The NCLEX costs $200, rising to $350
Registering for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN costs $200 in the US today. NCSBN is raising the fee to $350 for anyone who registers on or after February 1, 2027. It is the first increase since 2000. The date you register sets the price, not the date you test, so registering before February 1 saves $150.
NCLEX fees
| Registration, US licensure, until January 31, 2027 | $200 |
|---|---|
| Registration, US licensure, from February 1, 2027 | $350 |
| Registration, Canada, now | $360 CAD |
| Registration, Canada, from February 1, 2027 | $570 CAD |
| International scheduling fee | +$150 |
| Change nursing board after registering | $50 |
| Change exam type (RN or PN) after registering | $50 |
| State board license fee | Set by your state board |
| Savings from registering before February 1, 2027 | $150 |
|---|
The NCLEX registration fee is never refunded, including for no shows. Your state board of nursing charges its own license fee on top. Eligible veterans can ask the VA to pay back the cost of the test. Sources: NCSBN, NCLEX Fees and Payment; NCSBN, NCLEX Fee Changes Feb. 1 (posted August 21, 2026).
What this price covers
The fee pays for one NCLEX attempt. If you fail and test again, you register and pay again, and the new $350 fee applies to retakes too. Your state board of nursing license fee is separate.
What changes your price
- When you register. Before February 1, 2027 it is $200. After, it is $350.
- Where you test. Outside the US and Canada adds $150.
- Changes. Switching boards or exam type costs $50.
Ways to pay less
- If you finish school soon, register before February 1, 2027.
- Only register once. Duplicate registrations are not refunded.
- Veterans can ask the VA to reimburse the NCLEX fee.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the group that runs the test or sets the fee, taken from its own website. Where we show a total, we only add up that group's own fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and we do not use prices from test prep blogs. Fees can change, so check the official page before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does the NCLEX cost?
$200 until January 31, 2027, then $350.
Does the test date or the registration date set the NCLEX price?
The registration date.
Is the NCLEX fee refundable?
No.
Does the fee go up for retakes too?
Yes. Retakes registered on or after February 1, 2027 cost $350.