Press Release

NCSBN extends NCLEX® exam delivery agreement with Pearson VUE


MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Sep. 4, 2018 – NCSBN® has awarded Pearson VUE, the global leader in computer-based testing, a multi-year extension of its agreement for global delivery of the NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN® exams.

The agreement extends Pearson VUE’s exclusive partnership with NCSBN through 2024 for test delivery of the nursing exams.

The NCLEX exams are delivered via Pearson VUE’s network of Pearson Professional Centers. First developed in 2002 in close collaboration with NCSBN, the Pearson Professional Center network offers industry-leading levels of quality, consistency and security necessary to safeguard the integrity of the testing process and enhance patient safety and public protection.

As part of this new agreement, the Pearson VUE NCLEX test development team will transition to NCSBN to provide NCLEX Test Development services within NCSBN directly in January 2020.

Additionally, to continue driving the industry and NCSBN’s exam and assessment programs forward, Pearson VUE and NCSBN will explore advanced alternatives for assessment types and test delivery through research and development activities funded through the new agreement.

NCSBN Board of Directors President Julia George, MSN, RN, FRE, executive director of the North Carolina Board of Nursing, said: “We are pleased to extend our contract with Pearson VUE which continues to demonstrate they are an excellent administrator of high-stakes testing programs. Extending our partnership with Pearson VUE means that we will continue to test nursing professionals in the most secure and trusted manner.

“We’ve respected the Pearson VUE team’s work for years and look forward to deepening that collaboration by joining the test development teams within NCSBN,” said George. “This brings two best-of-breed organizations together and is a positive transition for the continued long-term growth of NCSBN.”

Bob Whelan, president of Pearson Assessments, said: “Our early work with the NCSBN has resulted in what the market widely recognizes as the best-in-class high-stakes testing offer. By the end of this new extension, our partnership will have been in place for 25 years. Our long-standing relationship – which is founded on mutual respect, disciplined work, and a shared vision – is very gratifying. We look forward to continuing this remarkable relationship for many years to come.”

NCLEX will continue to be delivered at 281 Pearson Professional Centers located throughout the U.S. and its territories. For candidates abroad pursuing domestic nurse licensure in the U.S. and its territories, the NCLEX is available at 52 Pearson Professional Centers in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

About NCSBN
Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together BONs to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world. NCSBN’s membership is comprised of the boards of nursing (BONs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are three exam user members. There are also 28 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.8 million licensed nurses.


Media contact

Damien Fletcher
+44 (0)20 7010 2582
damien.fletcher@pearson.com