NCLEX Essential Services Testing

Test delivery at a subset of Pearson VUE test centers will commence on Wednesday, March 25. Please note, appointments are available on a first come, first served basis and availability is strictly limited. More appointments and test centers will be available as soon as possible based on staff availability, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, and local government guidance.

You can see test center availability when logged in to your online account. Only open test centers will appear in your search.

Not all test centers will be immediately open due to factors such as local government guidance, business operations, staff availability and the sufficient supply of cleaning and disinfectant materials. More test centers will be available as soon as possible based on staff availability, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, and local government guidance.

Some states have implemented rules that all but essential business must close. As an enabling business for essential service workers, we are trying to open more test centers. In order for a test center to be operational, there are additional factors such as staff availability and the sufficient supply of cleaning and disinfectant materials. More PPCs will be opened as soon as possible based on volunteer staff, solving supply logistics and navigating government guidelines.

You can schedule your appointment online and do not need to contact Pearson VUE directly. Authorizations to test were automatically extended for six months for candidates whose appointments were unscheduled due to COVID-19. If you do need to contact Pearson VUE for assistance, please note that phone lines are experiencing long wait times.

It is your responsibility to ensure there are no travel restrictions in place for the location where you want to take your test. If you travel to test in another state or country with travel restrictions in place, you may be turned away.

We are following government guidelines for social distancing and limiting the number of individuals, including staff, in the test center at any time. As a result of these measures, appointment availability is extremely limited. Additional appointments will be added to the calendar. Please continue to check for availability on pearsonvue.com/nclex.

Yes, appointments are open to all eligible NCLEX candidates and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

We sent a direct communication to candidates who were previously scheduled to test at the segment of Pearson Professional Centers we are able to initially reopen. Appointment availability is very limited, but any eligible NCLEX candidate can schedule on a first-come, first-served basis.

We are following government guidelines for social distancing and limiting the number of individuals, including staff, in the test center at any time. We are cleaning and disinfecting our open test centers with increased frequency and between each test taker. This includes objects that candidates interact with, including scanners, keyboards, and locker fobs.

Candidates are asked to confirm during the check-in process that, within the past 14 days, they have not exhibited COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in close proximity with anyone who was either diagnosed with COVID-19 or who was exhibiting symptoms. Candidates who have symptoms or have been exposed are asked not to test.

Yes, candidates will be allowed to wear protective gloves to their appointment if they wish to do so. 

Please see the NCLEX FAQs providing additional information on any exam adjustments.

Yes, you must bring and wear your own face mask while you’re at the test center and throughout your exam. A surgical or cloth face mask, including a homemade face mask, is acceptable as long as your nose and mouth are fully covered. Face masks with exhalation valves and face shields are not acceptable. We are unable to provide face masks to candidates. Candidates without a face mask will be denied testing services. You will be asked to briefly remove the mask during the check-in process to take the required candidate photo.

Some accommodations requests, like time extensions for shorter exams, can be completed via our website. However, if you require a separate room, a third-party resource or physical equipment for your appointment, you need to contact our accommodations team to schedule a new appointment. Candidates in the U.S., Canada, and South America should call 1-800-466-0450. Candidates in the rest of the world should send an email to apacaccommodations@pearson.com with the following information: Candidate ID, test program name, preferred test center and test date. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.