The Pearson VUE trick, honestly.

How the trick works

1. 01

   You finish the exam

   The screen closes when the computerized adaptive test decides it has enough evidence, which can happen anywhere from the minimum to the maximum number of questions. A short or long exam tells you nothing on its own.

2. 02

   You try to re-register

   Some hours after testing, you log in to Pearson VUE and start registering for the NCLEX® again, moving through to the payment step.

3. 03

   You read the pop-up

   A message that stops you from re-registering, often called the good pop-up, is read as a likely pass. A screen that lets you continue and pay is read as a likely fail. Neither is official.

The wait is the hard part. Have a next step ready.

However the pop-up reads, it is a guess. If you passed, you will know officially soon enough. If you did not, you can retest, and the fastest way back is a plan built from the areas that tripped you up. Practice that adapts to your weak spots turns the waiting period into forward motion.

The Pearson VUE trick, answered

What is the Pearson VUE trick?

It is an unofficial method test-takers use to guess their NCLEX® result before the official one is posted. After testing, you go through the Pearson VUE registration as if to re-book the exam and enter payment details. A pop-up that stops you from re-registering (the good pop-up) is read as a likely pass. A screen that lets you re-register and pay is read as a likely fail. Pearson VUE and NCSBN do not endorse this method.

Is the Pearson VUE trick accurate?

Many students report it matching their real result, but it is not official and it is not guaranteed. The registration system was not built to report scores, and the pop-up behavior can change. Treat it as a rumor, not a result. Your only true result comes from your nursing regulatory body or the NCSBN Quick Results service.

How do I get my real NCLEX® results?

Your official result comes from your nursing regulatory body, usually posted to the state board of nursing. In participating states you can also buy NCSBN Quick Results about 48 hours after testing for an unofficial early score. The license itself is confirmed by your board.

Does the trick cost money?

Reaching the pop-up does not charge you, because a passing result blocks the re-registration before payment goes through. If you do not get the good pop-up and complete a re-registration, you can be charged the exam fee, so many students avoid entering real payment details.

Should I rely on the trick while I wait?

Waiting is the hard part, and the trick is tempting, but it can send you spiraling on a false read either way. The healthier move is to step back from the screen, and if you did not pass, know that you can retest. A retake plan built from your weak areas turns the wait into a next step.