NCLEX exam centers in Kenya, registration, and fees payable

Kenyan nurses aiming to work in the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand must
undergo the NCLEX exam, administered globally by Pearson VUE. The establishment of
NCLEX exam centers in Kenya has made the process more accessible, eliminating the previous
logistical challenge of traveling abroad for the examination.

If you’re aiming to pursue your American dream in 2026, there are compelling reasons why
international nurses choose to live and work in the United States. These include excellent
compensation and benefits, a robust job market, favorable working conditions, work-life
balance, and more.

Centre Opens in Kenya
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) assesses whether recently graduated
nursing students are competent to practice. It is offered in person at NCLEX International Test
Centers worldwide. Kenyan nurses aspiring to work in the US must pass the NCLEX-RN
(Registered Nurses) exam to obtain a license and practice legally in the US.
The NCLEX-RN evaluates critical thinking skills based on information learned in accredited
nursing institutions to ensure the ability to provide safe patient care and make sound nursing
judgments.

The Nairobi NCLEX-RN Test Centre, inaugurated on January 16, 2024, by Prime Cabinet
Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, represents a significant milestone for nurses. This fully equipped
center is expected to reduce exam expenses by 50%. With its establishment, Kenyan nurses
no longer need to travel to South Africa or India for examinations.
NCLEX Registration Process in Kenya

Candidates in Kenya seeking to apply for the NCLEX exam must register through Pearson. The
registration process offers several options:
Entry Requirements
Registration Options:

Online with Third-Party Payment: Registration is also available on the Pearson VUE
website, with third-party payments facilitated by agencies, employers, or nursing
schools.
During registration, candidates must provide their email address, program code, and select an
acceptable payment method. It is crucial that the first and last names provided during
registration match the identification presented at the exam appointment.
Upon submission of registration, candidates receive a confirmation email within two days,
acknowledging their NCLEX exam registration.

Top Institutions
NCLEX Exam Fees in Kenya:
The NCLEX exam fees in Kenya vary depending on the type of licensure sought:
For candidates seeking USA licensure, there is a one-time registration fee of $200 (USD).
Candidates seeking Canadian licensure are required to pay a registration fee of $360
(CAD).

Those seeking Australian licensure also have a one-time registration fee of $200 (USD).
Additional fees may apply for services such as changing the nursing regulatory body or exam
type.

NCLEX training in Kenya
Once registration is completed and the exam date is scheduled, comprehensive preparation
for the exam is recommended.
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) offers a short NCLEX-RN Preparation Course, a
12-week program with online evening classes. This course is designed to prepare registered
nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Where is the easiest place to take the NCLEX? For international or foreign-educated nurses,
the State of New York is highly recommended. It is considered the easiest and fastest state to
apply for the NCLEX. Currently, New York is facing a nursing shortage, with hospitals
experiencing significant burdens.

FAQs about the NCLEX exam:
How many months do you need to study NCLEX? It is advised to dedicate at least two
months (eight weeks) to NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
How much time is given for NCLEX? Candidates are allotted five hours to complete the
NCLEX, breaks included. Each question should be carefully analyzed since there’s no option to
return to previous questions after submission.

What is the hardest part of the NCLEX? The most challenging questions often require a
deep understanding of pharmacology, nursing theory, nursing interventions, and
pathophysiology.

Is two weeks enough to study for NCLEX? While the recommendation is to spend a
minimum of eight weeks studying for NCLEX, candidates can assess their preparedness
through practice tests. If one feels adequately prepared and performs well on practice tests,
two weeks may suffice for studying and refreshing knowledge.

Challenges
How many questions are on the NCLEX? The NCLEX-RN comprises 74-145 questions, while
the NCLEX-PN consists of 85-205 questions.
Can you work as a nurse in the USA without NCLEX? Legal practice as a registered nurse in
the USA necessitates passing the NCLEX exam.
Which foreign country is best for nurses? Denmark consistently ranks among the top
countries for nurses due to its excellent working conditions, quality of life, and competitive
wages. Nurses in Denmark enjoy additional benefits such as free health insurance, paid
vacations, sick days, and retirement plans.

Online: Utilize the Pearson VUE website for registration, with payment methods
including debit, credit, MasterCard, prepaid VISA, or American Express cards.

Telephone: Register through Pearson VUE Candidate Services using a debit, credit, or
MasterCard, prepaid VISA, or American Express card.