NCLEX in Virginia: the $190 fee, a $50 repeat exam application and Fieldprint
Virginia’s Board of Nursing lists a $190 fee for the RN licensure by examination application, which is accepted online only. Your fee and application cover one NCLEX attempt, and a repeat examination application costs $50. Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so applicants must meet the compact’s uniform licensure requirements.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the Board’s licensure by examination instructions and repeat examination form, with fingerprint details from third-party guides. Confirm the current fees at dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.
The path for a new graduate
Complete the online licensure by examination application and pay the $190 fee by credit or debit card. Submit the application before you register for fingerprints.
Virginia requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and a guide says to arrange it through Fieldprint immediately after applying.
A separate application with Pearson VUE is required. Register immediately after filing, or your ATT could be delayed. Pay the $200 fee.
Graduates of Virginia programs can have an attestation letter confirming completion sent directly to the Board.
Once your eligibility is verified, Pearson VUE sends your ATT. A guide says the window to test is typically about 90 days.
If you fail
The Board says your license application and fee are valid for one NCLEX attempt. To retake, you submit a repeat examination application, listed with a $50 fee, and register again with Pearson VUE. The repeat form notes you may need another fingerprint-based background check.
Common questions
Is Virginia a compact state?
Yes. The Board’s instructions say Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact participating state and applies the uniform licensure requirements, so check what that means for you if you declare Virginia as your primary state of residence.
What if my application is incomplete?
The Board’s instructions mention that an incomplete application is retained on file for audit purposes, so finish your application rather than leaving it half done.