Frequently Asked Questions

In this video, the NCSBN Examinations Operations team demonstrates the NCLEX registration process and what candidates can expect before, during and after the NCLEX examination. It also highlights all the online resources available for educators and students

The Exam Preview is available for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, as well as a French version for the NCLEX-RN, in order to meet the needs of French speaking Canadian NCLEX-RN candidates. This is a free resource, available in downloadable format at NCLEX.COM.

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), is a new version of the NCLEX that is designed to assess clinical judgement in nursing candidates. Next Generation NCLEX candidate resources are available at this link: https://www.nclex.com/next-generation-nclex.page.

You can send your inquiry to MQA.Nursing@flhealth.gov. Please include as much information as possible. Some examples of helpful information: the program (NCLEX) code for the account you are inquiring about, the date/time you submitted or attempted to submit your students, a screenshot of an error message if you receive one.

Yes. Graduates of nursing education programs with Approved/probationary status are eligible to apply to the Florida Board Nursing for licensure by examination.

Approved or accredited nursing education programs that perform below the minimum standard for NCLEX passage rates for two consecutive calendar years will be placed on probation pursuant to section 464.019(5), Florida Statutes. NCLEX scores for the previous calendar year are released in January of each year.

The program must remain on probationary status until it achieves a graduate passage rate that equals or exceeds the required passage rate for any 1 calendar year.

If a program meets the minimum standard, the program will be removed from probation. A program on probation that fails to meet the minimum standard will be terminated by the Board of Nursing.

Pursuant to Florida law, the Board of Nursing is authorized to extend a program’s probationary status for one (1) additional year if the program demonstrates “adequate progress” towards the “graduate passage rate goal”. Nursing education programs that are placed on probation are required to disclose their probationary status in writing to the program’s students and applicants

Pursuant to Florida law the board shall deny a program application for a new prelicensure nursing education program submitted by an educational institution if the institution has an existing program that is already on probationary status.

Please review the information for applicants educated outside the United States at: International or Non-NCSBN Jurisdiction Applicant Information

There is no set timeframe for approval of an application. We process applications in date order received. Applications are processed as quickly as possible, but timeframes vary based on the number of applications received and on the length of time it takes receive all necessary documentation.

This status allows the holder to practice nursing under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse if they meet the following qualifications:

• It has not been more than three months since you have graduated from an approved program
• You have been authorized by the Board to practice as a graduate nurse or graduate practical nurse and have received a “Graduate Nurse” or “Graduate Practical Nurse” letter
• You have been authorized to test by the examination vendor

Any applicant who fails to appear for the first examination for which they have been made eligible shall not practice nursing until such time as the applicant passes the NCLEX examination. Only RN applicants by examination who have been approved by the board may use the term “Graduate Nurse” or the abbreviation “G.N.”.  Only PN applicants by examination may use the term Graduate Practical Nurse or the abbreviation “G.P.N.”.  GN and GPN statuses expire at the date listed on the Graduate Nurse letter or when the applicant takes the examination, whichever comes first.

NCLEX testing takes place at Pearson VUE centers. Pearson VUE will provide you with information about the available test centers. You may schedule an appointment for any center. You do not have to take the NCLEX in the same jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure.

Testing is available at Pearson VUE centers 15 hours a day/six days a week.  Exams are not offered on Sundays and holidays. Testing availability is subject to change.

The Authorization to Test (ATT) is valid for 90 days. The ATT contains your test authorization number, candidate identification number, and an expiration date. This date cannot be extended for any reason. Test centers may fill up quickly, waiting to schedule your testing appointment may significantly limit dates the center can seat you. If you wait until your ATT is close to expiring, Pearson VUE may not be able to seat you prior to its expiration. If this occurs, you will be required to re-register and re-pay to take the examination.