Frequently asked questions
Answers about becoming a U.S. nurse and about Florence Academy. Exam and visa facts link to their public source, read on Nov. 3, 2026.
- How does a nurse educated abroad become a U.S. registered nurse?
- You choose a state board of nursing, have your credentials reviewed if the board asks, register for the NCLEX-RN, pass it and receive the license from the board. The visa is a separate process. The steps page explains each one with sources. Source: NCSBN, U.S. members (the state boards of nursing) Read more
- Can I take the NCLEX-RN in my own country?
- Possibly. NCSBN says the exam is given at Pearson test centers around the world and lists international locations that include India, Kenya and the Philippines. NCSBN also lists an additional international scheduling fee of USD 150. Your board still decides whether you are eligible. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX testing locations
- Who decides whether I can take the NCLEX?
- Your nursing regulatory body. NCSBN says each board has its own eligibility requirements and that it does not keep a list of them. Contact the board where you want to be licensed. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX frequently asked questions
- What is an Authorization to Test?
- An email you receive after your board declares you eligible and you register with Pearson. You need it to book the exam. NCSBN says the average ATT is valid for about 90 days. Your board sets the validity period, so read the dates on your ATT. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: registration process
- How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN?
- It varies. The exam is adaptive, so the computer decides when to stop. NCSBN says the number of items alone does not show whether you passed or failed. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX frequently asked questions
- What happens if I do not pass?
- NCSBN allows a retake 45 days after the exam, up to eight times a year, and some boards set stricter limits. You receive a Candidate Performance Report. You contact your board, register with Pearson again, pay the fee and wait for a new ATT. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: exam results and retake policy
- How soon do I get my result?
- Your board sends the official result, usually within six weeks. Where the board takes part, the paid Quick Results Service gives an unofficial result two business days after the exam. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: exam results and retake policy
- What is the Next Generation NCLEX?
- The version of the NCLEX that launched on April 1, 2023. It adds item types that measure clinical judgment, such as unfolding cases. Source: NCSBN, Next Generation NCLEX
- Is a visa the same as a license?
- No. The board issues the license. A visa comes from the U.S. government and runs on its own steps. For F-1 student visa basics, read the USCIS page. For an occupational visa, a registered nurse completes VisaScreen first. Source: USCIS, students and employment Read more
- What does Florence Academy include?
- Live classes with Florence Professors, a question bank with a rationale for every answer, Next Generation NCLEX question types, class replays, a daily study plan, spaced recall, a readiness study estimate and support by email. You can try 10 sample questions without an account. Read more
- How much does Florence Academy cost?
- See current price on the packages page. You pay once, and there is no monthly fee. See current price
- Does Florence promise an exam result, a visa or a job?
- Florence Academy does not promise an exam result, a license, a visa or a job. A study estimate is a study estimate, not a prediction of your NCLEX result.
- Does Florence work with nursing schools and universities?
- Yes. U.S. nursing schools and universities worldwide can buy Florence Academy for their learners. It is priced per learner and quoted with a demo. Read more