How to Register for the NCLEX in Virginia (VBON): Steps, Fees, Documents

To work as an RN in Virginia you license with the Virginia Board of Nursing (Department of Health Professions). The exam application is online only (US$190), fingerprints go through Fieldprint using the code on your confirmation receipt, and Virginia programs send an Attestation of graduation instead of a transcript. Register with Pearson VUE immediately after applying, or the ATT is delayed. Virginia's ATT/eligibility letter lets a new graduate practise for up to 90 days from graduation. Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

At a glance

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

7 steps

Apply online and pay US$190Applications for RN licensure by examination are accepted online only. Your file is not reviewed until the fee is paid, and fees are non-refundable. RN applicants must have completed at least 500 direct client care hours across the lifespan.VBON: Registered Nurse, apply for licence →
Register with Pearson VUE immediately after applying (US$200)The Board says to register with Pearson VUE right after submitting the application or your Authorization to Test may be delayed.Pearson VUE: NCLEX →
Book your Fieldprint fingerprints with the VBON Fieldprint CodeThe fingerprint-based criminal background check is required by Virginia Code § 54.1-3005.1 and done exclusively through Fieldprint Virginia; the code is on your application confirmation receipt and at the top of your checklist. You cannot register for fingerprinting before you apply.VBON: exam application checklist instructions (PDF) →
Your program sends the Attestation or your final transcriptVirginia programs send an Attestation of graduation directly to the Board instead of transcripts (do not order one if your program attests). Graduates of other states' programs have the final official transcript sent, with the direct client care clinical hours broken down per course on school letterhead, to transcriptbyexam@dhp.virginia.gov.
Eligibility and the 90-day practice letterWhen you meet the regulation's minimum requirements the Board declares you eligible and you receive the ATT/eligibility letter; it allows you to practise for up to 90 days from your graduation date while you take the NCLEX. Pearson VUE emails the ATT.VBON: FAQ →
Write the NCLEX-RNPearson VUE requires 45 days between attempts. A retake needs the US$50 repeat exam application and a new Pearson VUE registration.What to bring on exam day →
Licence issued; multistate if Virginia is your primary state of residenceApplications take up to 30 to 45 working days to review. If you meet the uniform licensure requirements and live in Virginia, your licence carries multistate privileges; otherwise it is single-state. Renewal is US$140 every two years.VBON: fees →

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.

4 steps

Submit a credential evaluation from a Board-approved agencyExam applicants educated outside the US (not US territories) must submit a credential evaluation from a Board-approved agency; see the Board's International Applicant Resources.VBON: applicant resources →
English proficiency if your program was not taught in EnglishAn English proficiency score report from an approved test centre is required when the language of instruction and textbooks was not English.
Apply online (US$190), Fieldprint (US$38.95 outside Virginia), Pearson VUEThe same online application and Fieldprint code process. Pearson VUE: US$200, plus US$150 to test outside the US.VBON: exam application checklist instructions (PDF) →
No Social Security number yet? A 90-day single-state temporary licenceIf you meet every other requirement but have no SSN, the Board can issue a single-state temporary licence for 90 days; it converts to a permanent licence once you provide the SSN and the background check is complete.

Documents to have ready

Fees

How long it takes

Mistakes that cost people time or money

Ask your Virginia program whether it sends Attestations; ordering a transcript as well only adds paper.
Fieldprint cannot be booked before you apply; do it the same day you get the confirmation receipt.
The 90-day practice window runs from graduation, not from the letter; apply early so you do not waste it.
Out-of-state graduates: your transcript must show clinical hours per course, or the Board will ask the school for them.

Questions people ask about Virginia

How do I register for the NCLEX in Virginia?

Apply online to the Virginia Board of Nursing (US$190), register with Pearson VUE immediately (US$200), book Fieldprint fingerprints with the code on your confirmation receipt, and have your program send the Attestation of graduation or final transcript. When the Board declares you eligible, Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.

How much does a Virginia RN licence cost?

US$190 to the Board, US$200 to Pearson VUE and US$35.95 (US$38.95 outside Virginia) to Fieldprint. A repeat exam application is US$50 and renewal US$140 every two years.

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

Yes, briefly: the Board's ATT/eligibility letter allows an exam applicant who meets the regulation's minimum requirements to practise for up to 90 days from the date of graduation while taking the NCLEX.

Is Virginia a compact state?

Yes, since January 19, 2018. If Virginia is your primary state of residence and you meet the uniform licensure requirements under Virginia Code § 54.1-3040.3, your licence has multistate privileges; otherwise you receive a single-state licence.

How long does the Virginia Board take?

Applications are processed in the order received and may take up to 30 to 45 working days to review.

What does an internationally educated nurse need for Virginia?

A credential evaluation from a Board-approved agency, an English proficiency score if the program was not taught in English, the US$190 online application, Fieldprint fingerprints and the NCLEX-RN. Without a Social Security number, a 90-day single-state temporary licence is possible.

Official links and sources

Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on VBON'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 Virginia Board of Nursing.

Application for licensure by examinationonline only; non-refundable	US$190
Repeat exam application	US$50
Fieldprint fingerprintingpaid to Fieldprint	US$35.95 in Virginia / US$38.95 outside
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.	US$200
Biennial renewalplus US$50 if late	US$140

How to register for the NCLEX in Virginia