NCLEX in California: how to apply through the BRN
In California, registered nurses are licensed by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), and practical nurses by a separate board. You apply to the BRN for licensure by examination, complete a fingerprint background check, and register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE once the board authorizes you to test.
Last checked October 2026. Fees below are as reported by third-party sites in 2026, and some sources disagree. Confirm every amount on the BRN’s website before you pay.
Which board
| Registered nurse (RN) | Vocational nurse (LVN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Board | Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), rn.ca.gov | Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), bvnpt.ca.gov |
| Exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN |
| Exam registration | Pearson VUE, after BRN authorization | Pearson VUE, after BVNPT authorization |
The path for a new graduate
Apply for RN licensure by examination through the BRN's online BreEZe system, with your fee and supporting documents.
California residents use Live Scan at an approved site. Out-of-state applicants submit fingerprint cards instead. The BRN cannot finish your license until background results are processed.
Create an account with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
The BRN determines your eligibility. You need your Authorization to Test before you can book.
What it costs, as reported
| Item | Reported amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN exam fee | $200 | Pearson VUE |
| RN application, California graduate | $300 | BRN |
| RN application, out-of-state graduate | $350 | BRN |
| Interim permit | $100 extra | BRN |
| Fingerprints, hard card | $49 | BRN |
| Fingerprints, Live Scan | Set by the Live Scan site | Live Scan operator |
Third-party figures, 2026. Older sources quote lower application fees, so confirm on rn.ca.gov.
Internationally educated applicants are reported to pay a higher application fee, and the board reviews their credentials separately.
The interim permit
Applicants who have finished their education may request an interim permit that lets them practice while waiting for the license, reported as valid for six months or until the first NCLEX-RN results arrive, whichever comes first. The board must process your fingerprint results before it issues one.
Common questions
How long does the BRN take?
The board has been reported to have longer processing times than many states, and the fingerprint background check is often the main source of delay. Apply early and use Live Scan if you are in California.
Is the process different if I already have an RN license elsewhere?
Yes, if you hold or are applying for licensure in another way, such as endorsement. This page covers licensure by examination for new graduates.