Your fist step toward NCLEX qualification is to earn your high school diploma or the equivalent. Next, according to the Missouri Board of Nursing Statutes, you must earn a degree or a diploma from an accredited school of nursing. This may be either a two-year associate or a four-year baccalaureate degree. When you register for the NCLEX, the registrar of your school must complete a section on your application to confirm that you received the necessary degree.
A candidate for the NCLEX must register with the Board of Nursing for the state in which licensure is desired. Candidates must complete a registration form via telephone or Internet, or submit a paper copy along with a $200 registration fee, as of 2010. The fee must be paid by credit/debit card, certified check, cashier’s check or money order. If authorization to test is denied, the candidate will not be refunded the registration fee.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the candidate must wait for registration to be approved, at which time he or she will receive an authorization to test (ATT). This will be needed before a test can be scheduled, as well as to gain admission to the testing center. Once authorized, the candidate has between 90 days and one year to complete the test, says the NCSBN.
On the day of the test, you must present your ATT and a state-issued identification, such as a driver's license. You will be required to sign a form. Then you will be fingerprinted and photographed, and the administrators will take a palm vein scan. It is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes early in order for this to be completed as you will not be admitted without these.
The NCLEX passing standard is evaluated and subject to change every three years, according to the NCBSN. As of April 1, 2010, the passing standard was -0.37 logits. Tests are scored twice, after which you will receive your results. The process takes about four weeks. Results are only available from the State Board of Nursing. NCBSN recommends notifying your school if you do not pass the examination.