You’ve just finished your NCLEX exam — and now comes the hardest part: waiting.
It’s completely normal to feel a flood of emotions during this time — excitement, fear, hope, and maybe even a little panic. If you’re anything like most nursing students, you’re probably wondering: “Is there any way to find out if I passed before the official results?”
That’s where the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick comes in.
Maybe you’ve heard whispers about it from classmates or seen it mentioned online. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And — most importantly — can you trust it?
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick — the steps, the pros and cons, and what you should keep in mind as you wait for your official results.
What Is the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick?
The Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick (PVT) is an unofficial method nursing students use to get an early idea of whether they passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
It involves attempting to re-register for the NCLEX exam through Pearson VUE’s website after you’ve already taken the test. Based on the system’s response — a “good pop-up” or a “bad pop-up” — you might be able to guess your result before the official report is released.
Important: This trick is popular, but it is not 100% accurate. Only your state’s Board of Nursing can give you your official results.
How Does the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick Work?
If you want to try the PVT, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Finish the NCLEX and wait.
After you complete the NCLEX, your exam needs a little time to be processed. While some people try the trick an hour or two later, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours to give the system time to update.
2. Log in to your Pearson VUE account.
Go to the Pearson VUE NCLEX test-taker website and sign into your account — the same one you used to schedule your exam.
3. Attempt to re-register for the NCLEX.
Click on the “Register” tab and proceed like you are signing up to take the exam again. You’ll be asked to enter your information and reach the payment page.
(If you’re worried about being charged, you can use a card with an incorrect expiration date — although this sometimes causes other issues.)
4. Observe what happens at the payment page.
Once you submit your registration details, you’ll see one of two things:
- Good Pop-Up:
A message that says you cannot register again because you have an existing exam scheduled or recently completed.
→ This usually suggests you passed. - Bad Pop-Up:
If the system allows you to proceed to payment without any issues, it means your re-registration was accepted.
→ This usually suggests you did not pass.
How Reliable Is the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick?
While many students report the trick worked accurately for them, it’s important to remember:
- It is not officially endorsed by Pearson VUE or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
- System glitches, technical errors, or results being on hold can affect what pop-up you get.
- Some students have received false positives (good pop-up but failed) or false negatives (bad pop-up but passed).
Bottom line?
Use the Pearson VUE trick only as a rough guess — not a guarantee.
Pros and Cons of Using the Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick
Here’s a quick overview:
Pros:
- ✅ Immediate feedback: You get a hint about your results without waiting days or weeks.
- ✅ Reduced anxiety: Even a little bit of information can help calm your nerves.
- ✅ Help with planning: Knowing early can help you start preparing for next steps — whether that’s celebrating or planning a retake.
- ✅ Free to try: The trick itself costs nothing (unless you accidentally submit payment).
Cons:
- ❌ Inaccurate at times: False good or bad pop-ups do happen.
- ❌ Not official: You still have to wait for your real, final results.
- ❌ Potential charges: If you aren’t careful, you could be charged for re-registering.
- ❌ Emotional rollercoaster: Incorrect results could give false hope or unnecessary despair.
Why the Pearson VUE Trick Can Sometimes Be Misleading
Example 1:
A student gets a good pop-up, feels confident they passed, but later finds out they did not. The disappointment can be crushing.
Example 2:
Another student gets a bad pop-up, panics thinking they failed, only to later discover they passed.
That unnecessary anxiety could have been avoided.
The takeaway?
Don’t let the trick define your self-worth or final expectation.
What Should You Do Instead of Relying on the Trick?
While the Pearson VUE trick can be tempting, your best path forward is:
- Wait for your official results — check your Pearson VUE account, state board notifications, or quick results (if available).
- Focus on self-care — exercise, meditate, spend time with family, or dive into hobbies you enjoy.
- Celebrate your efforts — no matter the outcome, recognize how far you’ve come.
- Start planning — whether it’s job hunting, preparing for a retake, or considering further education.
- Stay positive — if you didn’t pass, it’s not the end. Many incredible nurses took the NCLEX more than once and went on to have amazing careers.
Need NCLEX prep tips or support?
Check out MedCognito’s NCLEX-RN Prep for trusted study guides and resources to boost your confidence.
Final Thoughts
The Pearson VUE NCLEX Trick has helped thousands of nursing students get a sneak peek at their exam outcomes. While it can offer some peace of mind (or an early heads-up), it’s important to take the results with a grain of salt.
At the end of the day, your official results — and the journey you’ve taken to get here — are what truly matter. Whether you passed this time or not, remember: you have the heart, strength, and skills to succeed in nursing.
Stay proud. Stay determined. Your future as a nurse is just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the Pearson VUE trick for NCLEX?
While many nursing students turn to the Pearson VUE NCLEX trick to get an early idea of their results, it’s important to remember that it isn’t 100% accurate. There’s always a chance the outcome could be wrong, so it’s best not to rely on it completely until you receive your official results.
What is the quickest way to find out if you passed the NCLEX?
The quickest way to find out if you’ve passed the NCLEX is to check your state’s official nursing board website. If you see something like “Nurse of the Future” or “Temporary License” next to your name, it’s a strong sign that you passed. In many cases, this update can show up just a few days after you take the exam.
What is the good pop up for the Pearson VUE Trick?
A “good pop-up” when doing the Pearson VUE trick is a message that says you’ve already scheduled the exam and can’t register again. According to this trick, seeing that message is usually a good sign that you passed the NCLEX.
