Nurse Licensing Examination and APRN Certification

NCLEX

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®) is a national licensing examination that is administered in the United States and Territories. The examination is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. Because the examination is a national examination used by all United States jurisdictions (states and territories), nurses are able to endorse licensure from one state board of nursing to another without retaking the examination. All examination results are reported as Pass or Fail.

There are two NCLEX® examinations:

• The NCLEX-RN® examination is administered to those qualified for and seeking licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
• The NCLEX-PN® is administered to those qualified for and seeking licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Testing Requirements

• Completed examination application
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Registration with Pearson Vue
• Authorized by the State Board of Nursing

Pearson Vue

Pearson Vue is the electronic testing service that administers the NCLEX examination on behalf of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Applicants must register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson Vue. The testing fee is $200. You may register for the exam either online at www.PearsonVue.com/nclex or by telephone at (866) 496-2539. If registering by website or telephone, you must be able to pay electronically.

Failed Exam

Should you fail the exam, you must wait a minimum of 45 days before retaking it.

Click here for NCLEX information.​

APRN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Nebraska must have passed a national certifying examination and maintain active board certification by a certifying body that has been approved by the Board to qualify for licensure. Arrangements to take the certifying examination must be made directly with the certifying body by the licensee. 

Applicants holding retired board certification credentials may qualify for licensure as an APRN as long as they continue to meet requirements by the certifying body for active certification.

Four Types of APRN Licenses

• Certified Nurse Practitioners (APRN-CNP)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (APRN-CRNA)
• Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN-CNS)
• Certified Nurse Midwife (APRN-CNM)

APRN Types, Certifying Bodies, and Certifications: