The information on this page is designed to help current students and upcoming graduates navigate the process of applying to take the NCLEX exam. If you have any questions, please reach out to Tracie Zoller traciezoller@jalc.edu for assistance.
Do not start the application process until you have a graduation date posted to your transcripts. Graduation dates are posted three (3) times a year, May, August and December.
All applicants must apply to BOTH Continental Testing Services AND Pearson Vue Professional Testing.
LPN Students:
RN Students:
You are not required to submit fingerprints to Continental Testing since you already hold an unencumbered Illinois LPN Nursing License. You will be directed on your application to enter your LPN License Number, Date of Issuance and License Status in order to bypass the required fingerprint submission.
The nursing department will submit an official school roster with the school seal to Continental Testing. You do not need to submit an ED-NUR form. The LPN rosters will include copies of the fingerprint forms, you do not need to submit fingerprints on your own.
Application status is updated every business day and is only available online and NOT available by phone or email. You can check your status on the Continental Testing Services home page under Application Status and Test Results. Only contact Continental Testing Services for the status of your application if it has been over ten (10) business days since submission of ALL required documents.
Reminder, there will be no paperwork given from the JALC nursing office. All nursing degrees conferred will be mailed directly to Continental Testing Services. Students will not be listed on the testing roster until a graduation date has been posted on official transcripts.
Once eligibility is determined, you will be approved at Continental Testing Services. You must be registered with Pearson Vue in order to receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). Your ATT will be sent via email from Pearson Vue. Once you receive the ATT, follow the instructions to schedule your examination appointment. The ATT is only valid for 90 days – NO extensions are allowed.
You will be able to view your test results online but you are not finished yet!! You must apply to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) once you receive your official examination letter. Official letters will be sent via USPS mail to the address you registered with at Pearson Vue within 7-10 days. This official letter will have instructions on how to apply for Illinois licensure. Passing the state board exam does not mean you will be licensed. You must mail a $50 check or money order to start the licensing process with IDFPR. It can take several weeks from mailing the $50 fee to obtain a valid Illinois license.
If you are testing outside the state of Illinois, make an appointment with the Director of Nursing.