How to register for the NCLEX in Idaho

To work as an RN in Idaho you license with the Idaho Board of Nursing through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses' online services. The US$102 examination application includes the US$32 fingerprint processing fee; prints go in by mail or LiveScan and stay valid six months. Graduates of Board-approved Idaho programs with a conferred degree apply to take the NCLEX, results come within about five business days, and a US$25 temporary licence exists at the Board's discretion. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

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

At a glance

BoardIdaho Board of Nursing, Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)

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

Application feeUS$102, including the US$32 fingerprint processing fee

Fingerprintsby mail or LiveScan; results valid up to 6 months

Temporary licenceUS$25, issued at the Board's discretion pending results

CompactYes, since January 19, 2018

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

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

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

7 steps

Apply for licence by examination in DOPL Online Services (US$102)The fee includes the US$32 fingerprint processing fee. Graduates who have completed every requirement and been conferred a degree from a Board-approved Idaho program are eligible to apply to take the licensing examination.Idaho DOPL: Board of Nursing →
Submit fingerprints by mail or LiveScanFingerprint results are valid for up to six months, so time them with the application.
Your program confirms graduationIdaho programs confirm completion to the Board; graduates of programs elsewhere have transcripts sent per the Board's licensure policy.Idaho BON: licensure policy (PDF) →
Register with Pearson VUE (US$200)The Authorization to Test follows once the Board makes you eligible.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →
Optional: temporary licence (US$25)On final evaluation of a completed application the Board may issue a temporary licence pending the examination result; the licensure policy describes it for graduates of programs outside a nursing jurisdiction, so ask the Board whether your application qualifies.
Write the NCLEX-RN; results in about five business daysCandidates receive results within about five business days and must wait 45 days before retesting after a fail.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued; compact licence for Idaho residentsIdaho residents who meet the uniform requirements receive a multistate licence; the Board links to NCSBN's compact information.NCSBN: Nurse Licensure Compact →

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

Same US$102 application, plus credential evaluation and English evidenceInternational applicants pay the same examination fee; the Board's licensure policy sets the credential evaluation and English proficiency requirements and allows a temporary licence pending results for graduates of programs outside a nursing jurisdiction.Idaho BON: licensure policy (PDF) →
Fingerprints, Pearson VUEPearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →

Documents to have ready

DOPL Online Services licence-by-examination application and US$102
Fingerprints by mail or LiveScan (valid 6 months)
Program completion confirmation or transcript
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
International graduates: credential evaluation and English proficiency evidence per the licensure policy

Fees

Licence by examination (incl. US$32 fingerprint processing)same for international applicants	US$102
Temporary licenceat the Board's discretion	US$25
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200

How long it takes

Fingerprint results valid up to 6 months.
Results within about 5 business days.
Retake after 45 days.

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Idaho folds the fingerprint fee into the US$102; do not pay a vendor separately unless told to.
Do not get printed too early: results expire after six months.
Idaho cut its licensing fees recently; the DOPL fee list is the current figure.
Ask the Board about the US$25 temporary licence before accepting a start date.

Questions people ask about Idaho

How do I register for the NCLEX in Idaho?

Apply for licence by examination in Idaho DOPL Online Services (US$102 including fingerprint processing), submit fingerprints by mail or LiveScan, have your program confirm graduation and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). The Board makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does an Idaho RN licence cost?

US$102 to DOPL (which includes the US$32 fingerprint processing fee), US$200 to Pearson VUE and US$25 if the Board issues a temporary licence.

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

The Board may issue a US$25 temporary licence pending the examination result on final evaluation of a complete application; its licensure policy describes this for graduates of programs outside a nursing jurisdiction, so confirm your eligibility with the Board.

Is Idaho a compact state?

Yes, since January 19, 2018. Idaho residents who meet the uniform requirements receive a multistate licence.

How fast are NCLEX results in Idaho?

Within about five business days; a failed candidate waits 45 days before retesting.

How long are Idaho fingerprint results valid?

Up to six months, so submit prints close to the time your application will be complete.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on Idaho BON'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 Idaho Board of Nursing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses).

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