NCSBN is raising the NCLEX registration fee for the first time since 2000. In the United States and Australia it goes from $200 to $350 for registrations completed on or after February 1, 2027. What matters is the date you register, not the date you test.
What is changing
| Licensure in | Registered before Feb 1, 2027 | Registered on or after Feb 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $200 USD | $350 USDIncrease |
| Australia | $200 USD | $350 USDIncrease |
| Canada | $360 CAD (excludes local taxes) | $570 CADIncrease |
This is the Pearson registration fee for the exam. Your nursing regulatory body charges its own separate licensure application fee.
Which fee will you pay?
- The registration date decides. NCSBN states that the date of registration determines the fee, not the exam date. Registrations completed before February 1, 2027 pay the current fee even if the exam is later.
- Retakes too. A retake is a new registration, so it pays the fee in effect on the day you re-register.
- Where you seek licensure decides the currency. The fee depends on where you are seeking a license, not where you live; a Canadian resident seeking U.S. licensure pays the U.S. fee.
Should you register before February 1, 2027?
If you will be ready to test in early 2027, registering before February 1 saves $150. Before you do, know the rules that apply to every registration:
- A registration stays open for 365 days while your nursing regulatory body decides your eligibility. If you are not made eligible in that window, you lose the registration and the fee.
- You cannot hold two open registrations for the same exam type; a duplicate is denied and its fee is not refunded.
- Once you are eligible, your Authorization to Test (ATT) has validity dates that average 90 days and cannot be extended.
- Missing your appointment or rescheduling with less than 24 business hours' notice forfeits the fee.
So register early only if your nursing program and board application will be complete in time. The full process is in how to register for the NCLEX.
Other NCLEX fees
| Fee | U.S. |
|---|---|
| International scheduling fee (testing outside the U.S., plus VAT where applicable) | $150 |
| Change nursing regulatory body after registering | $50 |
| Change exam type (RN/PN) after registering | $50 |
| Quick Results (unofficial results after two business days) | $7.95 |
NCSBN says the international scheduling and change fees are not changing. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit, debit, or prepaid card, or by a third party such as your school or employer. NCLEX fees are never refunded.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NCLEX cost?
The U.S. registration fee is $200 for registrations completed before February 1, 2027 and $350 on or after that date. Your nursing board charges a separate licensure fee.
When does the NCLEX fee go up?
For registrations completed on or after February 1, 2027.
If I register in January 2027 but test in March, which fee do I pay?
The current $200 fee. NCSBN says the registration date determines the fee, not the exam date.
Does the fee increase apply to retakes?
Yes. Each retake is a new registration and pays the fee in effect on its registration date.
Are NCLEX fees refundable?
No. NCLEX registration and international scheduling fees are not refunded for any reason.
When did the NCLEX fee last change?
NCSBN says the fee has been unchanged since 2000.
Sources
- NCSBN. Fees & Payment.
- NCSBN. NCLEX FAQs.
- NCSBN. Registration.
- NCSBN. Scheduling.
- NCSBN. Quick Results.
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