Step-by-step NCLEX exam registration and booking guide

Hey future RNs. So you’ve survived nursing school, crushed your clinicals, and now it’s finally time to take on the NCLEX. But if you’re sitting there wondering how do I actually register and book this thing, you’re not alone. It’s not super obvious, and honestly, no one really explains it clearly until you're already knee-deep in Google tabs.

That’s why I’m laying it all out for you—step by step. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what to do to get that test date locked in. Let’s go.


Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible

Before you can even think about scheduling the NCLEX, your first job is to get approved by your state’s nursing regulatory body (NRB)—this could be the Board of Nursing or another licensing authority in your state.

Here's what you’ll typically need:

  • Graduate from an approved nursing program

  • Submit your application to your NRB

  • Make sure your school sends an official transcript

  • Wait for authorization from your board

Each state has its own process and timeline, so check directly with your state board to see exactly what they want from you.

While you’re waiting for that approval, this is the perfect time to dive into your NCLEX prep. Our personalized study plans and NGN-style practice questions at yournursingspace.com can keep you sharp and help you stay ahead while you're waiting.

Step 2: Register with Pearson VUE

Once you’ve applied to your NRB, you’ll need to create an account and register with Pearson VUE, the official testing vendor for the NCLEX.

Here’s how to do that:

  1. Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

  2. Create a new account if you haven’t already

  3. Register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, depending on your program

  4. Pay the exam fee (currently $200 in the US)

After registering, you’ll get something called the Authorization to Test (ATT). You can’t schedule your test without this, so don’t skip this step.

Pro tip: While waiting for your ATT, check out our NGN practice exams. They’re designed to look and feel just like the real thing, which makes booking and test day way less scary.

Step 3: Receive Your ATT and Book Your Exam Date

Once your eligibility is confirmed and Pearson VUE processes your payment, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. This includes:

  • Your ATT number

  • Test eligibility dates

  • Instructions on how to book

Don’t wait too long to schedule—testing centers fill up quickly, especially around graduation season.

To book your test:

  • Log in to your Pearson VUE account

  • Select a testing center, date, and time that works for you

Choose a time that gives you enough time to prep but doesn’t let the anxiety drag out. Our crash course study plans at yournursingspace.com can help you stay focused and build a solid timeline leading up to exam day.

Step 4: Prep Like a Pro

Now that your exam is officially booked, it’s go time. Focus on the areas you struggle with the most and make NGN-style questions your best friend. The new format is all about clinical judgment, layered thinking, and applying knowledge—not just memorizing facts.

Some must-haves:

  • A focused study schedule (we have one ready for you at yournursingspace.com)

  • Targeted NGN practice questions

  • Review materials that break it all down in plain English

Seriously, don’t waste your time on random PDFs from the internet. Use resources that are made for the Next Generation NCLEX, like the guides and practice banks we’ve built just for that.

Step 5: Know What to Expect on Test Day

Once you're booked and prepped, don’t forget to review what the actual test day looks like. You’ll need:

  • Two valid forms of ID

  • To arrive early (they recommend 30 minutes before)

  • To follow strict testing rules (no watches, phones, or study materials)

If you’ve been using our mock exams and timed quizzes, you’ll already be used to the pressure and pacing. That’s the whole point—to get you so familiar with it that nothing about the actual NCLEX feels surprising.

Final Thoughts

Booking your NCLEX can feel confusing, but once you break it down, it’s totally manageable. Just follow the steps, stay organized, and keep moving forward. The sooner you get that date locked in, the sooner you can plan your study strategy and get into test-day mode.

Need help with that? Everything you need—from NGN-style case studies to personalized study plans—is waiting for you at yournursingspace.com. You’ve got this.

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