NCLEX in Oregon: do not fingerprint early, and do not schedule until approved
The Oregon State Board of Nursing’s own exam steps carry two explicit warnings: do not submit fingerprints before you submit your application, and do not schedule your exam until the Board has approved your request. A retake needs a $25 retake application plus a new $200 Pearson VUE registration.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the Board’s LPN or RN by exam application steps and NCLEX application process guide, with fee figures from third-party summaries. Confirm current fees on oregon.gov/osbn.
The path for a new graduate
Create an account in the Board's online system, verify your email, and submit the licensure by examination application with the fee. Answer the background questions truthfully, since errors delay processing.
Your school sends transcripts and verification to the Board. Use the same name on every document you submit to the Board and to Pearson VUE.
Follow the Board's fingerprint directions only after you have submitted your application. The application provides the background check website and code.
Register and pay $200. Select the Oregon nursing regulatory body when you register.
Do not schedule your exam until the Board approves your request. Once your education is verified you receive your ATT. If you do not test before it expires, you pay Pearson VUE's fee again.
Things that cause delays
- Fingerprinting first. The Board’s directions say not to submit fingerprints before you apply.
- Scheduling early. Scheduling before Board approval can cause problems, and you could pay another exam fee.
- A university’s candidate list. One university’s guidance says the Board needs up to ten days after the school submits its candidate list to release your name to Pearson VUE.
Common questions
What if I fail?
The Board lists a retake application with a $25 fee and requires you to re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 fee.
Is endorsement more expensive?
Third-party summaries put the endorsement application at $195 plus the fingerprint fee, higher than the examination application. This page covers new graduates applying by examination.