How Long Does it Take to Get NCLEX Results?

Taran Kaur
Feb 3, 2025
5 min read

Appeared for the NCLEX exam? Waiting for the results and whether or not you passed the NCLEX, can be nerve-wracking. “Have I passed?”. “Will I have to take the exam again?”. These are just a few questions you may be asking yourself.

The uncertainty about when you’ll receive your results can lead to stress, anxiety, and even impact your job search. But don’t worry; I’ll tell you how long it takes to get NCLEX results. And of course, how our NCLEX course can ensure you won’t have to worry about the results. Without further ado, let’s begin.

How Long Does It Take to Get NCLEX Results?

Generally, you will get your NCLEX results within 6 weeks of taking the exam. But this kind of long wait for an exam as critical as NCLEX can be stressful for any nursing graduate. This uncertainty can hinder your job search, delay your career progression, and significantly impact your mental health.

So when will you know the NCLEX results? Here are a few ways to find out.

Quick Results (Unofficial from Pearson VUE)

Quick Results is a service offered by Pearson VUE. It allows you to access your unofficial NCLEX results sooner than waiting for the official results from your state board of nursing. Typically, quick results are available within 48 hours of completing your exam.

Here’s how you can access them:

Step 1: Sign into the Pearson VUE website with your username and password.

Step 2: Select “Quick Results” under the “My Account” section.

Step 3: If your results are available, you will be able to click “Purchase”.

Step 4: Fill in the payment details and click “Next”.

Step 5: Submit the order by clicking the namesake button.

But of course, these results are not officially recognized by the state nursing boards. So take this tactic with a grain of salt. The official results from your state board are the definitive source of information.

Official Results from Pearson VUE

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) releases the NCLEX results within 6 weeks of taking the exam. You can check your results online through the Pearson VUE website.

Here’s how you check the official results.

Step 1: Log in to your Pearson VUE account.

Step 2: Navigate to ‘My Account’ and select ‘Check Results’.

Step 3: Enter your Authorization to Test (ATT) number.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to view your official results.

Reach out to Pearson VUE customer service for assistance if you haven’t received the results even after the 6 weeks.

The “Pop Up” Trick

Pop Up for NCLEX

There’s a popular belief among nursing students pertaining to a pop-up message. According to some, a pop-up like “another registration cannot be made at this time” appears in the event of passing when they try to pay for the exam again.

While there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim, many test-takers swear by this method. But it’s important to note that this is purely anecdotal and should not be relied upon as a definitive indicator of your results.

What to Do While Waiting for the NCLEX Results?

Waiting for NCLEX results can be a nerve-wracking experience. To ease the anxiety, here are some tips on how to stay productive and calm:

(1) Practice Self-care

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. And engage in meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.

(2) Learn & Grow

Explore webinars to enhance your nursing knowledge and skills. You may also consider taking certifications in specialized areas of nursing. Join online forums or local nursing organizations to connect with other professionals.

(3) Relax and Recharge

Connect with family and friends to alleviate stress and anxiety. You may also engage in social activities and hobbies. Plan a short trip or vacation to relax and unwind.

(4) Avoid Excessive Worrying

Reduce exposure to social media and news to avoid unnecessary stress. Focus on your accomplishments and the hard work you’ve put in. Talk to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

(5) Enroll with FBNPC

If you feel right away that the NCLEX exam didn’t go well and you might be failing, enroll with our NCLEX program. Our practice tests and one-on-one guidance will be helpful.

Remember, the waiting period is temporary. It’s important to focus on self-care and professional development, but don’t get complacent.

FAQs on How Long It Takes for NCLEX Results

Q.1) Are Quick Results for NCLEX accurate?

While Quick Results can provide a general indication of your performance, they are not officially recognized by your state board of nursing. It’s important to wait for the official results to confirm your licensure status.

Q.2) How is the NCLEX exam scored?

The NCLEX exam uses a computer adaptive testing (CAT) format. The difficulty of questions adapts based on your previous answers. A complex scoring algorithm determines your overall performance.

Q.3) What happens if I don’t pass the NCLEX on the first attempt?

If you don’t pass the NCLEX on your first attempt, it’s important to review your performance, identify areas for improvement, and develop a study plan for your next attempt. Consider seeking additional support from a study group or tutor.

Let’s Summarize the NCLEX Results Timeline

Waiting for NCLEX results can be a nerve-wracking experience. While unofficial Quick Results from Pearson VUE can provide a glimpse into your performance, it’s crucial to rely on the official results from your state board of nursing.

Remember, the NCLEX is a challenging exam, and it’s common to experience anxiety and uncertainty during the waiting period. Practice self-care, stay occupied, and maintain a positive mindset. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, don’t get discouraged. Connect with us and get our NCLEX study plan. We’ll work on making sure your further attempts will be successful.

Taran Kaur

Taran is the Managing Director and Lead Instructor at FBNPC. Taran brings a rich background to the role, having earned prestigious awards and recognitions in her field. Taran holds a gold medal of excellence from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in India—an institution renowned for its excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. Additionally, she has received accolades from Conestoga College in Canada. In addition, Taran has extensive experience as a nursing instructor in Canada. Taran combines academic excellence with extensive clinical experience to effectively empower internationally educated nurses worldwide.

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