In Connecticut, RN licences come from the Department of Public Health (US$180, online only). Register with Pearson VUE first, then apply; your school sends the transcript, the Department deems you eligible electronically and the ATT arrives by mail or email. A graduate nurse may practise under supervision for up to 90 days after graduation while awaiting results. Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025, and converting a licence to multistate is free.
✓ Checked against CT DPH's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
RegulatorConnecticut Department of Public Health (Board of Examiners for Nursing)
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200); register before applying
Application feeUS$180, online only
Graduate practiceup to 90 calendar days after graduation under supervision; ends on a failed exam
CompactYes, since October 1, 2025; conversion to multistate is free
Resultsmailed by the Department; never released by phone
The steps, in order (graduates of a Connecticut program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
7 steps
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
Documents to have ready
Pearson VUE registration (US$200) made before applying
eLicense online application and US$180
Official transcript sent directly by the nursing school
For graduate nurse practice: the program's graduate list, your transcript or diploma, held by the employer
For a multistate licence: proof of Connecticut residence and the fingerprint/biometric background check
International graduates: CGFNS International Certification Program verification
Fees
Application for licensure by examinationonline only
US$180
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
Conversion to a multistate licencefingerprint vendor fee applies
US$0
How long it takes
Register with Pearson VUE before submitting the Connecticut application.
Graduate nurse practice: up to 90 calendar days after graduation.
Results by mail after routine processing.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule).
Multistate licences available since October 1, 2025.
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Connecticut is Pearson VUE first: register, then file the US$180 application.
The 90-day graduate window counts from graduation, not from the ATT; apply in your last weeks of school.
Results come by post only; do not wait for a phone call or email.
Convert to the multistate licence as soon as you are licensed; it is free and only needs residence proof and fingerprints.
Questions people ask about Connecticut
How do I register for the NCLEX in Connecticut?
Register with Pearson VUE first (US$200), then apply online to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (US$180) and have your school send the official transcript. The Department deems you eligible electronically and the Authorization to Test letter arrives by mail or email.
How much does a Connecticut RN licence cost?
US$180 to the Department and US$200 to Pearson VUE. Converting to a multistate licence is free apart from the fingerprint vendor's charge.
Can I work in Connecticut before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
Yes, as a graduate nurse for up to 90 calendar days after graduation, in a hospital or organization providing adequate supervision, under General Statutes § 20-101. The privilege ends automatically when you are notified of a failed exam.
Is Connecticut a compact state?
Yes. Connecticut implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025. Eligible RNs apply under 'Nurse Compact' in eLicense at no fee, with proof of Connecticut residence and a fingerprint or biometric background check.
How do I get my NCLEX results in Connecticut?
The Department mails official results after routine processing and does not release them by telephone.
What does a foreign-trained nurse need for Connecticut?
Completion of the CGFNS (TruMerit) International Certification Program before being deemed eligible for the examination, then the same Pearson VUE registration, US$180 application and transcript.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on CT DPH'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 Connecticut Department of Public Health, Board of Examiners for Nursing.
While your application is processed, start studying
10 free NCLEX questions in your account, a case study, a video and a cheat sheet. Then 3,200+ questions, the video course and unlimited adaptive readiness exams on one payment.