Can you really take NCLEX online? When will the online NCLEX version be released and available for graduates to take?
A huge change is coming to the NCLEX that may affect the way you take the exam.
The NCLEX is an exam that people take in order to work as a licensed nurse, specifically in the United States and other countries such as Canada.
The NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) oversees the administration of the test and actually creates the NCLEX. They have recently announced a major change to how you will be able to take it soon.
NCLEX Online Option
You will have the option of taking the NCLEX online right from the comfort of your own home instead of having to drive to a testing center (which is how I had to take the exam, mind you).
When Will NCLEX Online Be Available?
There has been a lot of talk that this will be available as early as 2026. However, the NCSBN has not officially announced a launch date yet. There is a lot to consider with regards to security, so they probably won’t launch it until they are certain they can keep it secure.
Who Can Take the NCLEX Online?
The good news is that practically everyone take this new online option if they choose. This includes:
- Practical nurses (NCLEX-PN)
- Registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- Internationally educated candidates
Will NCLEX Online Be Different Than In-Person Testing?
No. The online NCLEX will be the same exact exam as the in-person version. It will have the same number of questions, the same time limits, and it will use the same computerized adaptive testing (CAT) model.
Can You Retake the NCLEX Exam Online if You Fail?
If you fail the exam (online or in-person), you will be able to retake it in whichever format you choose. For example, if you took it online the first time but it didn’t work out, you can choose to retake it in person or online again.
How the Online NCLEX Will Work
To take the NCLEX online, you will need:
- A computer with a reliable internet connection and a working webcam
- A smartphone with the 360 app installed (free)
- A quiet, private space to test
Why the smartphone and webcam? You will have a proctor online in real time. They will use these tools to get a 360-degree view of your testing area and make sure it is free from anything that could be used for cheating.
Exam Security
The NCSBN has implemented several measures to maintain exam integrity, including:
- Special proctoring software
- Keeping your webcam and smartphone with the 360 app on for the entire test
- Advanced AI monitoring to detect suspicious behavior in real time
Reactions and Benefit
The reaction to the planned online NCLEX format has been mixed: some people are excited and relieved, while others think it is a terrible idea.
However, this trend of going online is not surprising. Other standardized tests, such as the GRE and GMAT, already allow candidates to test online, as does the TEAS exam.
And let’s be honest, most schools are online, and even medicine itself (with Telehealth visits) is going online. With advances in AI monitoring and technology, it makes sense that the NCSBN is offering this testing option.
Benefits of Online Testing
- Easier accessibility: Candidates who live far from a testing center won’t have to drive long distances.
- More flexibility: Testing centers have limited slots, which can lead to long wait times. Online testing allows you to schedule sooner.
- Less stress: Being able to test in your own space can make the experience less intimidating.
The Biggest Concern About Online NCLEX Appears to Be Exam Integrity and Cheating
There’s no question that the NCSBN will work to make sure this is buttoned down as much as possible. By utilizing online proctoring, time constraints, and AI monitoring, it will eliminate a lot of the security concerns.
In addition, any attempts of cheating will be met with severe consequences. While some exam candidates might try to cheat, the technology that the NCLEX is going to implement is going to make it extremely difficult and risky to do so.
Furthermore, cheating is still attempted during in-person tests too, so it isn’t like the in-person tests are completely immune from those attempts either.
Conclusion: NCLEX Online May Be Coming Soon…
Although the exact timing of the NCLEX online version has not been released, the NCSBN appears to be working on its release and is planning to offer this new option out in the future.
If you have test anxiety, live far away from testing centers, or prefer to take it in the comfort of your own home, this may be the preferred option for you.
Alternatively, if you’d feel more comfortable with an in-person test or don’t want to deal with the hassle of meeting their online test-taking criteria, then in-person testing may be the best route for you.