How to register for the NCLEX in Montana

To work as an RN in Montana you license with the Montana Board of Nursing (Department of Labor & Industry) through the state's online licensing portal: US$100 application, US$25 more for a temporary permit, and a US$30 fingerprint-based background check through the Montana Department of Justice. Your school sends the transcript showing the degree and date conferred, you register with Pearson VUE, and the Board communicates by email only. Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

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

At a glance

BoardMontana Board of Nursing (Department of Labor & Industry, Professional Licensing Bureau)

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

Application feeUS$100; temporary permit + US$25

FingerprintsMontana Department of Justice fingerprint-based check, US$30

Where to applyMontana professional licensing portal (ebiz.mt.gov/pol)

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 Montana program)

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

7 steps

Apply online for the RN licence by examination (US$100)Submit the application in the Montana professional licensing portal and pay by card or e-cheque; add US$25 if you are requesting a temporary permit. Include a valid email address: email is the Department's primary form of communication.Montana BON: RN by examination checklist, updated 3-3-25 (PDF) →
Your school sends the official transcriptDirectly from the education institution, showing the degree and date conferred, for a program approved to prepare registered nurses (ARM 24.159.422).
Fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice (US$30)A fingerprint-based background check is required under 37-8-434, MCA; follow the Board's fingerprint instructions and pay the US$30 DOJ fee. The Non-Criminal Notice of Applicant's Rights form is completed automatically in the online application.Montana BON: fingerprint background check instructions (PDF) →
Register with Pearson VUE (US$200)Registration with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN is a checklist item; the ATT follows once the Board makes you eligible.NCSBN: NCLEX →
Optional: temporary permit (+US$25)Request it in the application for an extra US$25; the exam application form sets out the conditions. Confirm the permit's duration with the Board before setting a start date.Montana BON: nursing exam application (PDF) →
Write the NCLEX-RNPearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued; multistate for Montana residentsMontana has issued multistate licences since 2018 to residents who meet the uniform requirements; see the Board's compact rules and notices.Montana BON: licence information →

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 review from TruMerit CES, JSA or IEEInternationally educated applicants have a credential review report (TruMerit/CGFNS CES, Josef Silny & Associates nursing evaluation or IEE nursing evaluation) sent from the source.Montana BON: RN by examination checklist (PDF) →
Application (US$100), DOJ fingerprints (US$30), Pearson VUEPearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US.NCSBN: NCLEX →

Documents to have ready

Online RN application and US$100 (plus US$25 for a temporary permit)
Official transcript with degree and date conferred, sent by the institution
Montana DOJ fingerprint-based background check report (US$30)
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
International graduates: TruMerit CES, JSA or IEE credential review report

Fees

RN application by examinationcard or e-cheque	US$100
Temporary permitadded to the application	US$25
Montana DOJ fingerprint background check	US$30
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200

How long it takes

Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule); the ATT is valid about 90 days.
The Board communicates by email only; watch the address you gave.

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Add the US$25 temporary permit to the original application rather than filing later.
Only the Montana DOJ check counts; prints done for an employer are not reused.
Transcripts must come from the school, not from you.
Montana is compact: Idaho and Wyoming neighbours should apply where they actually live.

Questions people ask about Montana

How do I register for the NCLEX in Montana?

Apply online to the Montana Board of Nursing (US$100), have your school send the transcript, complete the US$30 Montana DOJ fingerprint background check and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). The Board makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does a Montana RN licence cost?

US$100 to the Board, US$30 for the DOJ fingerprint check, US$200 to Pearson VUE and US$25 if you want a temporary permit.

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

A temporary permit can be requested with the exam application for US$25; confirm the conditions and duration with the Board.

Is Montana a compact state?

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

What does an internationally educated nurse need for Montana?

A credential review report from TruMerit (CES), Josef Silny & Associates or IEE sent from the source, plus the standard application, fingerprints and NCLEX-RN.

How does Montana contact applicants?

By email only; the Department asks for a valid email address with the application and sends every request for missing items there.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on Montana 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 Montana Board of Nursing.

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