NCLEX Testing Dates 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Blog | June 18, 2025 by 1NURSE

Planning your NCLEX in 2025? Here’s your guide to scheduling, peak test seasons, and tips to secure the best date.

1. NCLEX Is Offered Year-Round

The NCLEX (RN and PN) is available 365 days a year at Pearson VUE testing centers in the U.S. and internationally (nclex.com). There are no fixed “test windows” — you can schedule any day, particularly during off-peak months.

However, staffing and demand fluctuations can limit seat availability during peak times, especially April–June and July–August (yournursingspace.com).

2. How to Find and Set Your Testing Date

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Apply and get your ATT (Authorization to Test) through your state or province’s nursing regulatory body (NRB) (nclex.com).
Receive ATT via email from Pearson VUE — valid for ~90 days (lecturio.com).
Log into Pearson VUE’s NCLEX scheduling portal, enter your ATT number, and select an available date/time (lecturio.com).
You can also call Pearson VUE Candidate Services to schedule or reschedule over the phone (nclex.com).

Tip: Aim to test within the first 45 days of your ATT for optimal availability and to meet potential re-test solution windows (lecturio.com).

3. Peak Testing Seasons to Watch Out For

While you can schedule anytime, these are the busiest periods:

Spring (April–June): Coinciding with most school graduations.
Early Summer (July–August): High demand as new graduates test early (yournursingspace.com).

To increase your chances of securing a desired slot, plan ahead and schedule early.

4. Rescheduling & Cancellation Rules

Need to change your appointment?

Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your scheduled time via the website or phone to avoid fees or losing your ATT (nclex.com).
Last-minute requests (within 24 hours) may result in forfeiting your entire exam fee and invalidating your ATT (nclex.com).

5. International Scheduling

International candidates also schedule via Pearson VUE:

You can schedule online or by phone.
International test centers may have extra fees (VAT, additional charges) (nclex.com,nclex.com).
To switch international/domestic test centers, you’ll need to call and may incur non-refundable fees (nclex.com).

6. ATT Validity and Retakes

ATT typically expires 90 days after issuance (although some areas vary, e.g. 75 days in Texas) (lecturio.com).
If you don’t test before it expires, you'll need to re-register and pay again .
Retake waiting period: If you fail, there’s generally a 45-day wait before retesting, which further underscores the importance of testing early within your ATT window .

Key Takeaways

Tip	Why It Matters
Track peak seasons	Scheduling early ensures better test date options
Schedule soon after ATT	Ensures full use of your 90-day window
Observe rescheduling rules	Avoid losing the ATT or paying extra fees
Consider retake timelines	Plan so you can retest before ATT expires

Helpful Resources & Links

Pearson VUE NCLEX Scheduling: Set or modify your exam date (lecturio.com,nclex.com,reddit.com,princetonreview.com)
2025 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin: Registration rules, fees, and policies (nclex.com)
International Test Centers & Fees on Pearson VUE (nclex.com)
NCLEX Peak Periods Guide: Best times to test and avoid high-demand windows
1NCLEX App: Flashcards & question bank to prep whenever you're free
🔗Download or learn more at 1nclex.com

The NCLEX is available year-round, giving you flexibility—but thoughtful planning is key. By understanding when to schedule, how to manage your ATT window, and how to avoid peak-time frustrations, you'll be well on your way to selecting the ideal test date.

Remember: consistent prep—like using the 1NCLEX app—paired with strategic scheduling is your ticket to passing with confidence.

Good luck with your 2025 testing—and here’s to becoming a licensed nurse!