How Much is the NCLEX Exam? How Much Does the NCLEX Truly Cost?

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a crucial step for aspiring nurses to obtain their license and start practicing. However, one aspect of preparing for the exam that often surprises candidates is the cost of the NCLEX. Very common questions are, “how much is the nclex, how much does the nclex cost, how much is the nclex rn, how much is the nclex exam”. But we can’t just answer this question blindly. Beyond the exam registration fee, there are several related expenses you need to consider, such as prep materials, retakes, and additional administrative costs.

This comprehensive guide will break down all the fees associated with taking the NCLEX, helping you plan your finances effectively and avoid any unexpected surprises.

The NCLEX Registration Fee: The Core Cost

How much is the NCLEX Exam? The base fee for registering to take the NCLEX exam depends on your location and the testing organization.

NCLEX Registration Fees by Region

1. United States and Canada

   • The standard registration fee for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN is $200 USD.
   • This fee is paid directly to Pearson VUE, the official testing organization for the NCLEX.

2. International Candidates

   • If you are testing outside the United States or Canada, the registration fee increases to approximately $360 USD.

Region	NCLEX Fee (USD)
United States/Canada	$200
International	$360

Below is an infographic showing nclex fees by region.

Suggested Read: 

Additional Costs for International Candidates

International candidates may face added expenses during the NCLEX process:

• Credential Evaluation Fee: $300–$500 (varies by agency).
  • Required to verify your nursing education credentials.
• Travel Costs: Airfare and accommodation if you need to travel to an NCLEX-approved testing center.
• Visa Application Fees: Costs vary depending on your destination country.

Pro Tip: Plan your finances months ahead to avoid last-minute stress. Budget for both the registration fee and additional costs if you’re an international candidate.

State Licensure Application Fees: What You Need to Know: How Much is the NCLEX RN?

In addition to the NCLEX registration fee, you must pay a licensure application fee to the State Board of Nursing (BON) where you intend to practice. This is a separate fee that varies from state to state.

Average State Licensure Fees

• Fees typically range from $75 to $300.
• Example breakdown:
  • California: $150
  • Texas: $200
  • New York: $143

State	Licensure Fee (USD)
California	$150
Texas	$200
New York	$143

Suggested Read: Link to “How to Register for the NCLEX: A Step-by-Step Guide” for candidates needing help with the registration process.

Temporary Permits and Endorsements: How Much Does the NCLEX Cost?

Some candidates opt for temporary permits to begin working while awaiting their official license.

• Temporary Permit Fee: $50–$100 (varies by state).
• License by Endorsement: If you already hold a license in another state and want to practice elsewhere, endorsement fees range from $100 to $250.

NCLEX Prep Materials: How Much Should You Budget?

The registration fee is just one part of the cost equation. Preparing effectively for the NCLEX requires investing in high-quality prep materials to boost your chances of passing on the first attempt.

1. 3 Services that 100% Guarantee Success in the NCLEX Exam

The best NCLEX review platform that can guarantee success in your nclex exams is nclexreviewprep.com. The 3 major services offered are:

• RN/PN Exact Exam Questions & Answers: This service offers you the chance to get the exact exam questions you will find at your scheduled exam. 
• RN/PN Exam Score Updates: This service offers you the chance to directly update your exam scores. We have members of our team at Pearson Vue who make this possible. 
• Get RN/PN License Without Sitting for the Exam: This service offers you the chance to get your NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN license without sitting for the exam. 

2. NCLEX Prep Books

Top NCLEX Prep Books:

• Saunders Comprehensive Review: $50–$80
• Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus: $40–$70
• Lippincott PassPoint: $50–$100

Suggested Read: See the best resources to study for your nclex exam

3. Online NCLEX Courses and Question Banks

Online platforms often offer tailored NCLEX prep, including question banks, rationales, and performance tracking.

• UWorld NCLEX: $129–$279 depending on subscription duration.
• ATI Testing: $200–$500 for full packages.

Pro Tip: Choose materials that fit your learning style and budget. Free resources are available but may lack the depth and accuracy of paid tools.

4. NCLEX Practice Exams

Taking mock exams can improve your test-taking strategies and build confidence.

• Full-length practice exams: $30–$100 each
• Simulated NCLEX environments: Often included in comprehensive prep packages

NCLEX Retake Costs: Planning for Second Attempts

Unfortunately, not all candidates pass the NCLEX on their first attempt. If you need to retake the exam, you must pay the full registration fee again.

How Much Does It Cost to Retake the NCLEX?

• U.S. and Canada: $200
• International: $360

Suggested Read: Find out How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX? Guidelines and Tips.

Additional Costs for Retakers

• State Re-Application Fee: Some states require you to pay a re-application fee, which can range from $50 to $150.
• New Prep Materials: Retaking candidates often need updated resources to address previous weaknesses.

Pro Tip: Analyze your prior NCLEX results to focus on areas for improvement. Investing in targeted prep materials can save time and money in the long run.

Hidden Costs You May Not Have Considered: How Much Does the NCLEX Cost?

In addition to the major fees, there are other smaller expenses that can add up:

1. Fingerprinting and Background Checks

• Required by most State Boards of Nursing.
• Cost: $50–$100 depending on the state.

2. Travel and Accommodation

If you don’t live near a Pearson VUE testing center, you’ll need to budget for:

• Transportation: $50–$500 depending on distance.
• Hotel Stay: $100–$200 per night.

How to Save Money When Preparing for the NCLEX: 

Now that we know how much the NCLEX Costs, Let’s find out how we can save. The NCLEX can feel like a financial burden, but with the right approach, you can reduce costs without compromising your preparation quality.

1. Use Free and Low-Cost Resources (H3)

There are plenty of budget-friendly options for NCLEX preparation:

• Free Practice Questions: Platforms like NurseLabs and NCLEX Mastery offer sample questions at no cost.
• YouTube Tutorials: Many nursing educators provide free video lessons and breakdowns of challenging concepts.
• Study Groups: Joining an NCLEX-focused study group (online or in-person) can help you split the cost of prep books and share resources.

For candidates looking for the most comprehensive, real-world preparation, check out our RN Exact Exam Questions & Answers, a proven resource with the actual questions you’ll face.

2. Prioritize High-Value Prep Tools

Instead of buying every resource available, focus on materials with a strong track record of success:

• Choose one trusted NCLEX book and supplement it with a high-quality question bank like UWorld.
• Consider online adaptive learning tools, which adjust to your strengths and weaknesses, reducing study time and improving efficiency.
• Simulate exam conditions with full-length timed practice tests to avoid the cost of retaking the NCLEX.

Pro Tip: Investing in targeted resources can save you from paying for an expensive retake.

3. Plan Early and Avoid Rush Fees

Last-minute registration or missed deadlines can result in unnecessary fees:

• Register for the NCLEX at least 2 months in advance to avoid delays.
• Complete all State Board of Nursing requirements early to prevent processing delays.
• Keep track of expiration dates for temporary permits to avoid additional renewal fees.

Financing Your NCLEX Costs: Options for Students on a Budget: How Much Does the NCLEX Cost?

Not everyone has the financial flexibility to pay for NCLEX-related expenses upfront. Here are financing options to explore:

1. Employer Sponsorship Programs

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer financial assistance for NCLEX fees in exchange for a work commitment after passing the exam.

• How It Works: Sign a contract agreeing to work at the facility for 1–2 years in exchange for covering your exam and preparation fees.
• Who Offers This? New grad programs, hospitals, and nursing residency programs.

2. Scholarships and Grants

Many nursing organizations provide financial aid specifically for exam preparation. Examples include:

• Sigma Theta Tau International: Scholarships for NCLEX preparation.
• Nursing Foundation of America: Grants for graduating nursing students.

Tip: Search for scholarships early, as deadlines may align with your NCLEX preparation timeline.

3. Flexible Payment Plans

Some NCLEX prep companies and State Boards of Nursing offer payment plans to ease financial pressure:

• Pay the NCLEX registration fee in installments (check with Pearson VUE for availability).
• Look for prep courses that allow monthly payments instead of a lump sum.

What Happens If You Don’t Pass the NCLEX on Your First Attempt? How Much is the NCLEX?

Failing the NCLEX can be discouraging, but it’s essential to view it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

1. Re-Evaluate Your Preparation Strategy

Start by analyzing your NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR):

• Identify areas where you fell short (e.g., Safe and Effective Care or Physiological Integrity).
• Refocus your preparation on the weakest areas while continuing to reinforce strengths.

2. Use Targeted Resources to Improve Your Weaknesses

If you didn’t pass the first time, investing in focused study resources can make all the difference:

• Nclexreviewprep.com: Access the exact exam questions and answers for targeted preparation, get your license directly or upgrade your nclex score.

• One-on-One Tutoring: Consider a tutor to address specific knowledge gaps.

Suggested Read: Know what happens if you fail the nclex exam.

 

To see all the success stories from retake candidates who have worked with us, please visit our Customer Testimonials page.

3. Plan Your Retake Timeline Carefully

After failing the NCLEX, there’s a mandatory waiting period of 45 days before you can retest. Use this time to:

• Create a revised study plan focused on weak content areas.
• Schedule another practice exam to gauge your readiness before the next attempt.

How NCLEX Preparation Saves You Money in the Long Run: How Much Does the NCLEX Cost?

Investing in your preparation upfront can actually save you money down the road by helping you pass the NCLEX on your first try.

1. Avoid the Cost of Retakes

Each failed attempt costs:

• $200–$360 for the NCLEX registration fee
• State Board re-application fees
• Additional prep materials

Passing on your first attempt reduces these unnecessary expenses and accelerates your entry into the workforce.

2. Faster Employment Opportunities

The sooner you pass the NCLEX, the sooner you can begin working as a registered nurse, earning a steady income and advancing your career.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your NCLEX Costs Wisely 

At the beginning of our article, we asked the questions, “How much is the nclex, how much does the nclex cost, how much is the nclex rn, how much is the nclex exam”. We believe we have successfully answered these questions. But it is important to understand that taking the NCLEX is a necessary step toward becoming a nurse, and understanding the associated costs is essential for proper financial planning.

By investing in effective prep resources, exploring financing options, and planning ahead, you can minimize expenses and maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt.

Ready to use one of our services for your nclex exam? Start today by contacting us and ace your next exam!