-date NCLEX fees and requirements.
Factors that affect NCLEX exam fees
Several factors can affect the NCLEX fees, including the state where the nursing license exam is taken, additional services such as rescheduling or international testing, and whether you want to change the test type, the language of the exam, or the nursing regulatory body after the NCLEX registration fee.
Some states may also require candidates to submit an application for licensure or get nursing background checks, which may incur additional fees. It's important to research the specific requirements for the state where you plan to take the exam to avoid any surprises.
NCLEX fees
The NCLEX exam fees have different sections. In addition to the NCLEX exam costs, which were mentioned above, making any change to the NCLEX registration after the initial payment results in additional fees. These NCLEX fees may include:
Rescheduling NCLEX fee
There is an NCLEX fee associated with rescheduling the exam The rescheduling NCLEX exam fee is $150, plus value-added tax, where applicable.
Changing the NCLEX exam type fee
If an individual seeking U.S. licensure needs to change the type of exam they are taking (e.g., from NCLEX-RN to NCLEX-PN), there is a $50 fee associated with it. This process is not applicable to candidates seeking Canadian or Australian licensure.
Changing the NCLEX exam language fee
Changing the language of the exam (e.g., from English to French) also needs another $50 fee. This process is not applicable to U.S. or Australian candidates.
Changing the NCLEX nursing regulatory body fee
If a candidate in U.S. and Canada wants to change the nursing regulatory body after registration, they have to pay another $50 fee. Candidates in Australia cannot do this process.
It's important to note that all costs mentioned above are subject to change and may not include some additional NCLEX fees. It's always a good idea to check with your state's nursing board for the most up-to-date information.
NCLEX payment options
The NCSBN accepts credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and third-party payments for NCLEX fees. You need a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card to be able to do this. Some states may also accept money orders or cashier's checks.
Tips on how to save money on the NCLEX exam
Here are some practical suggestions on how to save money on the NCLEX exam:
Ask for an NCLEX fee waiver:
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver for the NCLEX exam. To qualify for a fee waiver, you must meet certain income requirements and provide documentation to support your request.
It is important to note that fee waivers are not available in all states, and the eligibility requirements vary by state. You should contact your local testing center or state board of nursing for more information about fee waivers.
Look for scholarships:
There are several grants and nursing school scholarships available that can help you with your NCLEX costs. Check with nursing organizations and foundations for opportunities.
Smart’n helps you pay NCLEX fees
Smart'n offers scholarships to nursing students studying at licensed nursing schools in North America. Smart'n's nursing scholarship can be incredibly beneficial for students who struggle to make ends meet and require financial assistance for their studies.
Becoming a member of Smart'n is free, and the website offers two scholarship programs:
The first program is a monthly $300 grant that Smart'n awards to a member who responds to five questions in the grant application. This program does not require any membership fees, and the only requirement is that the student must be in their final year of study at a licensed nursing program in the United States.
The second program provides a $100 grant each week to a Smart'n member who is enrolled in a nursing program in North America.
Look for discounts or promo codes:
Check with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and other nursing organizations for any discounts or promo codes that might be available.
Plan ahead:
Fill out the NCLEX application form and register for the NCLEX exam early to avoid any late registration fees. Also, try to schedule your exam during non-peak times when the testing fees may be lower.
Utilize free resources:
Take advantage of the free resources available, such as practice exams and review materials. These can be found on the NCSBN website and other nursing education websites.
Avoid retakes:
As the NCLEX price is not low, make sure to adequately prepare for the NCLEX exam to avoid the cost of having to retake it.
Check with your employer:
Some employers may offer reimbursement for the NCLEX exam or have partnerships with testing centers that offer discounts. So, check with your employer before signing up for NCLEX.
Consider testing in a nearby state:
If the cost of the NCLEX exam in your state is significantly higher than in a neighboring state, consider traveling to the neighboring state for the exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost to take NCLEX varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of exam, location, and additional fees.
We hope that this guide has been helpful in providing you with the information you need to understand the NCLEX fees and payment options for the exam. By being aware of the costs and payment options, you can better prepare for this important exam, budget for it, and take the first step toward achieving your desired nursing job.
FAQs
1. Can I get a refund if I don't show up for my scheduled NCLEX exam?
No, you cannot get a refund if you do not show up for your scheduled exam. However, you may be able to reschedule your NCLEX exam for a fee.
2. How much is the New York NCLEX processing fee?
Applicants are required to pay a fee of $143 for obtaining a license, $200 for taking the NCLEX-RN exam, and $35 for a limited permit, if it is needed.
