Resources for Students & New Graduates

Are you a recent graduate, or soon-to-be graduate, of a nursing program? This page contains important information to know about the licensing process.

Application Process and Timelines

Create your account here: OSBN Nurse Portal
You can find detailed information about how to apply for a license on YouTube: ORBS Application Process via NCLEX Exam
If you attended a nursing program outside Oregon, you will need to provide your transcripts to OSBN as proof of education. You may also wish to review this Sentinel article about “Will OSBN Accept My Nursing Education?"

Please note:

License applications and fingerprints expire after 12 months.
Complete fingerprints only after you have applied for your initial license. You will need to complete fingerprints again even if you are a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Fingerprint appointments should be scheduled through Fieldprint Inc. See this page for more information: Oregon State Board of Nursing : Fingerprint Requirements.

Registering for the NCLEX

The company PearsonVue administers the NCLEX. Below are helpful links to guide you through registration and preparation.

Please review PearsonVue testing policies before you register and test!

Once you have applied for a license, and OSBN confirms that you have graduated, you will receive an “Authorization to Test" email from PearsonVue. This email will provide information about scheduling the exam.

In Oregon, you are allowed four attempts on the NCLEX. Register only when you are ready! The Authorization to Test will allow you to schedule the NCLEX within 90-days of receipt.

Results

You will typically receive results in 2-5 business days.

If you pass, your license will be issued! You will receive notice in the OSBN Portal Message Center, and be able to look up your license: License Lookup
If you do not pass, you will receive a “Candidate Performance Report" in the Message Center. This report will summarize your performance in each NCLEX domain.

Retakes and Remediation

If you do not successfully pass the NCLEX on the first attempt, you may submit a Retake Application and re-register for NCLEX with PearsonVue. Once verified, PearsonVue will issue a new Authorization to test.

If you have not passed the NCLEX after four attempts, OSBN allows evidence of remediation to authorize more exam attempts. Remediation must be completed since your most recent NCLEX attempt. Acceptable ways to remediate include:

Completion of an NCLEX Prep or Review Course. Upload your certificate of completion with the next re-take application.
Completion of an Individualized Plan of Study. Upload your plan with your next retake application. See this form for more information: NCLEX Individualized Plan of Study.

Questions

If you have any questions, please send us a message in your Nurse Portal Message Center.

Fee Information:

(Current as of November 2026)

Initial RN/LPN Exam Application	$269
Fingerprint / Background Check	$73.50
NCLEX (Register with PearsonVue)	$200
If needed: Re-take Application	$25
If needed: NCLEX Retake	$200

Please Note: NCLEX fees will be increasing February 1, 2027. Registrations on or after that date will be $350 per attempt.