Can You Take the NCLEX Without Going to Nursing School?

Entering the nursing field can be both exciting and challenging. There are many paths to becoming a nurse, but the process almost always requires formal education and licensure.

Some people wonder if it’s possible to take the NCLEX exam without nursing school. While there are limited exceptions, most candidates must complete an approved nursing program before sitting for the exam.

What Is the NCLEX Exam?

The NCLEX (Next Generation NCLEX or NGN) is the licensure exam given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to ensure you’re ready to work as a safe, competent nurse. There are two versions: NCLEX-RN for registered nurses, and NCLEX-PN for practical or vocational nurses.

Since April 2023, NGN has included new question types to emphasize clinical judgment, decision-making, and patient care in realistic scenarios. That means you’ll see case studies, scenario-based questions, and items that test your ability to think through what to do in real-world nursing situations.

The test is computer-adaptive, so the number of questions can vary, but you have up to five hours to complete it. Results are reported as pass or fail, based on whether you meet the standard for safe nursing practice.

Can You Take the NCLEX Without Completing a Nursing Degree?

Normally, you can not take the NCLEX without a nursing degree; however, there are a few exceptions in certain states and under specific conditions.

Individuals who aspire to become practical or vocational nurses can sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed to practice nursing after completing a certification program. This is one way around the nursing degree program.

Yet, to become a registered nurse (RN), you must hold an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. States are moving toward making it mandatory to have a bachelor's degree to practice nursing.

State Requirements and Exceptions for the NCLEX

Each state has its own Board of Nursing that sets eligibility rules for the NCLEX. In nearly all states, you must complete an approved nursing education program before you can take the exam.

There are some exceptions. In certain cases, military medics or corpsmen may qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN if their training is recognized as equivalent to a practical nursing program. Foreign-trained nurses may also apply to take the NCLEX in the U.S. after a credential review and English proficiency testing, if required.

While some states allow alternative pathways into the NCLEX-PN, almost all require a full degree program for the NCLEX-RN.

Can Experienced Medical Professionals Take the NCLEX Without a Degree?

Yes, but there are limitations. Two ways will be discussed: challenging the exam board and attending a bridge program.

Challenging the Exam Board

Pennsylvania, Missouri, Hawaii, Georgia, and Florida are the only states that allow LPNs or military medics to challenge the nursing exam board to bypass a nursing program to become an RN.

An accredited LPN program must still be completed. While this can save a prospective RN time and money, there are some challenges. Most employers require nurses to have a degree to obtain a position. Challenging the board also takes some time, and one may get denied.

Nursing Bridge Programs

There are bridge programs if you are a certified nursing assistant (CNA), LVN/LPN, paramedic, military medic, or have other medical experience. Bridge programs allow you to become an RN in months rather than years and have online options.

These programs, often offered in an accelerated format, are designed to use your knowledge to advance your nursing career. This could be entry-level to doctoral levels.

Alternative Pathways Into Nursing

There are a few alternative routes into nursing, but they still involve structured education and supervised clinical practice. Military medics and corpsmen may be able to transition into nursing through special programs or apply directly for the NCLEX-PN in certain states.

Foreign-educated nurses can also apply to practice in the U.S., but they must complete a credential evaluation and meet any state requirements before taking the NCLEX.

Bridge programs are another option. These include CNA to LPN, LPN to RN, or paramedic to RN tracks, which use your prior experience to shorten the time needed to complete your nursing education.

Why Nursing School Is Essential

Completing nursing school is a crucial step in becoming a safe and effective nurse. Classroom learning provides the medical knowledge needed to understand treatments, while supervised clinical training makes sure that you can apply those skills in real patient care settings.

Nursing programs also focus on teamwork, ethics, and communication, which are essential when working in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. While the NCLEX tests your readiness, it cannot replace the hands-on experience and professional development that come from completing an approved nursing program.

Online Nursing Bridge Programs

Since you need to complete a program to become an RN, here are a few schools that offer a bridge program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN).

Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers an online LVN/LPN to BSN track. The program accepts in-state and out-of-state students, qualifying them to sit the NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires 73 to 77 credit hours, based on whether you hold an associate degree. Clinicals are required and arranged in the local area.

All LVN/LPN track students must be U.S. residents. Indiana State University's nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) offers all coursework online with clinical experience in the community LPN to BSN program. The program takes about 12 months to complete with eight-week, six-credit sessions.

SWOSU admits students for fall and spring semesters and offers a low faculty-to-student ratio. This ratio allows for students to have more one-on-one assistance. Accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), SWOSU has one of the top programs in Oklahoma.

University of Arkansas - Eleanor Mann School of Nursing

Voted as one of the best online programs, the University of Arkansas (UofA) offers an LPN to BSN online degree option with many courses taught in eight-week terms 100% online. UofA has two programs, one for those needing prerequisites and the other for those who do not. Admission is available for the fall or spring semester only.

The 120-credit program takes two to three years to complete, offering clinical experiences in your area. The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

FAQs About Taking the NCLEX Without Nursing School

If you’re thinking about whether you can take the NCLEX without completing nursing school, you probably have a lot of questions. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns.

Can Anyone Take the NCLEX?

Not everyone can sit for the NCLEX. To qualify, you must meet the eligibility rules set by your state’s Board of Nursing. This usually means graduating from an approved nursing program or meeting a specific exception, such as being a foreign-trained nurse or military medic. Without meeting those requirements, you cannot apply to take the exam.

Can You Challenge the NCLEX?

Challenging the NCLEX means trying to qualify without finishing a standard nursing program. Most states no longer allow this for the NCLEX-RN, though some still permit challenges for the NCLEX-PN in limited cases. If you are interested, you must carefully check your state’s Board of Nursing rules to see if this option is available.

Can I Challenge the NCLEX With Experience but No Degree?

Most states do not allow you to challenge the NCLEX with only work experience and no degree. While some states in the past allowed military medics or LPNs to qualify this way, those exceptions are rare today. Almost all applicants must complete an accredited nursing program to be approved for the exam.

How Many Times Can You Take the NCLEX if You Fail?

If you fail the NCLEX, you can usually retake it after 45 days. Most states let you attempt the exam up to eight times per year. Some states may also require extra coursework or remedial training if you fail several times. Always check with your state Board of Nursing for the exact rules.

What Kind of Nursing Programs Qualify Me for the NCLEX?

To take the NCLEX, you must complete an approved nursing program. This includes associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, and practical or vocational nursing programs for those taking the NCLEX-PN. Each program includes classroom learning and clinical practice to prepare you for the exam.

Is It Easier To Take the NCLEX-PN Than the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-PN focuses on the role of a practical or vocational nurse, while the NCLEX-RN covers the broader responsibilities of a registered nurse. Some students may find the NCLEX-PN less demanding because it covers a smaller scope of practice, but both exams require careful study and preparation.

Can International Nurses Take the NCLEX in the U.S.?

Yes, internationally educated nurses can apply to take the NCLEX in the U.S. To qualify, they must have their credentials reviewed, show proof of English proficiency if required, and apply through a state Board of Nursing. Once approved, they can sit for the exam just like U.S. graduates.

Can You Work as a Nurse Without Passing the NCLEX?

You cannot work as a licensed nurse without passing the NCLEX. In the meantime, you may work in related jobs such as a nurse aide, medical assistant, or patient care technician. However, you cannot practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical/vocational nurse without passing the exam.

Explore Nursing Programs

If your goal is to become a licensed nurse, completing a recognized program is the only path to eligibility for the NCLEX. Explore the nursing programs featured on Learn.org to find options that fit your timeline and career goals.