NCLEX in Massachusetts: two applications, a $230 fee and a one-year clock
Massachusetts uses a contractor, Professional Credential Services (PCS), to process nursing applications. You make two applications, one to PCS for the license at $230 and one to Pearson VUE for the exam at $200, and the Board’s FAQ gives you one year to pass the NCLEX before you must start over.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the Board’s licensure by first-time examination FAQ and school guidance that follows the process. Confirm fees and forms on mass.gov before you pay.
The path for a new graduate
The Board's FAQ says you can submit before your graduation date. Complete the application and pay the fee. Your name must match exactly across the license application, your NCLEX registration and your ID.
Register and pay $200 through the NCSBN portal. Pearson VUE needs an email address to register you.
Your nursing program sends a certificate of graduation to PCS.
Massachusetts requires a criminal background check, and a guide says a notarized CORI acknowledgement form is required of all applicants.
After PCS reviews your file it goes to the Board for review. Once approved, Pearson VUE emails your ATT.
Deadlines and retakes
- One year. If your application is not complete, including a pass on the NCLEX, within one year of PCS receiving it, you must submit a new initial application to retake the exam.
- A retake within that year needs a re-examination application, reported at $80, plus a new $200 Pearson VUE payment.
- An expired ATT means re-registering and paying the applicable fees again.
Common questions
Is Massachusetts a compact state?
Guides report that Massachusetts is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so a Massachusetts license is valid for practice there. Confirm with the Board.
What about internationally educated applicants?
The Board’s FAQ says it accepts the CES Professional Report for internationally educated applicants and has a policy on accepted tests of English proficiency.