The NCLEX serves as a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses across the United States, Canada, and Australia since its inception in 1982, 2015, and 2020 respectively. The exam has two distinct categories: NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. Upon completion of a nursing program, individuals are required to take the NCLEX exam to obtain a nursing license, granting them permission to practice nursing in the state where they met the requirements.
The NCLEX is offered internationally in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Hongkong, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and United States of America.