NCLEX and License Application with BON

To obtain licensure in Hawaii, Registered Nurses are required to take a nursing exam known as the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which ensures that candidates are prepared for entry-level nursing practice.

Need for a Registered Nurse License: Registered Nurses are required to be licensed to practice nursing in the state of Hawaii.

Who Grants a Registered Nurse License: Licenses are granted by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.

Qualifications to receive a License: Applicants must graduate from an approved and accredited nursing program (diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Applying for State Licensure and the NCLEX-RN Exam: The application process consists of two parts that are completed together:

1. 1. 1. Applying for Hawaii Licensure and
      2. Registering for the NCLEX-RN exam.

1. 1. First, complete and submit an Application for Licensure by Examination with the Hawaii Board of Nursing. The application must be downloaded online and completed according to the instructions.
      • You will need to submit an official final transcript verifying your nursing degree or an official letter from your nursing school certifying the successful completion of your nursing program directly to the Hawaii Board of Nursing. If you have graduated from a Hawaii nursing program, you do not need to submit an official transcript to the Hawaii Board of Nursing. The address for the Hawaii Board of Nursing is DCCA, PVL Licensing P.O. Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801.
   2. Second, the NCLEX exam is administered by Pearson VUE. You must register to take the NCLEX exam, in addition to applying for Licensure. Registration can be done online via the Pearson VUE website. Alternatively, you may call Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate services (toll-free) at 1.866.49NCLEX (1.866.496.2539), Monday-Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, Central Standard Time.
   3. Once the Hawaii Board of Registered Nursing provides clearance to Pearson VUE, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice from Pearson VUE. This allows you to schedule your exam at a convenient Pearson VUE location, typically within 90 days from receipt of the ATT.

Fees: There are fees for both a Hawaii RN license and the NCLEX exam. How much does a Hawaii RN license cost?

A $234 application fee is required between July 1st of an odd-numbered year and June 30th of an even-numbered year; a $166 application fee is required between July 1st of an even-numbered year and June 30th of an odd-numbered year.

Renewal: The renewal fee is $176 per renewal period.

How much does NCLEX cost?

The registration fee to take the NCLEX-PN or the NCLEX-RN exam in the United States is $200. For candidates registering for the NCLEX-RN in Canada, the fee is $360 (Canadian). If a test-taker changes his or her nursing regulatory body after registering for the NCLEX, there is a $50 fee (United States and Canada).

NCLEX-RN Exam Content:

The NCLEX-RN exam is a computerized test that utilizes “adaptive testing.” This means that the computer will determine your level of competency throughout the exam, and the number of questions will vary based upon your competency level. A minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions are administered. At a minimum, 60 questions will be scored, and 15 questions will be practice questions. The test-taker will not know which are scored and which are not. You will have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the exam.

There are two optional breaks after 2.5 and 3.5 hours, respectively.

There are four subject categories and several sub-categories for the NCLEX-RN exam. They are as follows:

• • Safe, effective care environment
    • Management of care
    • Safety and infection control
  • Psychosocial integrity
  • Physiological integrity
  • Health promotion and maintenance
    • Basic care and comfort
    • Pharmacologic and parenteral therapies
    • Reduction of risk potential
    • Physiological adaptation

The NCLEX-RN results are pass/fail. Official results from the NCLEX-RN exam are delivered by the respective Board of Nursing within 2-4 weeks from the exam date. Unofficial results may be obtained 48 business hours after the exam through Pearson Vue Quick Results. There is a small fee for this service. If you do not pass the exam, you will receive a diagnostic profile that outlines your performance on the exam and will need to retake the exam at a later date.

Who Administers the Exam: The NCLEX-RN exam is developed and approved by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The test is administered at Pearson VUE testing locations.

License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements: Hawaii RN licenses expire on June 30th of odd-numbered years and require renewal. License renewal can be completed online here. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal. Answers to frequently asked questions related to renewals can be found here.

Can a NY RN work in Hawaii?

If you wish to apply for Licensure by Endorsement (reciprocity) in Hawaii, you must hold an active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting this state’s requirements, and have passed the NCLEX-RN or the State Board Test Pool Examination.

Is New York a compact state for NCLEX?

Please note that New York State is not a “Nursing Compact State.” Proof of acceptable education and verification of license from all states where you hold a license are required.

What is the passing score for NCLEX RN in Hawaii?

Successful completion of the following is required: The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) in another state or U.S. jurisdiction; having passed or received a score of at least 1600 for RN.

How many times can I take NCLEX in Hawaii?

In Florida, Hawaii, and Michigan, candidates who fail the exam three times are required to take and successfully complete state-approved remedial course(s) before they can re-take the exam for the fourth time.