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Work as a nurse in the United States

Nursing exams to work in the United States

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To work as a nurse in the United States you must pass the NCLEX, set by NCSBN and used by every US state board of nursing: the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses or the NCLEX-PN for licensed practical/vocational nurses. Internationally educated nurses first meet their chosen state board’s credential and education requirements, then receive an Authorization to Test from Pearson VUE. Both exams are computer adaptive (85–150 questions, up to 5 hours) and follow the 2026 NCSBN test plans in force from 1 April 2026.

Which exam do you need for the United States?

NCLEX-RN

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NCSBN

The RN licensing exam for the USA and Canada, and Stage 1 of Australia’s OBA.

  • Syllabus ✓
  • 1 practice set

Syllabus & practice

NCLEX-PN

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NCSBN

The licensing exam for LPN/LVN practical and vocational nurses in the USA.

  • Syllabus ✓
  • 1 practice set

Syllabus & practice

How to get a nursing licence in the United States, step by step

  1. Pick a state board

    Your licence comes from one state board of nursing. Requirements for internationally educated nurses (credential evaluation, education comparability, English) differ by state, so choose the state first.

  2. Credential evaluation

    Most boards want a credentials evaluation of your nursing education, commonly from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) or another evaluator the board names.

  3. Register for the NCLEX

    Apply to the board for licensure by examination and register with Pearson VUE. Once the board makes you eligible you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT).

  4. Pass the NCLEX

    Book a Pearson VUE centre. The NCLEX is also offered at international Pearson VUE centres, including in India; check the current list before booking.

  5. Visa steps

    Immigration needs separate steps, such as an English test and a healthcare worker certificate (VisaScreen). These sit outside the nursing licence.

Who regulates nursing in the United States?

Nursing in the United States: common questions

Which exam do Indian nurses take to work in the USA?

Registered nurses (B.Sc/GNM-qualified) take the NCLEX-RN; practical/vocational nurse roles use the NCLEX-PN. The licence is issued by a US state board of nursing, so start with that state’s requirements for internationally educated nurses.

Can I take the NCLEX in India?

Yes. Pearson VUE offers the NCLEX at international test centres, including in India. You still need eligibility from a US state board (an Authorization to Test) before you can book.

How many questions are on the NCLEX?

Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN have 85 to 150 questions, including 15 unscored pretest questions, with up to 5 hours. The exam stops once it is 95% sure you are above or below the passing standard.

References

  1. [1]NCSBN. NCLEX examsgov
  2. [2]NCSBN. 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Planstandard
  3. [3]NCSBN. 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Planstandard
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