Introduction
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a pivotal step on the journey to becoming a licensed registered nurse. Nurses aspiring to work in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the US etc must successfully pass this competitive exam to demonstrate their competence in providing safe and effective patient care. In this blog, we'll explore what the NCLEX-RN requires and gain clarity on the associated exam fees.
Why is the NCLEX-RN a Crucial Milestone for Nurses?
The NCLEX-RN is designed to assess whether you have the knowledge and skills required to function as an entry-level registered nurse. The exam is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and consists of a series of multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, and other innovative question formats. It covers various aspects of nursing practice, including a safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, physiological integrity, and psychosocial integrity.
Passing the NCLEX-RN not only indicates your skills and capability to enter the nursing profession but also ensures that you can provide quality care and uphold the standards of patient safety and well-being. It's a challenging yet essential milestone that demands thorough preparation and dedication.
Becoming a registered nurse in NCLEX-accepted countries paves the way to great career opportunities and career flexibility. The nurses can make a real difference to the community and get the chance to constantly learn and grow.
Breaking Down the NCLEX-RN Exam Fee
The NCLEX-RN examination registration fee may vary depending on the country chosen by the candidate or other reasons.
The United States
The following is the breakdown of exam fees for candidates seeking licensure in the United States.
Registration fee: $200 USD
Additional International scheduling fee with value-added tax where applicable: $150 USD
Fee for changing the nursing regulatory body after paying the registration fee: $50 USD
Fee for changing the exam type (RN/PN) after paying the registration fee: $50 USD
Fee for changing the exam language (English/French) after paying the registration fee: Not applicable
Canada
The following is the breakdown of exam fees for candidates seeking licensure/registration in Canada.
Registration fee: $360 CAD excluding local taxes
Additional International scheduling fee with value-added tax where applicable: $150 CAD
Fee for changing the nursing regulatory body after paying the registration fee: $50 CAD
Fee for changing the exam type (RN/PN) after paying the registration fee: Not applicable
Fee for changing the exam language (English/French) after paying the registration fee: $50 CAD
The licensure or registration fee can be obtained by contacting the nursing regulatory body.
Australia
The following is the breakdown of exam fees for candidates seeking licensure/registration in Australia.
Registration fee: $200 CAD excluding local taxes
Additional International scheduling fee with value-added tax where applicable: $150 USD
Fee for changing the nursing regulatory body after paying the registration fee: Not applicable
Fee for changing the exam type (RN/PN) after paying the registration fee: Not applicable
Fee for changing the exam language (English/French) after paying the registration fee: Not applicable
The licensure or registration fee can be obtained by contacting the nursing regulatory body.
Modes of Payment
The NCLEX exam fees can be
paid using four payment methods that are acceptable. They are:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Prepaid card
- Third-party payment
There are only certain cards that are accepted for payment. They are:
- VISA
- MasterCard
- American Express
There are payment modes that are not accepted. They are:
- Checks
- Money orders
- Cash payments
Those candidates who complete their fee payment with the help of their nursing school or employer should mention the third party during the registration process.
All the payments can be made online through the official website of Pearson VUE. The confirmation of the payment will be given to candidates within two days of registration. In case the candidate has not received the payment confirmation, they should contact NCLEX Candidate Services to confirm the status of their registration.
NCLEX Fee Refund
Once the candidate has done the payment of the NCLEX exam fee, there will be no refund at any cost. Therefore, it is highly recommended to double-check the exam registration and every piece of information related to it before you pay the fee.
The no-refund policy also applies if the exam of a candidate is cancelled due to non-compliance of the exam centre rules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the NCLEX-RN exam fees is essential when preparing for this critical step in your nursing career. Keep yourself informed by regularly checking the NCSBN website and communicating with your state's nursing board to ensure you have the most current information. This knowledge will help you plan and budget effectively for your journey to becoming a registered nurse in your preferred country.
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