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Appeared for the NCLEX exam? Well, waiting for the results can be nerve-wracking. The official results take around 6 weeks to be released. So the longer you wait, the more nervous you get.
So what do you do? Is there a shortcut? Yes—the Pearson VUE NCLEX “trick”. While these are unofficial results, it might help you evaluate if you will need to retake it in case you fail the NCLEX exam.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how this trick works, its accuracy, and what experts say about using it. So you can make an informed decision while avoiding misinformation.
What is the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick?
The Pearson VUE NCLEX trick is an unofficial result-finding method. Some nursing candidates use to guess their exam results before official scores are released.
After taking the National Council Licensure Examination, test-takers log into their account on the Pearson VUE website and attempt to re-register for the exam. If the system blocks them with an error message (often called the “good pop-up”), it may suggest a passing result.
Conversely, if they can proceed with payment, it might indicate a failure.
Is the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick Reliable?
While many candidates swear by its accuracy, it is not officially endorsed by Pearson VUE or any state nursing board. False results have occurred due to:
- System delays
- Website maintenance
- Exam result processing
- Payment system updates
So while it’s popular and often accurate, it is not 100% reliable. It should be used with caution—and never taken as a guarantee.. Moreover, website updates or payment system errors can trigger false “good” or “bad” pop-ups.
Now while “unreliable”, it’s still a popular way to see if you have passed the NCLEX exam right away. But how does it work?
How to Do the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick?
If you’ve recently taken the NCLEX and want to try the unofficial Pearson VUE “trick” to check your results early, follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Wait Until Your Exam is Completed
Wait at least 1–2 hours after your exam ends. Some candidates wait up to 4 hours or more to avoid errors due to incomplete processing.
Step 2: Log Into Your Pearson VUE Account
Visit the Pearson VUE NCLEX page and log in using your existing credentials—the same ones you used to register for the exam.
Step 3: Attempt to Re-Register for the NCLEX
Click “Register” for the NCLEX exam and proceed as if you’re scheduling a new exam.
Now, observe the pop-up you get:
- Good Pop-Up: “Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam. Another registration cannot be made at this time”. This is interpreted as a pass.
- Bad Pop-Up: If the system lets you proceed to the payment page, it may suggest a fail.
Note: This is not an official score. Always wait for official results from your nursing regulatory body.
If you get a hint regarding your result status and want to take the exam again, get our NCLEX prep course.
How Much Does the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick Cost?
The Pearson VUE NCLEX trick is free. You don’t pay anything to try this trick—as long as you don’t submit payment during the re-registration process. It simply involves checking your Pearson VUE account for registration restrictions after your exam.
If you wish to get official early results, some states offer “Quick Results” via Pearson VUE. For that, you may have to pay a small fee (maybe around $7.95 USD) after 48 hours.
Pros & Cons of Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick
If you’ve just taken the NCLEX-RN exam, the infamous Pearson VUE “trick” might tempt you as a quick way to gauge your results. But is it worth trying? Here are the pros and cons for a balanced view.
Pros of the Pearson VUE Trick
- Early Insight: Provides a possible pass/fail indicator hours (or days) before official results.
- Free & Easy: No cost—just log into your Pearson VUE account and check.
- Relief for Anxious Test-takers: Can ease stress for those who believe they see a “good pop-up.”
- Widely Discussed: Many nursing candidates report it worked for them, lending some credibility.
Cons of the Pearson VUE Trick
- Not Official or Guaranteed: Pearson VUE and state boards do not endorse this method.
- False Results Possible: System delays, glitches, or processing errors can mislead.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: A “bad pop-up” could cause unnecessary panic (even if incorrect).
- No Detailed Feedback: Unlike official results, the trick doesn’t show performance breakdowns.
While the trick may offer temporary relief, it’s not a substitute for official results. So although you may proceed with the prep according to the trick results, it’s still advisable to wait for the official results.
FAQs on Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick
Q.1 How accurate is the Pearson VUE trick?
While many candidates report it worked for them, it’s not 100% reliable. False positives/negatives can occur due to system delays, glitches, or recent exam updates.
Q.2 When should I try the trick?
Wait at least 1-2 hours after your exam (some recommend 4+ hours). Trying too soon may give inaccurate results since your exam status may still be processing.
Q.3 What’s the “good pop-up”?
A message like: “Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam…”. This suggests your result is already processed and you passed.
Q.4 What’s the “bad pop-up”?
If the system lets you proceed to payment, this is considered a potential fail. However, it could also be due to a delay or system error.
Q.5 Can the trick give false results?
Yes. Technical errors, incomplete result processing, or new testing formats (like NGN) can affect the trick’s outcome.
Let’s Conclude
The Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick is a widely used unofficial method to ease your nerves after taking the exam. While some nursing candidates swear by it, others have experienced false hope or disappointment.
Our advice: If you choose to try the trick, take the outcome with a grain of salt. Whether you see a “good” or “bad” pop-up, the only result that truly matters is the one from your state board.
And if you feel like you haven’t passed the exam and need better prep, enroll in FBNPC’s NCLEX course today!