After years of hard work in nursing school and countless hours of studying, you finally faced the NCLEX — the last big hurdle before starting your nursing career. But now comes the agonizing wait: how long does it take to get NCLEX results?
The short answer: official NCLEX results typically take up to six weeks to be released. However, there are ways to get an unofficial idea of how you did much sooner. Let’s walk through everything you need to know while you’re waiting — and how to stay sane in the meantime.
How Long Does It Take to Get NCLEX Results?
Officially, most candidates receive their NCLEX results within six weeks. Your state’s Board of Nursing will send you the final decision about your licensure.
The long wait can be stressful, especially when everything — from starting your job search to celebrating your success — feels like it’s on hold. Thankfully, you do have some options to get a sneak peek at your performance sooner.
How to Get NCLEX Quick Results
Pearson VUE, the company that administers the NCLEX, offers a Quick Results Service. For $7.95, you can access your unofficial pass/fail result within 48 business hours after your exam.
Here’s how to check your NCLEX Quick Results:
- Log in to your Pearson VUE account.
- Under “My Account,” click on “Quick Results.”
- If your results are ready, you’ll have the option to purchase and view them.
- Complete the payment and view your unofficial result!
Important Note: Quick Results are unofficial and cannot be used for licensure or employment purposes. You must wait for your official notice from your Board of Nursing for that.
Are NCLEX Quick Results Accurate?
Yes, NCLEX Quick Results are highly accurate. If you see that you passed in the Quick Results, it’s very unlikely that your official outcome will be any different. However, there’s always a tiny chance of administrative errors, so it’s smart to wait for full confirmation before celebrating too loudly.
Other NCLEX “Result Tricks” (And Should You Trust Them?)
You may have heard of the famous “Pearson VUE Pop-Up Trick.” It’s an unofficial method where students try to register for another NCLEX exam after completing their test. If a pop-up appears saying “another registration cannot be made at this time,” many believe it’s a sign you passed.
But remember: this trick is anecdotal. It’s not guaranteed, and it shouldn’t replace waiting for Quick Results or official confirmation.
What to Do While Waiting for Your NCLEX Results
Waiting for life-changing news is never easy. Here are some healthy ways to pass the time and ease your nerves:
- Take a Well-Deserved Break: You’ve earned it! Treat yourself to some relaxation after months of intense studying.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize good sleep, eat nourishing meals, and stay active to keep your mind and body strong.
- Learn and Grow: Dive into nursing webinars, earn new certifications, or explore specialized fields you’re passionate about.
- Stay Social: Spend time with friends and family, plan a mini trip, or catch up on hobbies you’ve missed.
- Limit Stressful Social Media: Avoid excessive scrolling through forums or Reddit threads about NCLEX rumors — they’ll only make you more anxious.
If you’re feeling especially worried about the outcome, start mapping out a study plan just in case you need to retest. Being proactive can actually help reduce anxiety.
NCLEX Results on Hold: What It Means
Sometimes, exam results are placed “on hold” for additional review. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete or missing application documents
- Issues flagged during your exam session
- Background check delays
If you learn that your results are on hold, reach out to your state Board of Nursing for guidance. Resolving holds can take time, so stay patient and follow up regularly.
Conclusion
Waiting for NCLEX results can feel like the longest few weeks of your life. But whether you use Quick Results, rely on the pop-up trick, or simply wait for official confirmation — know that you’ve already accomplished so much.
Stay positive, stay busy, and when that official notice finally comes, you’ll be ready to step proudly into your nursing future.
FAQs About NCLEX Results
Are Quick Results 100% official?
No. They’re unofficial indicators. Only your state Board of Nursing’s results are considered official.
What happens if I don’t pass the NCLEX?
Don’t panic! Many successful nurses needed more than one try. Review your performance, find areas to improve, and consider using a structured NCLEX study plan to better prepare.
How is the NCLEX scored?
The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). The difficulty of each question adjusts based on how you answered previous ones. Your final score is based on whether you consistently met the passing standard.
