How to register for the NCLEX in Tennessee

To work as an RN in Tennessee you license with the Tennessee Board of Nursing (Department of Health). The Board eliminated the exam application fee in 2019, so you pay only the IdentoGO fingerprint check and Pearson VUE. The Board's timeline is simple: fingerprints up to six weeks before graduation, the online application four weeks before, Pearson VUE two weeks before, then the transcript after your degree is conferred. Processing takes four to six weeks. Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact state; a Tennessee driver's licence is required for the multistate licence.

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

At a glance

BoardTennessee Board of Nursing (Department of Health)

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

Application feenone: exam and retake fees eliminated August 5, 2019

FingerprintsIdentoGO (TBI/FBI), OCA code RN 1703, US$35.15

Processing4 to 6 weeks from a complete application

CompactYes, since January 19, 2018; Tennessee driver's licence required for multistate

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

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

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

7 steps

Fingerprints up to six weeks before graduationBook the TBI/FBI fingerprint criminal background check through IdentoGO with OCA code 1703 for RN; the Board's fee page lists US$35.15 for electronic fingerprinting.IdentoGO Tennessee (Board of Nursing workflow) →
Apply online four weeks before graduationSubmit the exam application in the Department of Health's LARS portal. There is no exam application fee. Upload the notarized Declaration of Citizenship (wet signature, all pages) and your current unexpired driver's licence; a Tennessee licence is required for a multistate licence.Tennessee Department of Health: LARS portal →
Register with Pearson VUE two weeks before graduation (US$200)Register and pay at pearsonvue.com/nclex. Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test once the Board makes you eligible.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →
Transcript after the degree is conferredThe official transcript must be issued directly by your school to the Board after your degree has been conferred; ask your school how it sends them.Board: RN/LPN new grad exam application instructions (PDF) →
Testing accommodations or criminal history: upload one PDFAccommodation requests need letters from you, your treating provider (with diagnosis and recommended accommodations) and your program director, all approved before an ATT can be issued. Any arrest or conviction needs a signed letter plus certified court records.
Board review: four to six weeksProcessing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the day the Board receives a complete application; deficiencies are emailed, and the Board asks you not to call for status.
Write the NCLEX-RNPearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts; Tennessee charges no retake application fee. Renewal is US$100 every two years.What to bring on exam day →

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

Follow the same LARS application, fingerprint and Pearson VUE stepsThe Board's exam application instructions apply to graduates; internationally educated applicants should also expect the Board to require a credential evaluation and, where the program was not taught in English, English proficiency evidence. Confirm the current list of accepted agencies with the Board before ordering.Tennessee Board of Nursing →
Pearson VUE and the NCLEX-RNUS$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US. The Authorization to Test follows the Board's eligibility.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →

Documents to have ready

LARS online exam application (no fee)
IdentoGO fingerprint background check, OCA code 1703 (US$35.15)
Notarized Declaration of Citizenship (PH-4183) with a wet signature, all pages uploaded
Current unexpired driver's licence (Tennessee licence for a multistate licence)
Official transcript sent by the school after the degree is conferred
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
Letters and records for testing accommodations or criminal history, as one PDF

Fees

Exam application and exam retakefees eliminated August 5, 2019	US$0
IdentoGO electronic fingerprintingpaid to IdentoGO	US$35.15
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200
Renewal (two years)	US$100
Endorsement from another state	US$115

How long it takes

Fingerprints: up to 6 weeks before graduation.
LARS application: up to 4 weeks before graduation.
Pearson VUE registration: up to 2 weeks before graduation.
Transcript: after the degree is conferred.
Processing: 4 to 6 weeks from a complete application.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule).

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Tennessee is one of the few boards with no application fee; your only costs are IdentoGO and Pearson VUE.
The Declaration of Citizenship must be notarized with a wet signature; digital signatures are rejected.
Want the multistate licence? Get a Tennessee driver's licence before you apply.
Follow the 6-4-2 week schedule and the ATT usually lands right after graduation.

Questions people ask about Tennessee

How do I register for the NCLEX in Tennessee?

Book IdentoGO fingerprints (OCA 1703) up to six weeks before graduation, submit the free exam application in the LARS portal four weeks before with the notarized Declaration of Citizenship and your driver's licence, register with Pearson VUE (US$200) two weeks before, and have your school send the transcript after your degree is conferred. The Board processes complete files in four to six weeks and Pearson VUE emails the ATT.

How much does a Tennessee RN licence cost?

The Board charges no exam application or retake fee (eliminated in 2019). You pay US$35.15 to IdentoGO and US$200 to Pearson VUE; renewal is US$100 every two years.

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

The Board's exam application instructions do not provide a graduate permit for new graduates; plan to start work after your licence is issued. Ask the Board directly if your employer suggests otherwise.

Is Tennessee a compact state?

Yes, since January 19, 2018. A Tennessee driver's licence is required to be eligible for the multistate licence, which goes to applicants whose primary state of residence is Tennessee and who meet the uniform requirements.

How long does the Tennessee Board take to process an exam application?

Four to six weeks from the date the Board receives a completed application. Deficiencies are sent by email.

What is the Declaration of Citizenship?

Form PH-4183, required of every applicant, completed, signed by hand and notarized, with every page and any supporting documents uploaded to the LARS application.

Official links and sources

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

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