A Complete Guide of NCLEX USA vs NCLEX Australia

The demand for registered nurses has always been substantial, particularly in Australia and the USA. Due to the excellent perks of this professional path, many people choose between NCLEX USA and NCLEX Australia. 

The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a national test nurses must pass to obtain their license. Millions of nurses from the United States, Australia, and Canada have previously taken this exam over the past few decades. As a result, they are now qualified to practice as registered, practical, or vocational nurses.

No matter where a candidate will take the exam, the NCLEX is the same for everyone. However, the process, requirements, and fees vary between NCLEX USA and NCLEX Australia. The two have distinct differences, and it’s vital to know them before choosing between them. 

NCLEX USA 

NCLEX-USA has many states compared to Australia. Naturally, it will have more processes compared to the latter. However, many still take NCLEX-USA for their vast choices and preferences. The Process, Scheduling, Fees, etc., all differ from each state.           

The US Process

NCLEX USA has numerous steps to follow when taking NCLEX, which is understandable since there are so many states to consider.  

After choosing your preferred state, you will undergo an evaluation and an applicability process to see if you’re suitable for your selected state. This process is within the Pre-Eligibility and Credential Evaluation Phase. However, they are not required in every State Board of Nursing (SBON).

Fees and English Exams

The base fee for NCLEX exams in the US is $200. However, depending on where you live, your state’s board of nursing may charge additional registration fees.

If you modify the details of your test after you’ve enrolled, you can be assessed additional fees. For instance, it costs an extra $50 to switch the regulatory body to another board in a different state or a secondary board in your current state. 

As for the English exams in the US, some states may exclude a non-native English speaker from completing an English proficiency test. On the other hand, some states require international students to take an English proficiency test.

The most popular ones are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Language Tests (PTE), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

ATT Validity and Scheduling

After completing the initial processes, you need to wait for the clearance to take the test, called the Authorized to Test Phase or ATT. Afterward, you can pick your desired date to take the NCLEX. 

Repeat test-takers can schedule their next appointment 45 days after their last exam. When you get an ATT and have already scheduled an exam appointment, you will receive the NCLEX Examination Timetable to prepare you.

When you’re done scheduling, it’s time to face the NCLEX exam. 

Finding Results

Typically NCLEX results will be released six (6) weeks after the examination. However, some states offer quick unofficial results for only $7.95. Therefore, you only need to wait two (2) business days before finding out if you passed the exam. After getting the results, start preparing for the license application. 

NCLEX Australia 

NCLEX Australia has a similar exam structure to NCLEX USA and NCLEX Canada. However, Australia switched to a new assessment approach for nurses and midwives with overseas qualifications last March 2020. Now, international candidates must pass the NCLEX before registering.                

The Australian Process

Unlike the USA, which has many states, Australia has a less yet expensive process. After the evaluation process, you will undergo Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA) tests which include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). After the tests, you are good to go for registration!

As for the results, only the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) will make the test findings available to the public. AHPRA must receive the exam results and notify the candidates six (6) weeks after the test session.

Fees and English Exams

For NCLEX USA, it depends on the state where the test has been administered. The cost of taking the NCLEX may range from $700 to $1,500, with a base of $200. In contrast, for NCLEX Australia, the application fee and evaluation cost for NCLEX-RN is between $4,400 and $4,600.

Upon initial registration, nurses and midwives must formally provide proof of their English language competency. The Occupational English Test (OET), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT are all recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). 

ATT Validity and Scheduling

For the NCLEX US, you need to wait for your Authorized to Test Phase or ATT after the applicability process. For Australia, you can obtain an Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE. You can test during the ATT’s valid time window of ninety (90) days. Extensions are not available.

Finding Results

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or AHPRA, is the only one allowed to disclose the results. However, candidates will find out their results six (6) weeks after your exam’s sitting date.

Final Thoughts

Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed in the United States, Canada, and Australia. This assessment exam will examine a nurse’s nursing knowledge, patient care capacity, and critical thinking skills. 

Some boards automatically provide licenses after you pass the exam, except some nursing boards, wherein you must pay. After completing the NCLEX and OSCE tests, you can start the license registration procedure in Australia.

The NCLEX USA and NCLEX Australia may appear the same at first glance, but they have some significant differences. And these differences may be the deciding factor upon where you process your NCLEX. 

We at IPASS have your back! IPASS Processing offers its service to nurses who wish to apply for the NCLEX in the United States. We ensure to provide and deliver you a smooth and hassle-free NCLEX application. For more inquiries, contact us now!