In this article, I’m answering a question about the authorization to test needed to take the NCLEX.

I just graduated from nursing school, and I still haven’t received my ATT so I can take the NCLEX.

Do you know how long it usually takes?

How Long Does it Take to Get Your ATT to Take the NCLEX?

For more information on when you’ll get your authorization to test and other NCLEX related topics subscribe to my YouTube channel.

It may take 3 to 4 weeks to receive the ATT, so you can schedule to take the NCLEX. There are a lot of moving pieces, so ultimately it will depend on how quickly your school and your state board of nursing do what they need to do.

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What Needs to Happen to Recieve Your Authorization to Test?

To be eligible for the authorization to test, you need to apply with your state board of nursing (also called the nursing regulatory body, NRB) and sign up with Pearson Vue.

Make sure to do this as early as possible as there’s a lot of paperwork involved, and this process takes time.

After you do your part, your nursing program will then send your transcript (and any other paperwork) to the board of nursing. This happens after you graduate.

After all the paperwork is sent to your state nursing board, you’ll receive your authorization to test if they approve you.

VALIDITY DATES

Please note that the ATT does have a date range. You’ll need to schedule your exam within that range.

It may vary from state board to state board. According to NCSBN, the average validity date is about 90 days.

What Happens if I don’t Recieve the ATT?

In some rare instances, you may be approved but not receive the ATT. At that point, you’ll need to contact NCLEX candidate services.

PRO TIP

If you lose your ATT the NCLEX candidate should service is who you’ll also need to contact.

Example Time Lines

To give you a rough idea of what the timeline looks like here are a couple of examples I’ve heard of happening.

  • Graduated from nursing school on May 15.
  • School sent the transcript on May 22.
  • Registered with Pearson Vue on May 24.
  • ATT was received on June 4.

I believe in this situation this student was able to test on June 28. Here’s another scenario:

  • Registered with Pearson Vue on April 17.
  • Graduated from nursing school on April 28.
  • Received authorization to test on May 1.

Please note that these are just examples and it doesn’t necessarily mean yours will take this long. Nor does it mean you’ll get yours as quick.

How to Be Successful on the NCLEX

Now that you know when your ATT will get to you here’s how you can be successful on the NCLEX.

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The NCLEX is a challenging licensure exam. Everything you’ve done in school depends on this one exam.

This is why I recommend you check out an NCLEX prep course that boasts an almost 100% pass rate.

Many students have found success taking this nclex prep and I think you can too.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t complete all the steps needed, that may delay when you’ll receive your authorization to test for the NCLEX. In some instances, you may be authorized but not receive the ATT. In that situation, you’ll need to contact the NCLEX candidate services to get that resolved.

Per the NCSBN as of the time of this writing, you will not need to bring your ATT for the NCLEX.

3 Comments

  1. Hello Thomas,
    I read your article and I am going through few confusions. I took my Nclex on Dec 29, 2022 and failed. I want to take NCLEX before April and can I apply att now or have to wait 45 days to apply for ATT?

    1. I have the same issue and I applied again for the nursing board and Pearson Vue. And I am still waiting the process to finish to get my new ATT. However, I didn’t wait 45 days to Re-apply.
      Good luck

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