NCLEX in Mississippi: six attempts, two years and a background check you can test without
Mississippi’s Board of Nursing charges $100 for the RN application, $75 for the criminal background check and $200 to Pearson VUE. Its exam instructions limit you to six NCLEX attempts within two years of graduating, and its new graduate guide says you can sit the NCLEX before your background check is finished.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s licensure by examination page, exam instructions and new graduate guide. Confirm current fees at msbn.ms.gov.
The path for a new graduate
Register in the Board's Gateway portal, complete the licensure by examination application and pay the fee. Do this before sending your transcript.
Official transcripts must be sent after your graduation date and degree conferral, by Parchment or by mail. The Board says it reviews them within seven business days.
Register and pay $200. Pearson VUE does not require your Social Security number, but the Board requires you to submit it.
You must complete the licensure application before registering for the criminal background check. Mississippi programs often schedule it for you.
Pearson VUE emails your ATT after the Board has reviewed your transcript and your registration is complete.
Mississippi-specific rules
- You can test before the check clears. The Board’s guide says you can sit for the NCLEX without having completed your background check, but you will not be licensed until it is done.
- Six attempts, two years. The Board’s instructions limit candidates to six writes of the NCLEX and require it within two years of graduation.
- One year on the application. After a year you must submit a new application and application fee.
Common questions
Can I take the LPN exam after part of an RN program?
The Board says Mississippi law does not allow licensure as an LPN based on partial completion of an RN program.
Can I change my state or exam type later?
The Board’s instructions say that once your NCLEX application has been submitted, changing the state where licensure was requested or the type of exam needs the Board’s involvement, so choose carefully.