How to register for the NCLEX in Kansas

To work as an RN in Kansas you license with the Kansas State Board of Nursing through My Portal (US$75), mail a fingerprint card with the waivers and US$57 for the state and national background check, have your transcript sent, and register with Pearson VUE, all about 30 days before graduation. Applications awaiting documents stay active six months. Kansas joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 1, 2019.

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

At a glance

BoardKansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN)

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

Application feeUS$75

Background checkUS$57 with an FD-258 fingerprint card and waivers mailed to KSBN

Timingapplication and Pearson VUE about 30 days before graduation; application active 6 months

CompactYes, since July 1, 2019

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

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

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

7 steps

Apply in My Portal about 30 days before graduation (US$75)Kansas rules require the completed application and fee at least 30 days before the exam date; the Board suggests filing both the Kansas and Pearson VUE applications about 30 days before graduation.KSBN: initial application →
Mail the fingerprint card, waivers and US$57Be fingerprinted anywhere on an FD Form 258 (call ahead to check the agency has cards), complete the waivers and send the card with a cheque or money order for US$57 to KSBN in Topeka. A licence cannot issue until the state and national check is back.KSBN: fingerprints and background check →
Have your official transcript sent to KSBNFollow the Board's transcript page for how your school should send it.KSBN: transcripts →
Register with Pearson VUE (US$200)Complete the NCLEX registration with Pearson VUE; the ATT follows once KSBN makes you eligible.KSBN: NCLEX testing →
Allow 7 to 10 business days before checking statusAn application filed while awaiting documentation of qualifications stays active for six months under K.A.R. 60-3-107(b).
Write the NCLEX-RNPearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts. KSBN's initial application page describes no graduate permit; the licence follows the pass and the background check.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued; multistate if you meet the uniform requirementsKansas has issued multistate licences since July 1, 2019 to residents who meet the 11 uniform licensure requirements.KSBN: compact requirements →

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

Credentials evaluation and English proficiencyNurses educated outside the US submit a credentials evaluation and English proficiency results per KSBN's foreign nurses page.KSBN: foreign-educated nurses →
Application (US$75), fingerprint card (US$57), Pearson VUEThe same My Portal application and mailed FD-258 card. Pearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US.KSBN: initial application →

Documents to have ready

My Portal initial application and US$75
FD-258 fingerprint card, completed waivers and US$57 cheque or money order mailed to KSBN
Official transcript sent to KSBN
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
International graduates: credentials evaluation and English proficiency results

Fees

RN application	US$75
Criminal background checkcheque or money order to Kansas Board of Nursing	US$57
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200

How long it takes

File the application and fee at least 30 days before the exam date (about 30 days before graduation).
Allow 7 to 10 business days before checking status.
Applications awaiting documents stay active 6 months.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule).

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Kansas still uses mailed FD-258 cards; get printed early and post the card with the US$57 the same week you apply.
The six-month application life is short; line up the transcript before you file.
Kansas describes no graduate permit, so plan a start date after licensure.
Missouri residents commuting to Kansas City: apply in your home state for the multistate licence.

Questions people ask about Kansas

How do I register for the NCLEX in Kansas?

Apply in KSBN's My Portal about 30 days before graduation (US$75), mail an FD-258 fingerprint card with the waivers and US$57, have your transcript sent and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). Once KSBN makes you eligible, Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does a Kansas RN licence cost?

US$75 for the application, US$57 for the background check and US$200 to Pearson VUE, plus whatever the fingerprinting agency charges.

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

KSBN's initial application page describes no graduate permit; plan to start after the licence is issued.

Is Kansas a compact state?

Yes, since July 1, 2019. Kansas residents who meet the 11 uniform licensure requirements receive a multistate licence.

How long does a Kansas nursing application stay active?

Six months while awaiting documentation of qualifications, under K.A.R. 60-3-107(b).

Where do I get fingerprinted for Kansas?

Anywhere that can roll prints on an FD Form 258; it does not have to be a law enforcement agency. Mail the card, waivers and US$57 to KSBN in Topeka.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on KSBN'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 Kansas State Board of Nursing.

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