How to register for the NCLEX in Iowa

To work as an RN in Iowa you license with the Iowa Board of Nursing (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) through its online portal. One US$143 payment covers the US$93 application and the US$50 criminal history check, fingerprints are taken digitally at any Fieldprint site in the country, your school sends the transcript showing the degree and date conferred, and Pearson VUE emails the ATT once everything is in. Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

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

At a glance

BoardIowa Board of Nursing (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing)

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

Application feeUS$143 = US$93 application + US$50 criminal history check

FingerprintsFieldprint digital capture at any US site; paper packet on request if abroad

ATTemailed by Pearson VUE once all steps are complete; valid 90 days

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 Iowa program)

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

7 steps

Apply in the Iowa Board of Nursing portal and pay US$143The single fee includes the criminal history background check (US$93 + US$50).Iowa DIAL: apply for a nursing licence by examination →
Register separately with Pearson VUE (US$200)Register at nclex.com or by phone; the Board is notified electronically.NCSBN: NCLEX registration →
Schedule Fieldprint fingerprintingFieldprint collects digital fingerprints at sites in every state and sends them straight to the Board. Outside the US or unable to use Fieldprint, email the Board for a paper packet (two fingerprint cards and a signed waiver) and allow 5 to 7 business days for it to arrive.
Your school sends the official transcriptThe transcript must show the degree awarded and the date conferred, sent electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse or by mail to the Department.
ATT by email when every step is completeOnce the application, fee, Pearson VUE registration, fingerprints and transcript are in, Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test. It is valid 90 days.
Write the NCLEX-RNPearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts. Iowa's exam page describes no graduate permit; the licence follows the pass and a clear background check.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued; multistate if Iowa is your primary state of residenceIowa has issued multistate licences since 2018. Fee waivers exist for some applicants; see the Board's fees page.Iowa DIAL: fees and fee waivers →

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

Credential evaluation and English proficiency per the Board's international instructionsGraduates of programs outside the US submit an education credential evaluation and English proficiency evidence as the Board directs; confirm the accepted agencies on the Board's nursing licensure pages before ordering.Iowa DIAL: nursing licensure →
Application (US$143), paper fingerprint packet if abroad, Pearson VUERequest the paper background-check packet by email if you cannot reach a Fieldprint site. Pearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US.NCSBN: NCLEX registration →

Documents to have ready

Iowa Board of Nursing portal application and US$143
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
Fieldprint digital fingerprints, or two fingerprint cards plus signed waiver from the Board's paper packet
Official transcript showing degree awarded and date conferred, sent by the school
International graduates: credential evaluation and English proficiency evidence

Fees

Licensure by examination incl. criminal history checkUS$93 application + US$50 background check	US$143
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200
Fieldprint capture feepaid to Fieldprint	varies

How long it takes

Paper fingerprint packet: allow 5 to 7 business days to arrive, if needed.
ATT emailed once all steps are complete; valid 90 days.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule).

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Book Fieldprint the day you apply; it is the step most often still missing when the transcript arrives.
One US$143 payment covers the background check; do not pay a separate check elsewhere.
Iowa's page describes no graduate permit, so start dates follow the licence.
Living in Illinois or Minnesota (non-compact) but working in Iowa? You will hold a single-state Iowa licence.

Questions people ask about Iowa

How do I register for the NCLEX in Iowa?

Apply in the Iowa Board of Nursing portal and pay US$143 (application plus background check), register with Pearson VUE (US$200), have Fieldprint take your fingerprints and have your school send the transcript showing the degree and date conferred. Pearson VUE then emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does an Iowa RN licence cost?

US$143 to the Board (which includes the US$50 criminal history check), US$200 to Pearson VUE and Fieldprint's capture fee.

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

The Board's exam application page describes no graduate permit; plan to start after the licence is issued and ask the Board if your employer suggests otherwise.

Is Iowa a compact state?

Yes, since January 19, 2018. If Iowa is your primary state of residence and you meet the uniform requirements, your licence is multistate.

How do Iowa fingerprints work if I live abroad?

Email the Board to request a paper background-check packet (two fingerprint cards and a signed waiver), allowing 5 to 7 business days for delivery; otherwise use any Fieldprint site in the United States.

How long is the Iowa ATT valid?

90 days from issue, like most states; register with Pearson VUE when you expect your file to be complete.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on IBON'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 Iowa Board of Nursing.

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