If you’ve just finished taking the NCLEX, first — take a deep breath.
You survived one of the toughest exams in your life! Now comes the hard part: waiting for your results.
But here’s the good news: there are a few ways you can find out if you passed — some official, and some based on what thousands of nursing students have shared.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get NCLEX results as quickly (and accurately) as possible.
Official Ways to Get Your NCLEX Results
Before trying any “tricks,” you should know the official, verified methods to check your NCLEX results:
1. State Board of Nursing Website
Many state boards update your license status within a few days after your exam.
If you see something like “Temporary License” or “Nurse of the Future” next to your name, it’s a strong sign you passed.
Each state is different, but here’s the basic idea:
- Look for your name in the license verification section.
- Search by name or candidate number.
- A license number or active status usually means you’re in!
Tip: Check your state’s Board of Nursing page around 24–72 hours after your exam.
2. Quick Results Service
If your state participates, Pearson VUE’s Quick Results service lets you check your “unofficial” NCLEX results for a small fee (usually $7.95).
You can usually access this about 48 hours after finishing your exam.
- Log into your Pearson VUE account.
- Look for the “Quick Results” option.
- Pay the fee and view your score.
Important: These results are unofficial, but they’re almost always correct.
3. Calling the Automated License Line
Some boards of nursing have an automated phone system you can call to check your status. You’ll hear a message like:
“First Name, Last Name, for the occupation Registered Nurse, your license status is current active…”
If you hear something along those lines — congratulations, nurse!
(Note: If you registered with a driver’s license number instead of an SSN, your results might take longer to show up.)
What Is the Pearson VUE Trick?
If you’ve been Googling “how to check NCLEX results” or hanging out on forums, you’ve probably heard of the Pearson VUE Trick (PVT).
Here’s how it works:
How to Do the Pearson VUE Trick:
- Log into your Pearson VUE account.
- Try to re-register for the NCLEX exam.
- Watch carefully for the pop-up message you get.
- Good Pop-Up:
“Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam. Please contact your Member Board for further assistance. Another registration cannot be made at this time.”
This usually means you PASSED. - Bad Pop-Up (or payment page):
If it takes you to the payment screen — it may suggest you didn’t pass.
Important:
Before trying the trick, make sure your exam status says “Delivery Successful.”
Otherwise, the system might not recognize that your test is complete.
How Fast Can You Really Find Out If You Passed the NCLEX?
Honestly? It depends.
- Some people see their license online the next day.
- Others wait 3–5 days.
- In rare cases, it can take up to 2 weeks.
A few things that affect how fast you get results:
- Your state’s Board of Nursing processing times.
- Whether you registered with a Social Security Number (it’s usually faster).
- System updates or holidays.
Waiting is brutal — but hang tight. Most people find out within a few days.
Real Experiences From Other Nurses
Thousands of NCLEX takers have shared their stories about waiting for results — and how the Pearson VUE trick worked for them.
For example:
- Some candidates tried the trick just 4 hours after their exam and got the good pop-up.
- Others found their license listed 24 hours later through the state board.
- A few still saw “pending” on license lookup even after passing — so don’t panic if that happens!
If you want to read real stories and experiences about getting NCLEX results, check out this detailed discussion on allnurses.com.
Final Tips While You Wait for NCLEX Results
- Stay busy — worrying won’t change the outcome (but we know it’s easier said than done).
- Trust yourself — the number of questions you answered doesn’t predict if you passed.
- Avoid comparing your wait time to others — every case is a little different.
- Believe — you prepared, you worked hard, and you gave it your best.
No matter what the screen says today or tomorrow — you made it to the finish line of a huge journey.
And that’s something to be proud of.
Final Thoughts
Finding out how to get NCLEX results quickly is something every nursing graduate stresses about — but remember: the official methods (like your Board of Nursing, Quick Results, or phone verification) are your best bet. The Pearson VUE Trick?
It’s a fun tool to try — but it’s not 100% official, so use it with a grain of hope (and patience).
Wishing you all the best as you step into your nursing career. You’ve got this!
