The NCLEX Is Moving Remote in 2026 — What Nursing Students Need To Know

Image Souce: Tiktok@lamonttaborn & Tiktok@the.nurse.erica

 

Big news, nursing crew: the NCLEX is getting a major upgrade! The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is rolling out a remote testing option for the NCLEX. That’s right—you can now take your licensure exam from the comfort of your own home. No more scrambling to find a testing center, mapping out your route, or fretting about getting stuck in traffic on test day. This change is bringing some much-needed flexibility to the licensure process, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, considering the nursing shortage we’re facing.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. needs to fill over 200,000 registered nursing positions every single year through 2031 to keep up with retirements and growing healthcare demands. By making it easier to access the NCLEX, the NCSBN says they hope to knock down barriers for nursing candidates and get more qualified nurses into the workforce.

Breaking Down Barriers: No More Long Drives Adding Extra Stress

For years, nursing students in rural or underserved areas have had to likely big sacrifices just to take the NCLEX. Whether it’s traveling hours to the nearest testing center, paying for a hotel, or dealing with transportation issues, the process hasn’t been easy for everyone. In fact, a 2022 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that 17% of nursing students struggled with transportation as a major barrier to completing licensure requirements. 

Remote testing changes all of that. As long as you have a quiet, private space, a reliable internet connection, and a computer that meets the NCLEX’s tech specs, you’re good to go. No need to budget for gas or worry about finding parking. Just brew yourself a cup of coffee, boot up your computer, and get ready to tackle those priority-setting questions from the comfort of your own home.

But don’t think this means the NCLEX is getting any easier. The NCSBN has put a ton of work into making sure the integrity of the exam stays rock solid. They’ve added advanced identity verification, secure browser technology, and AI-powered proctoring to monitor test-takers. So yes, you might be at home in your favorite sweatpants, but Big Brother (or rather, Big AI) will still be watching to ensure everything stays above board.

What You Need to Know to Test from Home

The basics haven’t changed—if you want to take the NCLEX, you still need to meet all the licensing requirements for your state or jurisdiction and graduate from an accredited nursing program (whether that’s ADN, BSN, or LVN/LPN). However, remote testing does come with a few extra steps.

Here’s the what you’ll need for at-home testing:

• A private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. 
• A reliable internet connection. 
• A computer that meets NCLEX’s technical requirements. This includes a webcam and microphone. Check the NCLEX Online page for the full tech specs.

Does Remote Testing Change How You Prepare?

Absolutely not! Here are proven strategies for NCLEX exam success

• Practice regularly with a large volume of NCLEX-style questions to boost familiarity and confidence.
• Use review courses, study guides, and online resources to focus on your weakest content areas.
• Prioritize self-care before and during your exam—get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and incorporate relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
• Create and stick to a structured study plan; consistency helps retain material and organize prep time effectively.
• Familiarize yourself with the computerized test format and various question types to reduce surprises on test day.
• Analyze your practice test results, review mistakes, and adjust your study focus accordingly.
• Simulate exam day conditions before your actual test to help lower stress and improve readiness.

Many nursing programs are updating their NCLEX readiness plans to address the new option of remote online testing. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) confirms that the exam content and standards remain the same whether taken at home or in a test center, and that schools are introducing strategies to help students prepare for both environments. Educators and the NCSBN highlight that the choice of test location—at home or in a center—may alleviate stress for some candidates, as increased comfort and convenience could help manage test-day anxiety.

Nursing and NCLEX-focused creators on TikTok and other social platforms have shared a mix of excitement, practical advice, and candid concerns about NCLEX online testing. Influencers frequently note the reduced travel-related stress and increased flexibility from being able to test at home—seen as a game-changer for students in rural or underserved areas. Many videos walk viewers through ideal home setups for the online exam, stressing the importance of distraction-free environments and meeting technical requirements.

@the.nurse.erica #greenscreenvideo Who’s paying you off NCSB? You’re playing with patient’s lives! #nurse #nclex #nursingstudent ♬ original sound - TheNurseErica

However, a common concern voiced by creators is the shift away from the traditional in-person experience, with several expressing nostalgia and uncertainty about not having to go to a physical testing center like previous cohorts. This theme has sparked discussions about maintaining focus, ensuring exam integrity, and adjusting to a new kind of test-day routine. Overall, influencers continue to encourage new test-takers to prepare diligently, stay up to date with the latest NCLEX online requirements, and support each other through the transition.

@lamonttaborn As A FUTURE NURSE in a BSN program I’m here for it but it’s always a bit Scary ! What’s yall take on it ? #fyp #viral #futurenurse #nursesoftiktok #nclex ♬ original sound - Barbiee 💕- Content creator

@imnurseclark Imagine Taking the NCLEX at Home come 2026! Candidates will choose between an in-person test center or online testing, which requires a phone and the 360 app for live proctor monitoring and a 360-degree view of the testing environment. Having the choice to take the NCLEX outside of traditional test centers could be a huge game changer! This new way to take the NCLEX will offer candidates more convenience: * Flexible Hours * Greater Comfort * More Choice * Easier Access Great option or keep it in center testing only🤔 What do you guys think about this? #nurselife #nursesoftiktok #nclex #nursing #nursingstudent ♬ Woah! (Instrumental) - Black Rob

What This Means for the Future of Nursing

Remote NCLEX testing is more than just a convenience—it’s likley a sign of the times. Nursing, like pretty much everything else, is moving into a more tech-driven era. From telehealth to electronic health records, technology is reshaping how we deliver care. So why not let it reshape how we assess new nurses, too?

The NCSBN stresses that remote testing doesn’t lower the bar for licensure—it just makes the process more accessible. Whether you’re testing at home or in a center, the NCLEX is still designed to make sure you’re ready to provide safe, competent care to your future patients.

So, if you’re gearing up to take the NCLEX, check out the official NCLEX Online page to learn more about remote testing requirements and availability. And remember, whether you’re sitting at your kitchen table or in a testing center, you’ve got this. One question at a time, and you’ll be adding those well-earned letters—RN or LPN—after your name in no time.

🤔Nurses, share your thoughts about NCLEX online in the discussion forum below!