NCLEX-RN Exam

To become licensed as an RN in Nova Scotia, you must pass the NCLEX-RN Exam. This exam uses computer adaptive testing. This kind of testing adjusts questions based on your answers—providing a better assessment of entry-level nursing competencies.

The NCLEX-RN is the mandatory exam for RN registration and licensing in Nova Scotia. No other nursing exam is accepted, including CASN’s voluntary Canadian Examination for Baccalaureate Nursing.

There are fees required to take the exam. Learn about exam fees and payment options.

Have questions? Please contact registration@nscn.ca.

How to Apply to Write the Exam

You must apply and pay fees to both NSCN and Pearson VUE before you can take the exam.

You will not receive an exam date from Pearson VUE until we confirm that you have completed your nursing program.

Note: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the NCLEX-RN Exam.

You can apply to write the NCLEX-RN through the regulatory body where you completed your nursing program. They will receive your exam results. Or you can apply to write the exam through us.

Steps to apply through your program’s regulatory body:
  1. Apply to write the NCLEX-RN through the regulatory body in the province or territory where you completed your nursing program.
  2. If you want to write the exam in Nova Scotia, select Nova Scotia as your exam location when applying to Pearson VUE.
  3. Register in that jurisdiction (you do not need to hold a practising licence there—you just need to be registered).
  4. Request that the regulatory body send us official verification of your registration.
Steps to apply to write the exam with NSCN:
  1. Submit the Confirmation of Program Completion from the Regulatory Body (PDF) to the registering/licensing authority where you completed your nursing education. This form will be sent directly to us.
  2. You will then be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam. We will share your exam results with you when we receive them.
  3. Complete any additional requirements needed for registration and licensing with us.

Note: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the NCLEX-RN Exam.

Once your application has been reviewed by us and you are made eligible, you can apply to write the NCLEX-RN Exam. 

  1. You should indicate on your application that you plan to write the NCLEX-RN through us.
  2. You must apply and pay fees to both NSCN and Pearson VUE before you can write the exam.
  3. We will share your exam results with you when we receive them.

Note: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the NCLEX-RN Exam.

Learn more about registration, licensing, and exams for international nurses.

When can I take the exam?

Once you apply to us and register with Pearson VUE, you can schedule your exam 

You will then receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email, which is valid for 180 Days. You must take the exam within this time.

You can start booking your NCLEX-RN exam once we receive confirmation of your nursing program completion. 

As a first-time writer, you are guaranteed an appointment within 30 days of your request.

You can request accommodations if the way the NCLEX-RN Exam is offered creates barriers for you. 

Accommodations must be based on reasons protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act (PDF). These adjustments can help reduce or remove challenges you may face during the exam.

To request accommodations:

  • Submit a written request to accommodations@nscn.ca explaining your need for accommodations. You can also request the required documents at the same time.
  • We suggest you apply for the NCLEX-RN and pay the exam fees at the same time you submit your accommodation request.

If we approve your accommodation request, you must take your exam at one of Person Vue’s permanent testing locations.

Depending on the time of year, there are 3 locations in Nova Scotia to write the exam:
Pearson Professional Centre
6960 Mumford Road
Suite 220
Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3L 4P1

Pearson Professional Centres-Halifax (Clayton Park) 
287 Lacewood Dr
Suite 201
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3M 3Y7

Temporary Testing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Hampton Inn - 60 Maillard Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia, B1S 3W3

I want to take the test outside of Nova Scotia.

You can take the NCLEX-RN exam at any domestic testing centre in Canada or the U.S. You can also choose an international testing centre for an additional fee.

See NCLEX testing locations for more details.

Although your exam is scored in real-time, results are not released at the test centre. Test centre staff do not have access to your exam results.

Your results are only available to us. We will release them to you within 2 weeks of your exam date.

If you pass the exam, you will receive by email:

  • NCLEX-RN exam results
  • Instructions on how to register and get licensed with us

Note: If you pass the exam, it is your responsibility to inform your employer. Employers are not notified of your exam results.

If you do not pass the exam, you will receive by email:

  • NCLEX-RN exam results
  • Candidate Performance Report
  • A letter outlining your next steps

Note: If you do not pass, you must wait at least 45 days before retaking the exam. However, you can book your next appointment at any time.

If you’ve already passed the NCLEX-RN Exam, you are not required to re-take the exam.

Who should I contact with questions about the exam?

Several organizations are involved in this process, which can make it difficult to know where to direct your questions. To help, we have created a chart outlining who to contact for specific topics.

If you have questions about registration or licensing in Nova Scotia, email us at registration@nscn.ca.

WHO TO CONTACT:Pearson VUENCSBNNSCN
Registering to take the NCLEX  X   
Lost Authorization to Test (ATT) email  X   
Scheduling/rescheduling an exam appointment  X   
Acceptable forms of identification   X   
Comments about the test centre X   
Methods of payment  X   
NCLEX development    X  
Questions related to exam administration   X  
NCLEX eligibility    X 
Licensure     X 
Name or address change   X 
Name corrections on ATT    X 

Contact details:

Registration Services (NSCN)

Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services

NCLEX Contact at NCSBN

Exam Preparation Resources 

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) has a dedicated webpage for the NCLEX exam. Here you will find a variety of tools to help you prepare for the exam. 

We do not endorse any preparatory resources other than what NCSBN provides. 

Have questions?

You can email us at registration@nscn.ca. There may be delays in responding due to a high number of inquiries. 

Registration requirements and fees may change. All registration and licensing fees are non-refundable.