The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) is designed to assure safe nursing practice at the entry level. NCLEX-RN® examination results are an important component used by boards of nursing to make decisions about licensure. To take the NCLEX-RN® Examination, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Apply for licensure in the state or territory in which licensure is desired.
- Meet all of the board of nursing’s eligibility requirements to take the NCLEX-RN® examination.
- Register for the examination.
In Wisconsin, students may test prior to graduation if approved by the school of nursing. Bellin College has defined criteria that must be met to satisfy an early test request. Details on the early testing plan are available from the NCLEX Coordinator. Please note successful completion of the NCLEX test does not assure licensure. NCLEX is one step in the licensure process. Students who successfully test early must still complete all required course requirements as graduation from an approved school of nursing is one of the required components for licensure.
Final eligibility determination is made by the Board of Nursing upon its receipt of a completed application and all supporting documents. In the State of Wisconsin, an applicant is eligible for the examination for registered nurses if he or she has:
- Graduated from a board-approved school of professional nursing.
- Graduated from high school or equivalent.
- No arrest or conviction record, subject to the Fair Employment Act.
The Registered Nurse Licensure by Examination Application includes the following questions:
- “Have you ever had a finding of abuse or misappropriation placed against you on the Wisconsin Nurse Aid Registry of the Department of Health and Social Services or any other state’s registry?”
- “Have you ever surrendered, resigned, canceled, or been denied a professional license or other license in Wisconsin or any other jurisdiction?
- “Has any licensing agency ever taken any disciplinary action against you, including but not limited to, any reprimand, suspension, probation, limitation, revocation?”
- “Is disciplinary action pending against you in any jurisdiction?”
- “Do you have any felony or misdemeanor charges pending against you?”
- “Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony?”
- “Are you incarcerated, on probation or on parole for any conviction?”
- “Have any suits or claims ever been filed against you as a result of professional services?
Convictions and Pending Charges
Applicants for the licensure exam must also report any convictions and pending charges. This includes all felonies, misdemeanors, and other violations of state or federal law of which you have ever been convicted, in this state or any other, whether the conviction resulted from a plea or no contest or a guilty plea or verdict. Applicants need to report the date and location of each conviction. All convictions that involved alcohol or other drug use, including convictions for operation while intoxicated, must be disclosed. This does not include municipal ordinance violation or other traffic offenses.
Any student currently enrolled in Bellin College who feels he or she may have concerns with any of the above questions should contact the Associate Dean of Nursing, BSN Program Director or NCLEX Coordinator.
Support and Resources
Bellin College is committed to the success of our graduates. Our NCLEX Coordinator works with students in developing personalized preparation plans to support a successful licensure process. Assistance is provided to students prior to and after graduation as graduates navigate the application, registration, and testing process in the State of Wisconsin and other jurisdictions.