NCLEX Fee 2026: $200 U.S. Registration Cost, Extra Fees and 2027 Increase

Current U.S. NCLEX registration fee

For candidates seeking U.S. licensure, NCLEX currently lists the registration fee as $200 USD. This is the Pearson exam registration fee. It is separate from any application, licensing, fingerprinting or background-check fee charged by your nursing regulatory body.

A major fee change is already announced for 2027

NCLEX states that effective February 1, 2027, the registration fee will increase to $350 for candidates seeking U.S. licensure. NCLEX says the registration date determines which fee applies, not the exam date. A registration completed before February 1, 2027 is charged the current fee even if the appointment occurs later, subject to the registration and ATT rules.

Licensure fees are separate

Your state or other nursing regulatory body can charge its own application and licensing fees. Those amounts are not included in the Pearson NCLEX registration fee. When budgeting, check both the NCLEX fee and the current board fee.

International scheduling can add cost

Candidates seeking U.S. licensure who schedule at certain international test centers can face an additional $150 USD international scheduling fee, plus applicable value-added tax. Verify your testing location and total before payment.

NCLEX fees are generally nonrefundable

NCLEX says registration fees are not refunded for reasons including duplicate registration, missing an appointment or failing to cancel or reschedule outside the required time. The international scheduling fee is also nonrefundable. This makes careful registration especially important.

Do not pay twice because an email is late

If you do not receive registration confirmation within two days, NCLEX tells candidates to contact Pearson Candidate Services rather than immediately submitting another registration. Duplicate registrations can lead to a second nonrefundable charge.

Retakes use the same registration fee

NCLEX says the same fee applies to retakes, based on the date each new registration is completed. A failed attempt does not automatically include a free next attempt.

What happens if the ATT expires?

If you do not test within the ATT validity period, you may need to register again and pay another fee after becoming eligible again. Schedule early enough that test-center availability does not push you past the authorization window.

Veterans reimbursement

NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are included in the qualified list of certain licensure and certification exams for eligible U.S. veterans reimbursement programs. Eligibility and reimbursement are determined by the relevant VA program, so verify current requirements directly before assuming coverage.

Budget checklist

1. Board application or licensure fee.
2. NCLEX Pearson registration fee.
3. International scheduling fee if applicable.
4. Travel, parking or lodging if needed.
5. Potential change fees if registration details are altered.
6. Optional Quick Results fee if available.
7. Retake costs only if a future attempt becomes necessary.

Fee FAQ

How much is the NCLEX in the U.S. in 2026?

$200 USD for the Pearson registration fee for candidates seeking U.S. licensure.

When does the U.S. fee rise to $350?

NCLEX says February 1, 2027.

Does exam date or registration date determine the fee?

NCLEX says registration date determines the applicable registration fee.

Is the Quick Results fee included?

No. The optional Quick Results service currently costs $7.95 for eligible candidates.

Before paying, use the NCLEX registration and ATT guide to avoid duplicate or mistimed registrations.