NCLEX in Vermont: a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate and a provisional license
Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) handles nursing licensure within the Secretary of State’s office. You apply online and pay a non-refundable processing fee, register with Pearson VUE, and complete a criminal background check by first returning a release form, after which OPR emails a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate.
Last checked October 2026. Based on OPR’s RN application instructions and third-party summaries. Fee figures differ between sources, so confirm them on the OPR site before paying.
The path for a new graduate
If you graduated from a Vermont program, complete the online RN application by examination and pay the non-refundable processing fee.
Register with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee to take the NCLEX.
Return the release form. OPR then emails a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate, which you print and bring to a fingerprint appointment, and the authorization must be sent with your prints to the Vermont Crime Information Center. Keep your fingerprint receipt, which you upload to your account.
Internationally educated applicants have the CES report from CGFNS sent directly to OPR.
Once OPR has all your application materials, Pearson VUE sends your ATT.
Provisional licensure
OPR’s instructions describe a non-renewable provisional license for single-state applicants whose only outstanding deficiencies are the background check or verification of licensure. They also say multistate privileges will not be issued until the criminal background check is satisfactorily completed.
Common questions
What if I fail?
A guide reports a retake application with a $30 fee, plus registering again with Pearson VUE. The same guide says candidates who do not pass can retake the test once, so confirm the current rule with OPR.
How do I get a multistate license?
A guide says a Vermont-issued multistate license requires proof of Vermont residency, an unencumbered Vermont license, a passing NCLEX score, no felony convictions and a completed fingerprint-supported background check.