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Step 8: Graduate and pass the NCLEX

After you finish your program, you take the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam. In California, you apply to the BRN and register for the exam with Pearson VUE. Both are needed before you can test.

What to do

  1. Apply to the BRN for licensure by examination. The BRN recommends applying online through BreEZe. Step 9 covers the application.
  2. Register for the NCLEX with Pearson. You’ll need your program code, an email address and a payment card. The name you register with must match your ID exactly.
  3. Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT). The BRN makes you eligible, and Pearson emails your ATT. You can’t schedule until you have it.
  4. Schedule your exam. Schedule soon after your ATT arrives, and test within its validity dates.
  5. Take the exam and get your results. The BRN posts a timeframe for NCLEX results on its processing times page.

How California graduates did

In the BRN’s 2024–25 pass-rate year, 15,874 first-time testers from California programs took the NCLEX-RN, and 90.2% passed. By program type: ADN 92.1% (6,390 testers), BSN 89.0% (8,910) and ELM 88.3% (574). The statewide first-time rate in the prior four years ranged from 85.7% to 94.0% (BRN pass-rate tables, via SEAPHE’s program data, fetched Oct 13, 2026).

Two school examples

These are the first ADN and BSN programs, alphabetically, with at least 100 first-time testers over five years in SEAPHE’s data. They show how to read a program’s record.

  • Allan Hancock College (ADN). 93.88% of 49 first-time testers passed in 2024–25. Over five years, 194 testers and a 90.7% tester-weighted average.
  • American University of Health Sciences (BSN). 91.0% of 100 first-time testers passed in 2024–25. Over five years, 433 testers and an 85.0% tester-weighted average.

Both from the BRN’s pass-rate tables, via SEAPHE’s program pages (fetched Oct 13, 2026); five-year averages are SEAPHE calculations. Year-to-year rates can move, so the tester count and the five-year view matter as much as one year.

How long it takes

  • California exam applications: 10–12 weeks, per the BRN’s processing times (updated Sept 24, 2026). The BRN processes California graduates by cohort after graduation, in the order it receives transcripts from your school.
  • Pearson registration stays open for 365 days while you wait for eligibility.
  • First-time test takers are offered an appointment 30 days after asking to schedule. You can choose a later date.
  • NCLEX-RN results: 2–3 weeks, per the BRN’s processing times (updated Sept 24, 2026).

Typical costs

  • NCLEX registration fee (U.S.): $200. NCSBN says it will be $350 starting Feb. 1, 2027.
  • BRN exam application fee for California graduates: $300 (see Step 9).

If your eligibility doesn’t come through within 365 days, the registration and fee are forfeited. Register once; a second open registration is denied and its fee isn’t refunded.

Common mistakes

  • A name mismatch. Your Pearson registration name must match your ID exactly.
  • Registering twice. A second open registration is denied, and its fee isn’t refunded.
  • Waiting too long to schedule. Seats near the end of your ATT window can be limited.
  • Letting the ATT expire. If it does, you reregister and pay again.
  • Requesting accommodations late. Request testing accommodations with the BRN before you register.

Your SEAPHE tools

Next step: Step 9, Get your California RN license.

FAQ

How much does the NCLEX cost?

The U.S. registration fee is $200. NCSBN says it will be $350 starting Feb. 1, 2027. The BRN application fee for California graduates is a separate $300.

When can I schedule the NCLEX?

After you receive your Authorization to Test. First-time test takers are offered an appointment 30 days after asking, and you can pick a later date within your ATT window.

How long do NCLEX results take in California?

The BRN’s processing times page lists 2–3 weeks for NCLEX-RN results (updated Sept 24, 2026).

Sources