Countries > United States > Nurses
North America — Nursing
The United States is one of the largest employers of internationally trained nurses in the world. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) oversees two licensing exams: the NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses and the NCLEX-PN for Practical/Vocational Nurses. Both are computer-adaptive tests delivered by Pearson VUE, assessing clinical judgement through the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format. Passing your NCLEX, together with credential evaluation and state-specific requirements, opens the door to nursing practice across all 50 states.
NCLEX-RN
Registered Nurse
NCLEX-PN
Practical Nurse
NCSBN
Exam Body
Pearson VUE
CAT Worldwide
Select your pathway below.
Licensing Exam
The licensing exam for Registered Nurses. The primary route for internationally trained nurses seeking U.S. practice.
Go to NCLEX-RN →Licensing Exam
The licensing exam for Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN). A smaller but distinct pathway for internationally trained practical nurses.
Go to NCLEX-PN →Related
Physician pathways including USMLE, the Match, and ABMS board certification.
Go to Doctors →