NCLEX-RN Exam 2025: Complete Guide for International Nurses

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a key requirement for internationally qualified registered nurses (IQRNs) seeking AHPRA registration in Australia. Here's your complete guide.

What is the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-RN is coordinated by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and delivered through Pearson VUE test centers worldwide. It's a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that assesses your nursing knowledge and clinical judgment.

Exam Fees 2025

Fee Type	Amount
NCLEX-RN Examination	$200 USD
International Scheduling Fee	$150 USD
Total for International Candidates	$350 USD

Note: If you need to sit the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), the fee is $4,000 AUD per sitting.

Registration Process

Step 1: Portfolio Approval

Before registering for the NCLEX, you must have your portfolio approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Step 2: Register with Pearson VUE

• Visit the NCSBN website
• Create an account
• Pay the examination fee
• Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)

Step 3: Schedule Your Exam

Once you have your ATT:

• Log into your Pearson VUE account
• Select your preferred test center, date, and time
• International candidates can sit the exam at Pearson VUE centers in many countries

Exam Format

The NCLEX-RN uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT):

• Minimum questions: 75
• Maximum questions: 145
• Time limit: 5 hours
• The computer adapts question difficulty based on your performance
• You cannot go back to previous questions

Content Areas Tested

1. Safe and Effective Care Environment

   • Management of Care
   • Safety and Infection Control

2. Health Promotion and Maintenance

3. Psychosocial Integrity

4. Physiological Integrity

   • Basic Care and Comfort
   • Pharmacological Therapies
   • Reduction of Risk Potential
   • Physiological Adaptation

OSCE Examination

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you may need to complete an OSCE:

• Held monthly in Australia only
• Two locations: Adelaide (SA) and Melbourne (VIC)
• Fee: $4,000 AUD per sitting
• Tests clinical competency in practical scenarios

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the CAT Format

• Don't panic if questions seem harder—it may mean you're doing well
• Focus on each question individually
• Manage your time across all potential questions

2. Focus on High-Yield Topics

• Prioritization and delegation
• Patient safety
• Medication administration
• Infection control

3. Practice Adaptive Questions

Use question banks that mimic the CAT format to get comfortable with:

• Variable question difficulty
• No ability to return to previous questions
• Time management

4. Study Australian Healthcare Context

While the NCLEX is a US-based exam, understanding Australian healthcare terminology and practices will help your overall AHPRA journey.

Resources

• NCSBN Official Website: Registration and candidate handbook
• Pearson VUE: Test center locations and scheduling
• NMBA: Portfolio requirements and outcome pathways

Timeline Planning

Stage	Timeframe
Portfolio submission	4-8 weeks for assessment
NCLEX registration	1-2 weeks
ATT validity	90 days
OSCE booking	Schedule 2-3 months ahead

Ready to Prepare?

GdayNurse offers comprehensive NCLEX-RN preparation designed specifically for international nurses pursuing AHPRA registration:

• Thousands of CAT-format practice questions
• Australian healthcare context
• Detailed answer explanations
• Performance tracking

Start Your Preparation

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Last updated: December 2024. Always verify current requirements with AHPRA and NMBA.