NCLEX in Nebraska: a $123 fee, a low-income waiver and fingerprints with the State Patrol
In Nebraska the Department of Health and Human Services licenses nurses. Its own planning document names the most common cause of delay: failing to register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee. It also says an applicant who has completed the license application, fingerprinting and registration can often be made eligible within one to three days.
Last checked October 2026. Based on Nebraska DHHS’s examination application instructions and its new graduate licensing plan. Confirm current fees and the fee waiver on dhhs.ne.gov.
The path for a new graduate
Send the license application with documentation of age, citizenship or lawful presence, a photograph and the fee to the DHHS Licensure Unit. A guide says you can submit up to 90 days before your expected graduation.
Submit fingerprints and the processing fee to the Nebraska State Patrol. A guide notes the check is not processed until DHHS has received your license application.
Register and pay $200. DHHS says failing to do so is the most common reason for delays in becoming eligible.
After you complete your application, DHHS makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails your ATT. A guide says you have a 90-day window to schedule.
Things to know
- Fee waiver. The application fee is waived if you meet one of the waiver options, which DHHS ties to low-income guidelines. You still pay for the criminal background check.
- Test anywhere. You can take the NCLEX at any approved Pearson VUE center, including out of state if earlier dates are available.
- Compact. DHHS states that Nebraska belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Common questions
What if I fail?
A guide says retaking requires reapplying for the license and re-registering with Pearson VUE, with the appropriate fees. Check DHHS’s current instructions.
What about internationally educated applicants?
A guide says internationally educated RN candidates must first pass a qualifying exam, either the CGFNS or the Canadian licensing examination, before Nebraska authorizes them to take the NCLEX-RN.