California NCLEX Guide 2026

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

---

California has one of the largest nursing workforces in the country—and one of the most rigorous licensing processes. If you’re preparing to take the NCLEX in California or apply for your California RN license, here’s what you need to know about the state-specific requirements.

California NCLEX Overview

Factor	California Details
Regulatory Board	Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
Compact State	No — separate license required
ATT Processing	8-12 weeks (CA graduates)
Interim Permit	Available for 6 months
License Fee	$150 initial application
NCLEX Fee	$200 (paid to Pearson VUE)

Step 1: Apply to the California BRN

Before you can register for the NCLEX, you need an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Application Requirements

For California Nursing School Graduates:

• BRN Application for RN Licensure Examination (form provided by your school)
• Official transcripts sent directly from your nursing program
• Fingerprint clearance (LiveScan)
• Application fee: $150

For Out-of-State Graduates:

• Complete RN application
• Official transcripts from your nursing program
• Verification of nursing program approval
• Fingerprint clearance
• Application fee: $150

Where to Apply

Submit your application online through the California BRN BreEZe system or by mail.

California BRN Contact:

• Website: rn.ca.gov
• Phone: (916) 322-3350
• Processing inquiries: BreEZe online portal

Timeline Expectations

Graduate Type	ATT Processing Time
California BSN program	8-10 weeks
California ADN program	8-12 weeks
Out-of-state graduate	12-16 weeks
International graduate	16-20+ weeks

Pro tip: Submit your application as soon as your school processes your paperwork. The BRN processes in order of receipt.

Step 2: Register with Pearson VUE

Once the BRN approves your application, you’ll receive your ATT email. Then:

1. Go to Pearson VUE NCLEX registration
2. Create an account (if you haven’t already)
3. Pay the $200 NCLEX exam fee
4. Schedule your exam at a California testing center

California Testing Centers

Pearson VUE operates testing centers throughout California:

Major Cities:

• Los Angeles (multiple locations)
• San Francisco Bay Area
• San Diego
• Sacramento
• Fresno
• San Jose

Availability varies by location. Popular testing centers in LA and the Bay Area fill quickly—schedule as soon as you receive your ATT.

Step 3: Prepare for the NCLEX

California doesn’t have any state-specific content on the NCLEX. The exam is national, so you’re preparing for the same test everyone takes.

California-Specific Considerations

Higher stakes for non-compact state: Since California isn’t a compact state, you’ll need a separate license for each state where you want to practice. This makes passing the first time even more important—you don’t want to delay your California nursing career.

Competitive job market: California pays well ($124,000 average RN salary), but competition is fierce, especially in desirable areas like San Francisco and LA. Having your license quickly positions you better for job opportunities.

Recommended Prep Resources

Resource	Strengths	Best For
UWorld	Detailed rationales, high-quality questions	First-time takers
Archer Review	3,100+ questions, readiness assessments, 98.98% pass rate	First-timers and retakers
Kaplan	Decision tree methodology	Structured learners
ATI	Integrated with many CA nursing programs	ATI school graduates

Study Timeline

Given California’s longer processing times, you have time to prepare thoroughly:

Weeks Before Exam	Focus
8-12 weeks out	Content review + 50 questions/day
4-8 weeks out	Heavy practice (100-150 questions/day)
2-4 weeks out	Weak area focus + readiness assessments
Final week	Light review, rest, test day prep

Step 4: Take the NCLEX

Test Day in California

Testing centers operate the same way nationwide. Arrive 30 minutes early with:

• Authorization to Test (ATT)
• Two valid IDs (government-issued with photo and signature)
• Nothing else (no phone, watch, or personal items in testing room)

See our NCLEX Test Day Checklist for complete preparation.

Step 5: After You Pass

Getting Your California RN License

Once you pass the NCLEX:

1. Check Pearson VUE — “Good pop” attempt usually works within 24 hours
2. Pay for Quick Results — $7.95 for official pass/fail within 48 business hours
3. Wait for BRN — License processing takes 2-4 weeks after passing
4. Check BreEZe — Your license number will appear on the BRN’s license verification system

Interim Permit

California offers Interim Permits (IPs) for graduates waiting for their permanent license:

IP Details	Information
Duration	6 months (or until license issued)
Scope	Practice under RN supervision
Requirements	Pending license application, passed NCLEX
Fee	Included in initial application

Important: Interim permits allow you to work while waiting for your permanent license. However, you must practice under the supervision of a licensed RN. Many California hospitals hire new grads on interim permits during residency programs.

License Timeline

Event	Typical Timeline
Application submitted	Day 0
ATT received	8-12 weeks
NCLEX taken	Day of exam
Pass/fail results	48 hours
Interim permit valid	Immediately after passing
Permanent license issued	2-4 weeks post-NCLEX

California RN License Requirements

Once licensed, California RNs must maintain their credentials:

Renewal Requirements

Requirement	Details
Renewal cycle	Every 2 years
CE hours	30 contact hours
Renewal fee	~$190
Online renewal	Available through BreEZe

Continuing Education

California requires 30 CE hours per renewal cycle, including:

• No specific category requirements
• CE must be from BRN-approved providers
• Online courses accepted

California vs. Other States

Factor	California	NLC States
License portability	CA only	43 states
ATT processing	8-16 weeks	2-6 weeks
Average RN salary	$124,000	$77,000 national
Job competition	High	Varies
CE requirements	30 hours/2 years	Varies by state

If You Want to Work in Other States

Since California isn’t a compact state, you’ll need separate licenses for any other state where you want to practice. The good news: most states accept licensure by endorsement once you have your California license—you don’t retake the NCLEX.

Common Questions About California NCLEX

”Is the NCLEX harder in California?”

No. The NCLEX is the same national exam regardless of where you take it. California nursing schools have strong NCLEX pass rates (typically 85-90% first-time pass rate).

”Should I take the NCLEX in a different state?”

Only if you plan to live there. Taking the NCLEX in another state means you’d need to transfer your license to California later—which takes additional time and paperwork.

”What if I fail?”

You can retake the NCLEX after 45 days. California allows unlimited retake attempts, but you’ll need to:

• Pay the $200 Pearson VUE fee again
• Request a new ATT from the BRN (may require reapplication)
• Use the 45-day wait to address your weak areas

Resources

California BRN

• Website: rn.ca.gov
• Phone: (916) 322-3350
• License Verification: BreEZe License Search

NCLEX Resources

• NCLEX Study Strategies
• Archer vs UWorld
• 30-Day NCLEX Study Plan
• NCLEX Test Day Checklist

---

Ready to start preparing? Check out our 2-Week NCLEX Study Plan or 30-Day NCLEX Study Plan based on how much time you have before your exam.