NCLEX Exam: Centers, Costs, and the Cheapest States for IENs
🌍 NCLEX Exam Centers Worldwide
The NCLEX-RN is administered by Pearson VUE at specific professional centers internationally. This allows IENs to complete the exam without needing to travel to the United States.
| Region | Countries with Pearson VUE Centers (Selection) |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, China, Hong Kong, India (multiple cities), Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan |
| Europe | France, Spain, Türkiye, United Kingdom (UK) |
| Africa | Kenya, South Africa |
| Americas | Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States (and territories) |
| Middle East | Dubai (UAE), Israel |
💰 The Strategic Choice: Cheapest NCLEX Locations
The total cost for the NCLEX process involves two main components: the exam fee and the licensing board fee. Choosing a state or region that minimizes the latter can save you hundreds of dollars.
The NCLEX-RN exam fee is always **$200 USD** globally, but you must also pay a fee to the specific U.S. State Board of Nursing (BON) that processes your application and issues your Authorization to Test (ATT).</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 3 Cheapest US Licensing Boards (Total Estimated Cost)</h3> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><td>State (BON)</td><td>NCLEX Fee ($)
🟢 Viral Tip: The Cost Advantage is in the BON Fee. Your travel and exam center location (e.g., taking the exam in India for a Missouri license) does not change the $200 exam fee or the $150 International Scheduling Fee, but choosing a board like Missouri saves you the entire state licensing fee at the start of the process.
International Scheduling Fee: When taking the NCLEX outside of the country/region where the licensure is sought (e.g., taking the US NCLEX in the Philippines), Pearson VUE typically charges an additional International Scheduling Fee of $150 USD. This fee applies regardless of the international center you choose.
✈ Travel Tips for NCLEX Abroad (The High-Value Strategy)
For IENs traveling internationally to take the exam, minimizing stress and ensuring focus is critical.
| Strategic Tip | Rationale |
| Book in an Off-Peak Country | Choose a testing center in a country that is not your home country’s primary testing center (e.g., if you are from the Philippines, consider the UK or Taiwan) if slots are limited, but weigh the visa cost. |
| Arrive Early (3-5 Days) | Arrive at least 3 to 5 days before your exam date to manage jet lag, adjust to the local environment, and complete your pre-test rituals without rushing. |
| Final Review Focus | Do not start new study materials. Use the last few days to review your cheat sheets (pharmacology, labs, delegation) and take a final short practice test to confirm your stamina. |
| Secure On-Site Accommodation | Book a hotel that is walking distance or a short, direct ride from the Pearson VUE center. This eliminates travel-day stress and traffic variables. |
| Check Local ID Requirements | The only ID accepted at the center must exactly match the name on your Authorization to Test (ATT). Ensure your passport is not expired and is the original document. |
The video below discusses the cheapest ways to manage the total cost of the NCLEX process for international nurses.
… Total Cost (Cheapest route) from Start to Finish | Step by Step Nclex-RN Process & Expenses …
Comments (0)