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NCLEX in Hawaii: the Board approves you first, then you register with Pearson VUE

Hawaii’s Board of Nursing sits within the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Guides say you submit your application a month or two before graduating, complete fingerprinting, and receive instructions for registering with Pearson VUE only after the Board has approved you.

Last checked October 2026. Based on third-party summaries of the Hawaii Board’s process; we could not reach the Board’s own fee schedule. Reported application fees differ, from $40 to $60, so confirm the amount with the Division before you pay.

Application fee, reported
~$40-$60
Sources differ, $40 to $60
NCLEX exam fee
$200
Paid to Pearson VUE
Attempts, reported
3
Three chances to pass the NCLEX
Compact state
No
Reported not to be a member

The path for a new graduate

1
Apply to the Hawaii Board of Nursing

Guides recommend applying about a month or two before you graduate. The application needs documentation verifying educational completion and the fee.

2
Complete fingerprinting

All initial applicants must complete electronic fingerprinting for a criminal history background check. Check the Board's instructions for the deadline to complete it after you submit.

3
Register with Pearson VUE after approval

After the Board approves your application, you receive instructions for registering for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE. Pay $200.

4
Receive your ATT and test

Once registered and eligible, you receive your ATT. The NCLEX-RN is computer-adaptive and available year-round.

Things to know

  • Three attempts. Reports say Hawaii allows three chances to pass the NCLEX, so confirm the rule with the Division before you plan retakes.
  • Not a compact state. Reports say Hawaii is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a Hawaii license is for practice in Hawaii.
  • Delays. Guides list incorrect fingerprint submissions and delayed license verification among common causes.

Common questions

Is there a temporary permit for new graduates?

A summary says Hawaii offers temporary permits to qualified applicants by endorsement, not by examination. Check the Division’s page for the current rules.

Are there exemptions from the NCLEX?

A guide says Canadian nurses who passed the State Board Test Pool Examination may be exempt from the NCLEX requirement. Check with the Division.

NCLEX registration steps
All state boards
Official source & community discussion
Hawaii Board of Nursing (official) → See related questions on Quora →