Which exam is required for nursing in the USA?

The single, non-negotiable examination required to become a licensed nurse in the United States is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), this standardized test is the final barrier to entry for the profession. To legally practice and use the title “Registered Nurse” or “Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse,” you must pass the corresponding version of this exam.

Understanding which exam is required for nursing in the USA means knowing there are two distinct versions, each aligned with a specific level of practice:

• The NCLEX-RN: This is the exam required for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. It is a computer-adaptive test that focuses on clinical judgment and safe, effective care management for a broad patient population.
• The NCLEX-PN: This is the exam required for Practical Nurse (PN) or Vocational Nurse (VN) licensure. It assesses knowledge and competency for providing basic nursing care under the direction of an RN or physician.

The process to take the exam required for nursing follows a strict sequence:

1. Graduation: Complete an accredited nursing program (a diploma, ADN, or BSN for RNs; a practical certificate for PNs).
2. Application: Apply to your state’s Board of Nursing for licensure and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT).
3. Examination: Schedule and pass the NCLEX at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The NCLEX is universally accepted as the exam required for nursing across all 50 states, ensuring a consistent national standard for safe, entry-level practice. It does not test academic excellence in isolation but evaluates a candidate’s ability to make critical decisions to protect patient safety, which is the core mandate of nursing licensure.