NCLEX-RN Eligibility: State Boards & the ATT Explained

It starts with your State Board of Nursing

Unlike a single centralized eligibility process, NCLEX-RN eligibility is determined by the individual State Board of Nursing you apply through. You must be approved by that board — generally requiring graduation from an approved nursing program — before you can register for the exam.

The Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once your state board approves your application, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), which allows you to schedule your exam through Pearson VUE. You generally can't book your test date without it.

Because requirements vary by state, always verify the exact process with the specific board you're applying through rather than assuming it matches what you've read about another state.