The cost of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®) includes more than the exam registration fee. Nursing graduates must also account for licensing fees, application costs, and other requirements along the path to becoming a registered nurse. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of NCLEX exam costs and tips to help you plan for them.
Core Fees of the NCLEX: United States, Canada & Australia
Here’s what you can expect for standard testing fees:
| Fee Category | U.S. Licensure | Canadian Licensure | Australian Licensure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Pearson VUE) | $200 USD | $360 CAD | $200 USD |
| Nursing Regulatory Body Application Fee (NRB) | $75–$400 USD* | $300–$600 CAD* | Contact Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) |
| International Scheduling Fee | + $150 USD | + $150 CAD | + $150 USD |
| NCLEX Retake Fee | $200 USD | $360 CAD | $200 USD |
*Varies by state or province
Note: Fee information is verified as of March 2026. Always check your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) and Pearson VUE for updates.
Additional Costs: Hidden Costs of Licensure
Most students focus solely on the $200 exam fee, but the total cost of becoming a licensed nurse can increase when hidden costs are considered. Here are the additional expenses to include in your 2026 NCLEX exam budget:
- Criminal Background Check (CBC) & Fingerprinting: Required by nearly all boards, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150, depending on your state’s vendor.
- Transcript Verification Fees: Your nursing school may charge a small fee ($10–$30) to send your official transcripts to the NRB.
- Jurisprudence Exam: Certain states (such as Texas) require a separate exam on state laws. This typically costs $25–$50.
- International Testing: If you take the exam outside of your licensing country, you will pay the $150 international scheduling fee plus local Value Added Tax (VAT) where applicable.
- Quick Results Service: Optional, unofficial results within 48 hours are available for a fee of $7.95 USD.
- Rescheduling or Cancellation Fees: They vary depending on the time. If you cancel less than 24 business hours before your appointment or do not show up, you forfeit your registration fee.
- Study Materials: Costs vary depending on the test-prep provider. With our NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN® prep, you can save on premier Question Banks (QBanks) and smart flashcards.
How and When to Pay Your NCLEX Fees
To avoid delays in receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT), ensure your payment follows these 2026 guidelines:
- When to Pay
- Board Application Fee: Pay your state/provincial NRB application fee 1st to open your file.
- Registration Fee. Register and pay the $200 (or $360 CAD) fee.
- Acceptable Payment Methods: Only credit, debit, or prepaid cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted.
- Refund policy: All NCLEX fees are strictly non-refundable. If you fail to show up or your Authorization to Test (ATT) expires, you forfeit the entire amount.
NCLEX Budgeting Tips: Reduce the Overall Cost
While the registration fee is fixed, you can lower the overall financial burden:
- Employer Sign-on Bonuses: Many hospitals now offer “NCLEX Reimbursement” as part of their new-hire packages. Keep your receipts!
- Hardship Fee Waivers: Some boards offer fee waivers for candidates who meet specific federal poverty guidelines.
- Avoid the Retake Trap: A failed attempt is the most expensive cost. Investing in high-quality 2026 NCLEX prep, including smart QBanks and NCLEX-style practice exams, saves you the $200+ retake fee and the cost of delayed employment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to retake the NCLEX?
Retaking the NCLEX costs $200 USD (or $360 CAD) for the Pearson VUE registration fee. Additionally, most state boards (NRBs) require a re-application fee, which can range from $50 to $100+.
Can I get a refund for my NCLEX if I decide not to test?
No. All NCLEX fees, including the registration and international scheduling fees, are strictly non-refundable. This applies even if you cancel your appointment, fail to show up, or have a duplicate registration.
Are there official discounts for the NCLEX exam fee?
Pearson VUE does not offer promo codes or discounts. However, you may qualify for financial hardship fee waivers through specific state boards of nursing or clinical grants. You must apply for these directly through your NRB before registering.
When do I have to pay for the NCLEX?
You must pay the registration fee when you register with Pearson VUE. This occurs after you apply to your state board but before you receive your ATT and schedule your actual exam date.
Can I use a payment plan or PayPal for the NCLEX fee?
No. Pearson VUE does not accept PayPal, checks, or money orders, and they do not offer installment plans. Accepted methods are limited to Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (credit, debit, or prepaid cards).
Will my employer or nursing school pay for my exam?
Many healthcare employers and hospitals offer NCLEX reimbursement as a hiring incentive for new graduates. Additionally, some nursing schools provide vouchers or include the cost in tuition. Always keep your Pearson VUE receipt to submit for reimbursement.
Are there scholarships that cover licensing costs?
Yes. Many nursing-specific scholarships and professional organizations (such as the National Student Nurses’ Association) offer grants intended to cover “transition to practice” costs, including licensing and exam fees.
What is the total estimated cost to get a nursing license?
While the exam is $200, the total budget is usually between $400 and $900. This includes the NRB application fee ($75–$400), background checks/fingerprinting ($50–$150), and transcript fees ($10–$30).
Is there an extra fee for international testing centers?
Yes. If you schedule your exam at a center outside of the United States, Canada, or Australia, you must pay an additional $150 USD/CAD International Scheduling Fee plus any local Value Added Tax (VAT).
Does my NCLEX fee expire?
Yes. Your registration is valid for 365 days while waiting for NRB eligibility. Once you receive your ATT, it usually expires within 90 days (depending on the state). If it expires, you forfeit your fee and must pay the $200 again.
Read More About the NCLEX
Complete your registration after understanding the required fees.
Confirm you meet requirements before paying exam fees.
Learn what happens after payment and approval.
Make the most of your investment with a strong preparation strategy.
Understand how results are calculated and reported
Review the RN exam structure before scheduling your test.
Explore the NCLEX-PN exam content and format.
Understand the full NCLEX process from application to results.
