How to register for the NCLEX in Alabama

To work as an RN in Alabama you license with the Alabama Board of Nursing online: US$125 (plus US$3.50) for a single-state licence or US$225 for a multistate licence, with FieldPrint fingerprints registered only after the application is on file. Your program sends the transcript electronically, you register with Pearson VUE, and first-time exam candidates receive a one-time 180-day temporary permit to practise as a Nursing Graduate (NG-RNP). Alabama joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on January 1, 2020.

✓ Checked against ABN's official pages on October 7, 2026

At a glance

BoardAlabama Board of Nursing (ABN)

ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)

Application feeUS$125 single-state · US$225 multistate, each + US$3.50 transaction fee

FingerprintsFieldPrint, only after you apply, with the User Identification Number from your application

Temporary permitfirst-time exam candidates: 180 days, issued once, not renewable

CompactYes, since January 1, 2020

Steps Educated outside the US Documents Fees How long it takes Questions Official links

The steps, in order (graduates of a Alabama program)

Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.

7 steps

Apply online: single-state (US$125) or multistate (US$225), plus US$3.50Choose the multistate exam application only if Alabama is your primary state of residence and you can document it; otherwise the single-state application. Apply for licensure by examination in one state only; the Board notes that holding temporary permits in several jurisdictions is not allowed.ABN: exam application, single state →
Your program sends the official transcriptSealed transcripts or electronic transcripts through eScrip-Safe, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or Credential Solutions to transcripts@abn.alabama.gov.
Register with FieldPrint after the application is on fileYour application generates a User Identification Number; use it to register with FieldPrint for the state and federal background check (Livescan preferred, ink cards available). Prints taken before the application is filed are not usable and must be paid for again. Fingerprints are required for multistate and endorsement applicants.ABN: instructions for applicants requiring fingerprinting (PDF) →
Register with Pearson VUE (US$200) with the same details as your ABN applicationThe Board asks you to give Pearson VUE the same information so the records match; the Authorization to Test follows the Board's eligibility.NCSBN: NCLEX registration →
Temporary permit: Nursing Graduate, 180 days, one timeIf this is your first licensure-by-examination application anywhere, the Board issues a non-renewable temporary permit once all requirements are met; you practise as a Nursing Graduate-RN Program (NG-RNP) with stipulations for up to 180 days.ABN: licensing FAQs →
Write the NCLEX-RNPearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts; use the Board's repeat exam application for a retake.ABN: repeat exam applicants →
Licence issued; multistate if you documented Alabama residenceMultistate applicants submit the Declaration of Primary State of Residence with proof; single-state licences can be upgraded later.ABN: exam application, multistate →

If you were educated outside the United States

The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.

2 steps

Use the Board's citizenship checklist and credential requirementsAlabama requires proof of US citizenship or lawful presence with every application; internationally educated applicants also need an education credential evaluation and, where the program was not in English, English proficiency evidence. Confirm the accepted agencies with the Board before ordering.ABN: citizenship checklist for exam applicants (PDF) →
Application, FieldPrint, Pearson VUESame single-state or multistate application, FieldPrint after filing, and Pearson VUE (US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US).ABN: exam application, single state →

Documents to have ready

Online exam application: US$125 single-state or US$225 multistate, plus US$3.50
Official transcript sent by the program (sealed or via eScrip-Safe, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, Credential Solutions)
FieldPrint fingerprint registration using the User Identification Number from your application
Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence per the Board's checklist
Pearson VUE registration (US$200) with matching details
Declaration of Primary State of Residence with documentation (multistate)

Fees

Exam application, single-state licence	US$125 + US$3.50
Exam application, multistate licence	US$225 + US$3.50
FieldPrint fingerprint background checkpaid to FieldPrint; prints taken before applying must be repeated at your cost	varies
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200

How long it takes

Fingerprints only after the application is on file.
Temporary permit: 180 days, issued once, not renewable.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule); the ATT is valid about 90 days.

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Do not visit FieldPrint before you have the User Identification Number; early prints are wasted money.
Decide single-state or multistate before paying: the multistate application is US$100 more and needs proof of Alabama residence.
The 180-day permit is a one-time gift; if you also hold a permit elsewhere the Board will act on it.
Give Pearson VUE exactly the same name and details as your ABN application.

Questions people ask about Alabama

How do I register for the NCLEX in Alabama?

Apply online to the Alabama Board of Nursing (US$125 single-state or US$225 multistate, plus US$3.50), have your program send the transcript, register with FieldPrint using the number your application generates, and register with Pearson VUE (US$200) with matching details. The Board makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does an Alabama RN licence cost?

US$128.50 for a single-state licence or US$228.50 for a multistate licence (application plus transaction fee), the FieldPrint fee and US$200 to Pearson VUE.

Can I work in Alabama before I pass the NCLEX-RN?

Yes. First-time exam candidates receive a one-time, non-renewable temporary permit valid 180 days to practise as a Nursing Graduate (NG-RNP) with stipulations, once all requirements are met.

Is Alabama a compact state?

Yes, since January 1, 2020. Apply with the multistate exam application and the Declaration of Primary State of Residence with documentation if Alabama is your home state.

When do I get fingerprinted for Alabama?

Only after your application is on file, through FieldPrint, using the User Identification Number the application gives you. Prints submitted before the application cannot be used and you pay again.

Can I hold temporary permits in two states at once?

No. The Board says to apply for licensure by examination in only one state and that receiving temporary permits in multiple jurisdictions is not allowed.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on ABN's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:

This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by Alabama Board of Nursing.

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