Texas NCLEX Guide 2026
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Texas is one of the best states for new nurses: fast license processing, compact state membership, strong job market, and no state income tax. If you’re preparing for the NCLEX in Texas, here’s your complete guide to the process.
Texas NCLEX Overview
| Factor | Texas Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Board | Texas Board of Nursing (BON) |
| Compact State | Yes — multistate license available |
| ATT Processing | 2-4 weeks |
| Unique Requirement | Nursing Jurisprudence Exam |
| License Fee | $100 initial application |
| NCLEX Fee | $200 (paid to Pearson VUE) |
Step 1: Apply to the Texas BON
Texas has an efficient online application system that processes faster than most states.
Application Requirements
For Texas Nursing School Graduates:
- Online application through Texas BON
- Transcripts submitted directly by your nursing program
- Criminal background check (fingerprints)
- Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (can be completed before or after NCLEX)
- Application fee: $100
For Out-of-State Graduates:
- Complete RN application
- Official transcripts
- Verification of nursing program (CGFNS for international graduates)
- Criminal background check
- Application fee: $100
Where to Apply
Submit your application through the Texas BON online portal.
Texas BON Contact:
- Website: bon.texas.gov
- Phone: (512) 305-7400
- Email: Available through online portal
Timeline Expectations
| Graduate Type | ATT Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Texas nursing program | 2-3 weeks |
| Out-of-state graduate | 3-4 weeks |
| International graduate | 8-12 weeks |
Texas is known for fast processing. Complete applications with all documents typically receive ATT within 2-3 weeks.
Step 2: Complete the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam
This is unique to Texas. Before receiving your license, you must pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE).
Jurisprudence Exam Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Time limit | 2 hours |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Cost | Included in application fee |
| Where | Online, from home |
| When | Before or after NCLEX |
What’s Covered
The exam tests your knowledge of:
- Texas Nursing Practice Act
- Texas BON rules and regulations
- Scope of practice (RN vs. LVN)
- Delegation requirements
- Reporting obligations
- Professional boundaries
Preparation Tips
- Read the Texas Nursing Practice Act — Available free on bon.texas.gov
- Review BON rules — Focus on delegation, scope of practice
- Take practice questions — Several free resources online
- Don’t overthink it — Most people pass on the first attempt
Strategic timing: Take the jurisprudence exam while studying for NCLEX. It’s much easier than the NCLEX, and having it done removes one task from your licensure checklist.
Step 3: Register with Pearson VUE
Once the Texas BON approves your application, you’ll receive your ATT email. Then:
- Go to Pearson VUE NCLEX registration
- Create an account
- Pay the $200 NCLEX exam fee
- Schedule your exam at a Texas testing center
Texas Testing Centers
Pearson VUE has testing centers throughout Texas:
Major Cities:
- Houston (multiple locations)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (multiple locations)
- San Antonio
- Austin
- El Paso
- Corpus Christi
With Texas’s large population, most testing centers have good availability. Schedule promptly after receiving your ATT for the best date selection.
Step 4: Prepare for the NCLEX
The NCLEX is a national exam—no Texas-specific content. Focus your preparation on:
Core NCLEX Content
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Safe and Effective Care Environment | 26-38% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6-12% |
| Physiological Integrity | 38-62% |
Recommended Prep Resources
| Resource | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| UWorld | Detailed rationales | First-time takers |
| Archer Review | 3,100+ questions, 98.98% pass rate, readiness assessments | First-timers and retakers |
| Kaplan | Structured approach | Decision tree methodology |
| Saunders | Comprehensive content | Those needing content review |
Texas-Specific Advantages
Fast timeline: Texas’s quick processing means you could be licensed within 6-8 weeks of graduation, compared to 12-16+ weeks in slower states. Use this to your advantage—start job hunting before you even take the NCLEX.
Multistate license: As a compact state, your Texas license lets you practice in 43 states. This is valuable for travel nursing or if you relocate.
Study Timeline
Given Texas’s fast processing, you may have less waiting time. Be ready:
| Weeks Before Exam | Focus |
|---|---|
| 4-6 weeks out | Content review + question practice |
| 2-4 weeks out | Heavy practice (100-150 questions/day) |
| 1-2 weeks out | Weak areas + readiness assessments |
| Final 3 days | Light review, rest, prepare for test day |
Step 5: Take the NCLEX
Test Day in Texas
Arrive 30 minutes early with:
- Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Two valid IDs
- Nothing else
See our NCLEX Test Day Checklist for complete preparation.
Texas Testing Center Tips
- Texas summer heat: park close or take testing center shuttle if available
- DFW and Houston traffic: leave extra time
- Most centers have good AC, but bring a light layer
Step 6: After You Pass
Getting Your Texas RN License
Once you pass the NCLEX:
- Check Quick Results — Pearson VUE offers $7.95 results within 48 hours
- Complete jurisprudence exam — If you haven’t already
- Verify on Texas BON — License appears 1-2 weeks after both exams passed
- Receive multistate license — If Texas is your primary residence
Multistate License Eligibility
To receive a Texas multistate license, you must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary residence | Texas must be your primary state of residence |
| Background check | Clear federal/state background check |
| No discipline | No active discipline on any nursing license |
| Meet compact requirements | All NLC requirements satisfied |
If you’re a student who plans to move after graduation: Get your license in the state where you’ll live. If that’s not Texas, consider whether you actually want a Texas license.
License Timeline
| Event | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application submitted | Day 0 |
| ATT received | 2-4 weeks |
| NCLEX taken | Day of exam |
| Results available | 48 hours |
| Jurisprudence exam passed | Variable (do it early) |
| License issued | 1-2 weeks post-NCLEX |
Total time: 4-8 weeks from application to licensed nurse
Texas RN License Requirements
Initial License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| NCLEX | $200 |
| Background check | ~$50 |
| Total | ~$350 |
Renewal Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| CE hours | 20 contact hours |
| Renewal fee | ~$67 |
| Jurisprudence review | Required each renewal |
Continuing Education
Texas requires 20 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle. Requirements include:
- 2 hours in nursing-related targeted areas
- No specific category mandates beyond that
- Online courses from approved providers accepted
Texas vs. Other States
| Factor | Texas | California | New York |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact State | Yes | No | No |
| ATT Processing | 2-4 weeks | 8-16 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Unique Exam | Jurisprudence | None | None |
| Average RN Salary | $80,000 | $124,000 | $95,000 |
| State Income Tax | None | High | Moderate |
| CE Hours | 20/2 years | 30/2 years | None |
Why New Nurses Choose Texas
- Fast licensing: Be working within weeks of graduation
- Multistate license: Practice in 43 states
- Strong job market: Major medical centers, growing population
- No state income tax: Keep more of your salary
- Lower cost of living: Compared to CA, NY (varies by city)
Common Questions About Texas NCLEX
”What if I fail the jurisprudence exam?”
You can retake it after 24 hours. Unlike the NCLEX, there’s no 45-day wait. Most people pass on the first attempt with basic preparation.
”Do I need to take the jurisprudence exam before the NCLEX?”
No. You can take them in either order. Many people take the jurisprudence exam while studying for NCLEX to get it out of the way.
”What if I fail the NCLEX in Texas?”
Same as everywhere: wait 45 days and retake. Texas allows unlimited attempts. You’ll need to:
- Pay $200 for a new NCLEX attempt
- Request new ATT from Texas BON
- Use the 45 days to address your weak areas
”Can I work in Texas with an out-of-state license?”
If you have a multistate license from another compact state and that state is your primary residence, yes. But if you’re moving to Texas permanently, you’ll need to obtain a Texas license.
Resources
Texas BON
- Website: bon.texas.gov
- Phone: (512) 305-7400
- License Verification: BON Online Verification
NCLEX Resources
Ready to start preparing? Check out our 30-Day NCLEX Study Plan or Is Archer Review Worth It? to find the right resources for you.
About the Author
License Guide Team
Clinical Editorial Team
Our editorial team includes licensed nurses and healthcare professionals dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date nursing licensure information sourced directly from state boards of nursing.