- Begin by applying to the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the state or jurisdiction where you wish to practice. This step is crucial because the NRB will determine if you meet the eligibility requirements to take the NCLEX-PN.
- You will typically need to submit an application, transcripts from your nursing program, and possibly a background check.
Step 2: Receive Eligibility from Your NRB
- After reviewing your application, the NRB will notify you if you are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. Once approved, they will forward your information to Pearson VUE, the testing service provider.
Step 3: Register with Pearson VUE
- Create an account on the Pearson VUE website.
- During registration, you will be asked to provide personal information, your NRB, and payment information.
- The current exam fee for the NCLEX-PN is approximately $200, but this may vary by jurisdiction. Additional fees may apply for international testing locations or other services.
Step 4: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Once your registration and payment are processed, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email from Pearson VUE.
- This email will contain your ATT number, the eligibility dates, and instructions on how to schedule your exam.
- Ensure that the name on your ATT matches the name on your identification documents (ID) exactly to avoid any issues on test day.
Step 5: Schedule Your NCLEX-PN Exam
- Using your ATT, log in to the Pearson VUE account and schedule your test.
- Choose the location, date, and time that works best for you. The NCLEX-PN is available year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers.
- We recommend scheduling your test a few months in advance to give yourself adequate time to prepare.
Step 6: Prepare for Test Day
- Review the NCLEX-PN test plan and practice using various resources like NCLEX prep books, online practice questions, and simulations.
- Plan to arrive at the test center early, bring your required identification, and follow the guidelines outlined in your ATT.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to successfully registering for the NCLEX-PN and advancing toward your goal of becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Section 7: Post-Exam: What’s Next?
By understanding your NCLEX-PN results and taking proactive steps after passing, you will be well-prepared to enter the workforce as a licensed practical nurse, embarking on a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare.
- Understanding Your NCLEX-PN Results
- How and when results are delivered
- What to do if you don’t pass the first time (retesting strategies and support)
- Steps After Passing the NCLEX-PN
- Applying for licensure in your state
- Exploring job opportunities as an LPN
Understanding Your NCLEX-PN Results
After completing the NCLEX-PN, understanding your results and the next steps is essential for moving forward in your nursing career.
How and When Results Are Delivered: NCLEX-PN results are typically available within a few days to a week after taking the exam. Candidates receive their results through the NCSBN’s official website or through their state board of nursing. It’s important to note that the specific timeline can vary by state. You may receive a “pass” or “fail” status along with a detailed breakdown of your performance in various content areas.
What to Do If You Don’t Pass the First Time: If you do not pass the NCLEX-PN, remember that this is not the end of your nursing journey. Take time to review the results and understand the areas where you struggled. Consider the following retesting strategies:
- Reflect on Your Preparation: Analyze your study methods and materials to identify gaps in your knowledge. Use this information to create a more targeted study plan for your next attempt.
- Seek Support: Reach out to fellow nursing students, instructors, or online forums for guidance and encouragement. Many candidates find success in study groups or mentorship programs that can provide both academic and emotional support.
- Develop a New Study Plan: Focus on areas of weakness identified in your results. Consider utilizing new study resources or practice exams to enhance your understanding. Most importantly, stay positive and determined; many successful nurses have had to retake the NCLEX-PN before passing.
Steps After Passing the NCLEX-PN
The next steps will help you transition from student to licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Applying for Licensure in Your State: After receiving your passing results, the first step is to apply for licensure with your state’s board of nursing. Each state has its specific requirements, but the general process includes:
- Submitting an application: Complete the licensure application provided by your state board, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Background checks: Be prepared for criminal background checks, as many states require this as part of the licensing process. Make sure to disclose any required information to avoid complications.
- Fees: Pay any applicable application and licensure fees as outlined by your state board. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
Exploring Job Opportunities as an LPN: Once licensed, you can begin your job search as an LPN. Consider the following strategies:
- Networking: Connect with classmates, instructors, and local healthcare professionals to learn about job openings and opportunities. Attend nursing job fairs and industry events to expand your network.
- Resume and interview preparation: Update your resume to reflect your education and clinical experiences. Practice common nursing interview questions to build confidence and articulate your skills effectively.
- Diverse opportunities: Explore various healthcare settings where LPNs work, such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Be open to different roles that can provide valuable experience and professional growth.
Eagle Gate College: Comprehensive NCLEX Support Services
What are NCLEX Support Services?
Eagle Gate College provides a robust support system designed to empower nursing students as they prepare for the NCLEX exam. Their approach combines a dedicated NCLEX Success Specialist and international coaching, data-driven strategies, and a structured support network that emphasizes individualized learning and test readiness. The college’s NCLEX team offers a variety of targeted services to guide students through each phase of their educational journey and ensure they are well-prepared for licensure.
Attributes of the support services
Personalized Learning Support
Eagle Gate College’s NCLEX team uses workshops, remediation sessions, group tutorials, and one-on-one asynchronous meetings to help students identify and address their personal learning needs. With guidance from international coaches, the team works closely with each student to improve course performance and proficiency in CMS topics. This personalized approach ensures that students build a strong foundation and confidence in their knowledge.
Data-Driven NCLEX Preparation
Eagle Gate’s NCLEX preparation process emphasizes one-on-one, data-driven remediation to help students succeed on the exam. By using evidence-based methods and individualized data, the team collaborates with students to create customized remediation plans that target their specific areas of improvement. The team also assists with scheduling the NCLEX exam and voucher recommendations, ensuring each student is set up for success from the outset.
ATI Student Orientation and Faculty Support
The college collaborates with faculty to integrate ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) resources into the curriculum, focusing on CMS practices and examination procedures. As part of this effort, Eagle Gate has an ATI champion who supports faculty members in implementing ATI tools effectively and scheduling CMS assessments and retakes within the curriculum. This comprehensive orientation enables students to familiarize themselves with ATI’s resources as they progress through their courses.
Initiatives and events to foster NCLEX success
Eagle Gate College organizes several initiatives to foster NCLEX readiness and celebrate student milestones. These include:
- Senior Day: Recognizes students’ achievements and provides guidance on planning for NCLEX preparation.
- NCLEX Success Boot Camp: Offered four times per month, this program uses the clinical judgment model to relate nursing concepts to specific diseases, helping students apply knowledge in a clinical context.
- The Coffee Hour: Held each term, this initiative covers key topics tailored to each stage of a student’s journey:
- Term 1: Introduction to licensure resources, ATI supplements, and CMS levels.
- Term 2: CMS preparation, data analysis from CMS practice exams, dynamic quizzing, and remediation techniques.
- Term 3: Test anxiety management, time management skills, and NCLEX exam preparation.
Each term includes specialized boot camp review sessions that focus on clinical judgment and disease-related concepts, offered weekly to reinforce learning and readiness. Eagle Gate College’s NCLEX team and faculty work together to create an environment of support, collaboration, and preparation, helping each student reach their goal of becoming a licensed nurse. Through these comprehensive services, Eagle Gate College is committed to the success and confidence of its nursing graduates.
