The complete 2026 new-grad roadmap: Texas Board of Nursing application, NCLEX-RN registration, fees, and timelines — all in one place.
Fees and processing times are approximate as of mid-2026 and change periodically — always confirm current requirements with the Texas Board of Nursing before applying.
Submit your application for licensure by examination, pay the application fee ($100 + fingerprinting; jurisprudence exam required approx.), and arrange for your nursing program to send your official transcripts. Complete fingerprinting and the criminal background check through the board's approved vendor.
Create an account at pearsonvue.com/nclex and pay the $200 registration fee. Use the same name that appears on your board application and your ID — mismatches delay testing.
Once the board confirms your eligibility, Pearson VUE emails your ATT. It is valid for a limited window (typically 90 days), so schedule your exam as soon as it arrives.
Book your seat at a Pearson VUE testing center (or the earliest date that gives you enough prep time). The Next Generation NCLEX runs 85–150 items, up to 5 hours. Ready to prep? Our free NCLEX Prep Course covers every content area.
Official results come from the board, typically within a few business days (many states offer quick results in 48 hours via Pearson VUE). Once you pass, the Texas Board of Nursing issues your RN license — verify it on the board's license lookup, then it's time to sign that first offer.
Texas is a full member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Texas is your primary state of residence, you can apply for a multistate license — one license that lets you practice in all 40+ compact states without additional applications.
Current compact membership is maintained by NCSBN — check nursecompact.com for the latest map before making relocation decisions.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Texas Board of Nursing application | $100 + fingerprinting; jurisprudence exam required |
| NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE) | $200 |
| Fingerprinting & background check | $50–$150 (vendor-dependent) |
| Transcript fees (school-dependent) | $10–$30 |
Nationally, most new grads spend $400–$900 total on licensure. All NCLEX fees are non-refundable.
Our free NCLEX Prep Course covers all eight client needs categories with practice questions and rationales — built for new grads by The RN Network.
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