Knowing if you passed the NCLEX exam is a critical moment for aspiring nurses, and the process is standardized by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The most reliable way to confirm whether you passed the NCLEX exam is through your official results, which are issued by your state board of nursing—not the testing center or Pearson VUE (the exam administrator).
After completing the NCLEX, you’ll receive a preliminary “quick results” option in some states. For a small fee (usually around $7.95), you may access unofficial results as early as 48 business hours after your test through your Pearson VUE account—but only if your board of nursing participates in this service. Keep in mind: these are still unofficial, and your state board has final authority.
Official results typically arrive 2–6 weeks after your exam date via mail or online portal, depending on your state. Always check your nursing board’s website for exact timelines and procedures. Do not rely on the number of questions you received or whether the test “shut off early”. These are not accurate indicators of passing or failing, as the NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT).
Some candidates look for unofficial signs, like receiving an email saying they’re “eligible for licensure,” which often implies a pass. However, this isn’t guaranteed in all states. The only definitive way to know if you passed the NCLEX exam is through your state board’s official notification.
If you don’t pass, you’ll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This will show your strengths and weaknesses by content area—use this to guide your retake preparation. You must wait 45 days before retesting.
In summary, patience and official channels are key. Avoid speculation or third-party forums. Whether you’re anxiously checking your email or mailbox, remember: the only confirmation that matters is the one from your nursing regulatory body. Once you receive it, you’ll finally know for sure if you passed the NCLEX exam.