With the growing shortage of nurses in the United States, there’s a rising demand for skilled, compassionate, and hardworking nurses from around the world.
Haitian nurses are well-respected for their clinical skills, resilience, and dedication to patient care. But to qualify for nursing jobs in the U.S., you must first pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, the national licensure exam for nurses.
However, because there’s no NCLEX testing center in Haiti, many Haitian nurses are left wondering: How do I take the NCLEX from here?
This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to register, where to test, what documents you need, and how to prepare for the NCLEX as a Haitian nurse.
7 Steps You Must Take to Sit for the NCLEX in Haiti
Follow these steps to qualify for sitting the NCLEX exam in Haiti.
1. Get Your Credentials Evaluated by CGFNS
Before you can register for the NCLEX, the U.S. state where you plan to practice needs to confirm that your nursing education meets U.S. standards. Most states require you to go through CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) for this. Specifically, you’ll need the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report, which includes:
- Your nursing education transcript and diploma (translated into English).
- Verification of your license from Haiti (sent directly by the licensing body, not by you).
- Proof of secondary education.
Once you create a CGFNS account and apply for the CES report, start gathering documents immediately. It can take 3–6 months to get your documents verified.
2. Apply to the Board of Nursing in a U.S. State
Each U.S. state has its own Board of Nursing (BON) and licensing requirements. Some states are more “international nurse-friendly” than others. Popular choices for Haitian nurses include New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, but it also depends on where you want to work.
Once you choose a state, visit their BON website to apply for licensure by examination as a foreign-educated nurse. Pay the required fee and submit your CES report.
Some states may also require fingerprinting or a criminal background check as part of your application.
3. Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE
After your BON has reviewed your documents and approved you to take the NCLEX, they’ll notify Pearson VUE, the official testing vendor. Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex and create your account. You will be expected to pay the $200 USD registration fee.
Next, wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email. The ATT is a critical document. You can’t schedule your NCLEX without it, and it has an expiration date, so don’t delay your exam after you’ve received your ATT email.
4. Choose an NCLEX Test Center Near Haiti
Since there’s no NCLEX testing center in Haiti, you’ll need to travel to nearby testing centers.
Your best nearby options are:
- Puerto Rico (San Juan)
- Florida (Miami or Fort Lauderdale)
- Guadeloupe or Dominican Republic
Plan your travel early, including your passport, visa (if applicable), lodging, and expenses.
Many Haitian candidates prefer Puerto Rico due to no U.S. visa requirement for those with a valid U.S. visa already, or Florida if you’re applying for an immigrant visa or have U.S. entry permission.
5. Prepare for the Exam with NCLEX-Focused Review
Internationally educated nurses, including many from Haiti, consistently have lower NCLEX pass rates compared to U.S. graduates.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the pass rate for first-time, internationally educated RN candidates is just 46.5% in 2025 as of now, compared to over 85% for U.S.-educated nurses.
The difference in pass rates happen due to key differences in nursing curricula, limited exposure to NCLEX-style questions, and unfamiliarity with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format, especially clinical judgment case studies and advanced item types like matrix grids and “select all that apply.”
Feuer Nursing Review is built for international nurses, it offers a structured, NCLEX-focused study plan that targets knowledge gaps commonly seen in foreign-trained professionals. The program includes NGN-style practice questions, simplified explanations of U.S. nursing standards, and clear test-taking strategies to help you think like the NCLEX wants you to.
6. Prove English Proficiency if Needed
Not all U.S. states require English proficiency tests, but many do, especially if your nursing program in Haiti was not taught entirely in English. The accepted tests to prove yo english proficiency include:
- IELTS Academic ( 6.5+ overall and 7.0 in speaking)
- TOEFL iBT (83+)
Check your BON’s website to confirm what scores are needed and whether the requirement can be waived.
7. Take and Pass the NCLEX
On test day, arrive early, bring your ID, and stay calm. The NCLEX is adaptive, meaning the test adjusts to your performance. You could get anywhere from 85 to 150 questions. During your test, stay focused, manage time, and apply your clinical judgment.
Most test results are available within 48 hours, though official results may take a few days or weeks.
Conclusion
If you’re a Haitian nurse dreaming of practicing in the U.S., the path may seem difficult but is absolutely possible. Even without a testing center in Haiti, thousands of internationally educated nurses have successfully passed the NCLEX and are now practicing nurses in the U.S.
Designed with international nurses in mind, Feuer Nursing Review gives Haitian nurses the structure, knowledge, and confidence needed to pass the NCLEX. We offer tools that close the gap between your training and U.S. exam expectations, be it NGN-style case studies, or practical study plans to stay on track.
Start preparing for the NCLEX today with Feuer Nursing Review.
