Exam (NCLEX-RN)

Who needs to take the NCLEX

All applicants seeking BCCNM registration must write and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX). This exam measures the competencies required of entry-level registered nurses for safe and effective practice. The exam is made up of multiple choice and alternate format questions. If you have already written and passed the NCLEX, you do not need to re-write it.

How to apply

1. Apply for practising RN registration (and accommodations if needed): Create a BCCNM account, and then sign in and apply for practising RN registration. Learn how to apply.

If you are requesting an accommodation, we recommend applying for registration eight weeks before you would like to take the exam and emailing exams@bccnm.ca to request the accommodation. Learn more about exam accommodations.
2. Register and pay for the exam: If you are eligible to take the NCLEX, you will receive an email from BCCNM Registration Services with instructions to register and pay for the exam through the Pearson Vue website. Do not register until you are notified by BCCNM that you are eligible for the exam.
3. Wait for authorization to test: After you register and pay for the exam, Pearson Vue will send you an email confirming your authorization to test (ATT) and instructions on how to schedule your exam date, time, and location. Your ATT is valid for 90 days; you must take the exam within the validity period or your exam registration with Pearson Vue will be cancelled. The fee is non-refundable.
4. Schedule your exam date and location: Follow the instructions from Pearson Vue to schedule your exam date and location. The date and location that you take the exam will depend on your personal preference and the availability of testing centres. We encourage you to schedule your exam as soon as possible to secure your chosen date and location.
5. Wait for scheduling confirmation: After scheduling your exam, Pearson Vue will send you a confirmation email that includes all the information you need for the exam day.

Exam format

The NCLEX-RN uses a computer-adaptive test (CAT) format. The test will adapt questions to your ability level as you proceed through the exam. Learn more about CAT testing.

Fee

The fee to write the NCLEX is $360+GST per attempt. This fee is paid directly to Pearson Vue and is non-refundable. This is in addition to BCCNM application and registration fees.

Locations and dates

The NCLEX-RN is available year-round in some locations, and on specific dates in others. If you would like to write your exam at a temporary testing location, be sure to time the submission of your application to ensure that your ATT period will overlap with the dates of the chosen test location below.

2024 exam locations and dates

City	Date
Vancouver	year-round
Burnaby	year-round
Surrey	year-round
Victoria	year-round
Kelowna	Feb. 6-15, 2024
Kamloops	June 18-27, 2024
Nanaimo	June 11-17, 2024
Prince George	July 16-24, 2024

Preparing for the NCLEX

The following materials and more are available on NCSBN website. If the information you are looking for isn't included in the materials below, check the NCLEX-RN frequently asked questions page.

Exam preview

The exam preview provides examples of the different types of questions you will experience on the exam.

How the NCLEX-RN works

Watch NCSBN’s video about computer adaptive testing to understand more about the testing format.

NCLEX-RN Candidate Bulletin

The NCLEX Candidate Bulletin is a start-to-finish NCLEX-RN guide, including important contact information, how to register with Pearson Vue, and exam rules.

Sample questions

Experience new item types through sample questions.

Test Plan

The NCLEX Test Plan provides an overview of what information will be tested, the type of questions you will be asked to answer, and some sample questions. It is designed to help you prepare for the exam, and is the same guide used by the individuals who write and review exam questions.

Third-party prep materials

Your nursing education and resources like the test plan and practice exam exam preview will help you prepare for the NCLEX. We are aware of some third-party prep courses are available. While it is your choice to determine if you will find these prep courses or materials useful, here is what you need to know:

BCCNM does not review third-party prep courses and cannot endorse them.
No third party has access to the NCLEX-RN question bank. Be wary of any party claiming to have access.
If you choose to use third-party prep materials, seek out credible sources.

Exam results

If you pass: We will notify you of your exam results and any other requirements for registration. If you have met all requirements and have provisional registration, your provisional registration will automatically be converted to practising registered nurse registration. If you do not have provisional registration, you'll be emailed information about how to complete your registration.
If you fail: You'll be emailed an initial notification of only your exam result. Within two weeks, you'll be emailed your candidate report. You must wait a minimum of 45 days before you can retake the exam.

If you have provisional registration: You can continue practising as a provisional registrant if you fail the exam on your first attempt. If you fail the exam a second time, your provisional registration will expire four to six weeks after notification of your second failure. Learn more.

There is no limit to the number of times you can write the NCLEX-RN, as long as you have a valid BCCNM application and meet the competence requirement. If your application expires, your file will be closed. If you wish to reapply for registration, you'll need to submit a new application and new supporting documents and your application will be reassessed. To update your application before the expiry date, please contact BCCNM Registration Services at register@bccnm.ca.