If you’re preparing for the NCLEX exam and wondering, “How much is the NCLEX exam?”, this guide breaks down the exact costs and fees for 2025. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical step for aspiring nurses seeking licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Practical Nurse (PN) in the U.S., Canada, or Australia. Understanding the full cost, including registration and additional fees, is essential for budgeting and avoiding surprises. Below, we detail the expenses based on verified 2025 data and provide tips to prepare efficiently.
NCLEX Exam Registration Fees
The core cost of the NCLEX exam depends on the country where you’re seeking licensure:
- U.S. Licensure: $200 USD for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. This fee covers registration and exam administration through Pearson VUE.
- Canadian Licensure: $360 CAD, excluding local taxes, for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN.
- Australian Licensure: $200 USD for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN.
Payment must be made via credit, debit, or prepaid card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) during registration with Pearson VUE. No payment plans or PayPal are accepted.
Additional NCLEX Fees
Beyond the registration fee, you may encounter extra costs depending on your circumstances:
- International Scheduling Fee: $150 USD for candidates taking the exam outside the U.S., Canada, or Australia. This covers costs for international testing centers.
- Change Fees (U.S. and Canadian licensure):
- Rescheduling Fee: $150 USD plus applicable taxes if you reschedule or cancel less than 24 business hours before your exam.
- Quick Results Service: $7.95 USD for unofficial results within 48 hours (available in some states).
- Retake Fee: $200 USD (or $360 CAD for Canada) per attempt if you need to retake the exam.
Note: NCLEX registration fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel, miss your exam, or register twice by mistake.
State-Specific Licensure Fees
In addition to NCLEX exam fees, you must pay licensure fees to your state’s Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB). These vary widely:
- U.S. Licensure Fees: Range from $75 to $375, depending on the state. Some states charge separately for fingerprinting and background checks ($50-$100).
- Examples:
- Canadian and Australian Licensure: Check with the specific regulatory body for additional fees, as these are not standardized.
Always verify fees with your state or country’s NRB, as they can change.
Total NCLEX Cost Estimate
For U.S. candidates, expect a minimum cost of $275-$575, including the $200 registration fee and state licensure fees ($75-$375). Additional costs like international scheduling ($150), change fees ($50 each), or retakes ($200) can increase the total to $500-$800 or more. Canadian candidates face $360 CAD plus taxes and NRB fees, while international candidates add $150 USD to the base fee.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Register Carefully: Double-check your NRB, exam type, and language to avoid $50 change fees.
- Schedule Early: Book your exam promptly after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) to secure your preferred date and avoid rescheduling fees.
- Check for Fee Waivers: Some states offer waivers for financial hardship. Contact your NRB for eligibility and documentation requirements.
- Employer Reimbursement: Some healthcare employers reimburse NCLEX fees for new hires. Ask your employer or potential employer.
- Veterans Reimbursement: Eligible U.S. veterans can get reimbursed for exam fees (excluding NRB fees) through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Submit VA Form 22-0803 to your local VA office.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Avoid retake fees ($200 per attempt) by using high-quality study resources like Nurselytic.
Prepare with Nurselytic to Pass on Your First Try
The NCLEX exam is a significant investment, so thorough preparation is crucial to avoid costly retakes. Nurselytic offers thousands of practice questions designed to match the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN formats, including Next Generation NCLEX case studies and adaptive testing. With detailed explanations and targeted practice, you can master key topics and boost your confidence.
Don’t let the NCLEX catch you off guard! Visit Nurselytic today to access premium practice questions and pass your NCLEX exam on the first attempt, saving time and money.
