This policy outlines student responsibilities for reporting NCLEX-RN examination dates and results by established deadlines. A standardized reporting process allows Yale School of Nursing (YSN) to provide timely academic support and remediation, when needed, and ensures that students meet licensure requirements necessary for participation in specialty clinical education. 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in delayed clinical placement, interruption of program progression, or requirement to take a Leave of Absence (LOA).

General information and student responsibilities

During the spring semester of the GEPN year, students receive formal instruction on the NCLEX-RN process, reporting guidelines, and associated deadlines from the director of GEPN transitions to practice and the GEPN program chair. All costs associated with the NCLEX-RN testing and RN licensure are the responsibility of the student and are included in the cost of attendance by the YSN Office of Financial Aid. Upon (1) successful completion of GEPN coursework, (2) successful completion of the comprehensive final proctored ATI examination in NURS 5171, Care of the Adult II, and (3) conferral of the Certificate of Nursing by Yale University, students become eligible to request official transcripts via Yale Hub/Parchment for submission to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Transcript requests are processed by the Registrar’s Office in early August (current fee: $10).

NCLEX-rn scheduling and reporting requirements

By September 1, all GEPN students must secure an NCLEX-RN examination date and record the scheduled test date in eValue. The director of GEPN transition to practice will generate weekly reports to identify students who have obtained a Connecticut RN license, or have not yet entered a scheduled NCLEX-RN test date. These reports are shared with specialty directors, as students may not begin specialty clinical rotations without an active RN license. Students who have not scheduled an exam date will be contacted for support. If a student reschedules the exam, the updated date must be entered into eValue immediately.

All M.S.N. specialty students must pass the NCLEX-RN by December 20 and obtain an active license by January 1 of their first specialty year. Students who do not meet this requirement are required to take a leave of absence in accordance with the YSN Leave of Absence Policy and may return in the following academic year once licensure is obtained. A leave of absence may impact financial aid, and repayment of outstanding loans may begin after six months. 

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP students, however, must pass the NCLEX-RN by October 1, and obtain an active RN license by October 10 of the first specialty year to enroll in NURS 7820, Critical Care Immersion. Students who do not meet this deadline are required to take a leave of absence.

Incoming RNs entering YSN graduate programs must pass the NCLEX-RN and hold an active RN license by September 1 of the first year of enrollment. Within three days of completing the NCLEX-RN students must record the unofficial result (Pass or Fail) in NURSYS.

Beginning September 1, the director of GEPN transitions to practice will track NCLEX test dates and results and share updates with the executive deputy dean, the GEPN program chair, and specialty directors.

Upon issuance of a Connecticut RN license, students must upload proof of licensure to NURSYS within three days for verification. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain RN licensure as early as possible, as failure to do so will delay the start of specialty clinical placements. Delays in beginning clinical experiences due to NCLEX or licensure issues may result in delayed program progression and graduation. 

Guidelines for Students Who Do Not Pass the NCLEX

Students who do not pass the NCLEX-RN must notify, within three days of receiving results, by email their specialty director(s), the GEPN program chair, and the director of GEPN transitions to practice. Students are encouraged to retest as soon as feasible, provided they can still meet the applicable specialty deadline for passing the NCLEX-RN and obtaining an active RN license. Students who cannot meet the deadline will be required to take a leave of absence. Students who do not pass must schedule a new NCLEX-RN test date as soon as permitted and record the date in NURSYS. Note: There is a mandatory forty-five-day waiting period between NCLEX attempts; however, students may schedule a subsequent exam as soon as the failed result is received. 

In accordance with Connecticut Board of Nursing requirements, students may not begin specialty clinical rotations until they have passed the NCLEX-RN and obtained an active Connecticut RN license. Failure to obtain licensure by October 1 of the specialty year will delay clinical participation and may delay graduation.

Students must meet with their specialty director(s) and the director of GEPN transitions to practice to review their NCLEX Candidate Performance Report and develop a structured study plan. Following this meeting, students must submit their written study plan by email to their specialty director(s) and the director of GEPN transitions to practice. Students may not begin specialty clinical rotations and may not continue program progression without an active RN license. 

After a second NCLEX attempt, students must record the unofficial Pass or Fail result in NURSYS within three days, and notify their specialty director(s), GEPN program chair, and director of GEPN transitions to practice by email. If the NCLEX-RN is not passed after the second attempt, the student must schedule a third examination date as soon as possible, record the date in NURSYS, and meet with the specialty director(s) and M.S.N. program chair to revise the plan of study. To remain eligible for spring semester enrollment, the NCLEX-RN attempt must be scheduled to meet the deadline for obtaining an active RN license. 

Students returning from a leave of absence due to NCLEX non-pass must obtain and verify RN licensure prior to re-entry into the program. 

Maintaining an Active License

All students enrolled in on-campus, online, and post-graduate M.S.N. specialty programs are responsible for maintaining an active, unencumbered RN license throughout enrollment. Students must upload renewed licensure annually as required to remain compliant and eligible to attend classes and participate in clinical experiences.