How to Get Your NCLEX License in Illinois

Overview

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardised exam used to determine whether a candidate is competent to practise safely as an entry-level nurse. There are two versions: the NCLEX-RN for registered nurse candidates and the NCLEX-PN for practical/vocational nurse candidates. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) at testing centres nationwide. While the exam itself is nationally standardised, each state board of nursing issues the actual licence — so the fee, application process, and any additional requirements (background checks, jurisprudence exams) vary by state.

Eligibility requirements

Candidates must have graduated from an accredited nursing programme (associate degree in nursing for NCLEX-RN or diploma/ADN for most states; bachelor's degree preferred; LPN/LVN programme for NCLEX-PN). You must apply to your state board of nursing for an ATT (Authorization to Test) before scheduling the exam with Pearson VUE.

The Illinois licensing process, step by step

1. Graduate from an accredited nursing programme. Ensure your programme is accredited by ACEN or CNEA (and meets your state board's requirements). Your school will submit verification of graduation to your state board.
2. Apply to your state board of nursing. Submit your application, pay the state licensing fee, and complete a criminal background check (fingerprinting required in most states). Processing time varies by state — apply early.
3. Receive your ATT (Authorization to Test). Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from Pearson VUE with your ATT. The ATT contains your eligibility window (typically 90 days) — you must schedule and take the exam within this window.
4. Schedule and take the NCLEX. Pay the $200 NCLEX examination fee to NCSBN. Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing centre. The NCLEX uses computerised adaptive testing (CAT) — the test adapts to your performance level and ends between 70-135 questions for the NCLEX-RN (2024 version: 85-150 questions under NCLEX-RN Next Generation).
5. Receive your results. Official results are mailed from your state board within 2-4 weeks. Many states offer the Quick Results service through Pearson VUE (available 48 hours after testing for $7.95) — this is not official but is highly predictive.
6. Activate your licence. Once your state board processes your results, your licence number will appear in the state's licence verification database. You can then apply for nursing positions.

What to study

The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans (published by NCSBN) define the content areas and their weights. The 2023 NCLEX-RN Next Generation test plan emphasises clinical judgment using the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM). Key content areas: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control); Health Promotion and Maintenance; Psychosocial Integrity; Physiological Integrity (Basic Care, Pharmacology, Reduction of Risk, Physiological Adaptation).

The official Illinois handbook is published by the Illinois Secretary of State. Read it cover to cover before your written exam — practice tests like ours are most useful as a check on your understanding, not a substitute for reading the source.

Free Illinois NCLEX practice tests

Practice with our state-specific tests until you consistently score above 80%, then schedule your exam with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Common reasons people fail

The most common reasons nurses fail the NCLEX: using rote memorisation instead of developing clinical judgment; answering the question they wish were asked instead of the question actually asked; selecting an intervention before completing the assessment phase; choosing a comforting response when a safety response is required; underestimating pharmacology questions. Timing is not a major issue for most candidates — focus on accuracy, not speed.

After you pass

Your licence is specific to the state you applied in. If you move or wish to practise in another state, you must either apply for a new licence by endorsement in the new state or (if both states are NLC members) activate your compact privilege. Renew your licence per your state's schedule (typically every 2 years) and complete required continuing education.