Strategic Analysis of the NCLEX Licensure Path for Internationally Educated Nurses: DIY vs. Full Application Management

Executive Synthesis: The Imperative for Streamlined IEN Licensure

The pursuit of U.S. or international nursing licensure via the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a foundational step for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). While the focus of the candidate is rightly fixed on preparing for the rigorous examination, the administrative pathway to gain eligibility often proves to be the greatest logistical barrier. This complex regulatory journey is characterized by a decentralized, multi-layered compliance structure involving several independent bodies, creating numerous points of potential failure or delay.1

For professionals navigating concurrent work and academic obligations, engaging in self-managed (DIY) applications introduces substantial risks of extended timelines, document rejection, and subsequent financial losses.2 Expert analysis confirms that the primary bottlenecks in the IEN application process are logistical rather than regulatory in nature. Therefore, the engagement of full application management services (FASM), such as those provided by NEAC Medical Exam Center, functions as a critical risk-mitigation strategy. These services convert unpredictable, multi-month bureaucratic timelines (which average 4–6 months for Filipino nurses 3) into a defined, managed process, safeguarding the candidate's investment of time and allowing peak intellectual capacity to be dedicated exclusively to NCLEX mastery.

Your USRN Journey Starts Here

Stop worrying about paperwork. Stop guessing which state to choose. Let the most trusted application center in the industry guide you. Take the first, most important step today with no obligation.

I. The Regulatory Foundation of U.S. Nursing Licensure

1.1. Overview of the Licensure Triad: NCSBN, State Boards of Nursing (BONs), and Credentialing Bodies

The process of obtaining NCLEX eligibility requires navigating a highly structured but decentralized system that serves as the foundation for U.S. nursing licensure. This system involves three primary independent entities working sequentially to verify a candidate's qualifications.

First, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) serves as the central coordinating body responsible for developing and managing the NCLEX examination itself.4 Second, the State Board of Nursing (BON), also known as the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB), acts as the ultimate authority defining who is eligible to practice within its specific jurisdiction. Before any candidate can schedule the examination, they must submit a formal application and be deemed eligible by the BON where they plan to obtain their initial license.1 Third, Pearson VUE is the contracted testing vendor responsible for executing the logistical aspects of the exam, including candidate registration and scheduling.1

Layered beneath the BON's application process is the crucial function performed by Credentialing and Evaluation Bodies, predominantly the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), sometimes referred to using the name TruMerit.6 For IENs, CGFNS acts as a mandatory pre-screening agent, evaluating the foreign education and licensure credentials against established U.S. standards.7 The integration of these layers means the entire process (BON application  CGFNS evaluation  Pearson VUE registration  Authorization to Test (ATT) issuance) is inherently sequential and interdependent.1 An error or delay introduced in the credentialing phase by CGFNS, for instance, immediately halts the entire licensing track. This decentralized structure means that the candidate must flawlessly manage compliance across three independent organizational processes, which significantly increases the risk of procedural failure compared to systems relying on a single oversight entity. This inherent procedural complexity provides the primary justification for seeking professional, expert application management.

1.2. The Critical Distinction: Licensure by Examination vs. Endorsement

The regulatory path an applicant follows depends directly on their prior licensure history within the U.S. system. For Internationally Educated Nurses who have never held a license in a U.S. jurisdiction, the only available pathway is licensure by examination.6 This route mandates successfully challenging the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam after meeting all the BON’s educational and document verification requirements.

In contrast, if a nurse has already successfully passed the NCLEX and holds a valid license in one U.S. state, they apply for licensure in a new state through the process of licensure by endorsement.6 This procedure verifies that the applicant meets the same standards as nurses originally licensed in the new jurisdiction, usually without requiring a new examination. Organizations such as NEAC (https://medexamcenter.com/) offer dedicated services for managing licensure by endorsement, recognizing it as a distinct administrative service from the initial application by examination.11 This distinction emphasizes that the licensing process is a lifelong administrative duty, continuing well beyond the initial passage of the NCLEX.

1.3. Navigating the Landscape: Why State Selection is the Most Crucial Early Decision

For an IEN, the single most impactful decision at the outset of the application journey is the selection of the State Board of Nursing (BON) to which they will apply. This choice determines the specific bureaucratic path, document mandates, and overall duration of the initial eligibility process.

The requirements differ substantially across the fifty states. Most significantly, approximately two-thirds of State Boards of Nursing require IENs seeking NCLEX-RN approval to undergo the comprehensive CGFNS Certification Program (CP).7 The CP includes not only a credential evaluation and English proficiency assessment but also necessitates passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.7 This introduces a significant academic hurdle and financial cost (the initial CP order is $495.00 13) that is supplemental to the NCLEX itself.

Conversely, some states accept the simpler Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report for IENs, a service focused purely on evaluating academic and professional credentials without the need for the additional CGFNS Qualifying Exam.14 The existence of two such disparate paths means that selecting a state that mandates the CP when the goal is solely NCLEX eligibility introduces an unnecessary layer of complexity, cost, and delay. NEAC, for example, identifies choosing the wrong State Board of Nursing as the "primary mistake" made by foreign nurses, often leading to wasted months and resources.9 The initial assessment by an FASM company is designed to analyze the applicant’s specific educational background against all regulatory requirements, thereby strategically identifying the jurisdiction that affords the minimal necessary requirements—whether that is a CES-accepting state or one that offers alternative documentation pathways, such as those accepting the VisaScreen Certificate.6 This strategic calculation acts as a powerful procedural mitigation tool, accelerating the timeline by circumventing the resource-intensive CP hurdle unless there is an intentional strategic reason (such as future immigration plans) for choosing it.

II. Phase I: Establishing Eligibility with the State Board of Nursing (BON)

The first and most time-consuming phase of the NCLEX application process centers on establishing eligibility, a process that relies heavily on rigorous document authentication and evaluation by third-party bodies.

2.1. Initial BON Application Requirements and Fees

To officially commence the process, the candidate must submit a formal application directly to their chosen State Board of Nursing. This submission requires several critical items, including official transcripts documenting their nursing education, the completion of required background check procedures such as fingerprinting, and payment of the jurisdiction-specific BON application fee.1

Background checks represent an early administrative challenge. Most jurisdictions mandate a U.S. criminal background check, often facilitated through submitting FBI fingerprint cards.1 This process is highly sensitive to error; FBI fingerprint cards are routinely rejected if protocols are not followed precisely.9 Consequently, an error at this stage can unilaterally halt the application, necessitating lengthy resubmission and processing delays.

2.2. Mandatory Credential Evaluation: The CGFNS (TruMerit) Requirement

The requirement for foreign credential evaluation is nearly universal among U.S. BONs for IENs. The evaluation serves to compare the IEN's education and practice experience with established U.S. nursing standards.

2.2.1. CGFNS Certification Program (CP) versus Credentials Evaluation Service (CES)

As previously noted, the complexity of this step depends entirely on the chosen BON's requirement. The CGFNS Certification Program (CP) is the most comprehensive assessment, designed specifically for first-level general nurses educated outside the U.S. wishing to pursue a career in the States.8 The CP mandates satisfaction of three core components: a 

thorough credential evaluation, evidence of passing an approved English Language Proficiency examination, and successfully passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.7 The initial application fee for the CP is approximately $495.00.13

The alternative, the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report, offers a focused assessment of the secondary school education, nursing education curriculum (theory and clinical hours), and professional licensure status.7 Many State Boards of Nursing only require the CES, which is a less burdensome pathway as it eliminates the need for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. The ability to identify and target a CES-only state is a primary mechanism by which FASM providers expedite the process.

2.2.2. Detailed Document Submission Protocol and Bottlenecks

The document submission process is the application’s largest vulnerability. CGFNS requires primary source verification for all major components:

1. Academic Records: Official transcripts and complete academic records must be received directly by CGFNS from each educational institution attended for the nursing profession.15

2. Licensure Verification: A current, unrestricted professional nursing license verification must be sent directly to CGFNS from the licensing body (e.g., the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines). Crucially, this validation must be dated within the last three years to be considered current.7

3. Secondary Education: A photocopy of the secondary school diploma or external exam certificate is required, although this specific mandate is typically waived if the applicant completed secondary education more than 10 years ago.15

The single greatest threat to the IEN timeline is the inherent delay in gathering these documents. CGFNS institutional data reveals that the overall evaluation process averages 16 weeks from the date of application submission.17 Of this time, the process of waiting for all necessary documents accounts for an overwhelming 14 weeks on average.17 This protracted wait is due to the time required for foreign academic and regulatory institutions to prepare and dispatch authenticated records, often through complex internal bureaucratic channels that may require physical presence or specific authorization letters.18

This logistical friction is precisely what application management services are designed to overcome. For an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), dealing with administrative challenges such as coordinating with the PRC from a different country and timezone is a significant headache.18 By operating as a "trusted, professional representative on the ground," FASM services remove this logistical burden entirely, minimizing the 14-week document collection period and allowing the entire process to advance far more efficiently.18

2.3. English Language Proficiency Assessment Requirements

International candidates must provide proof of English language competency in both spoken and written forms.15 CGFNS accepts scores from a variety of internationally recognized examinations, including the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based Test), OET (Occupational English Test), and Pearson PTE Academic, among others.15

Candidates must remain current with evolving scoring regulations; for example, effective December 1, 2024, CGFNS requires applicants using the PTE Academic exam to attain a minimum score of 63 on the speaking section.15

A procedural detail that poses a risk to many digital-era candidates is the CGFNS requirement regarding testing formats: CGFNS explicitly does not accept the at-home versions of the approved English Language Proficiency exams.15 A mistake in submitting a non-approved remote score could delay the application by one to two months, forcing the candidate to retake the exam and wait for results.3 For an FASM provider, verifying the approved testing format upfront is a necessary procedural check to prevent costly, multi-month setbacks.

III. Phase II: NCLEX Registration and Authorization to Test (ATT)

The second administrative phase focuses on formally registering for the examination and securing the final approval necessary to book a testing date.

3.1. Registering with Pearson VUE and Required Fees

Registration for the NCLEX is executed through the testing vendor, Pearson VUE, typically once the BON application has been submitted.1

The fixed costs for an IEN seeking U.S. licensure are notably higher than for domestic candidates due to international processing requirements. The total fixed examination cost, paid to Pearson VUE, is composed of two fees:

1. NCLEX Registration Fee: $200 USD for candidates seeking U.S. licensure.19

2. Additional International Scheduling Fee: An additional $150 USD is required for international scheduling.19
   The effective total fixed examination cost for an IEN is therefore $350 USD, exclusive of any local value-added taxes or BON licensure/registration fees.19

It is important to note that changes made after initial registration incur additional fees; for example, changing the nursing regulatory body or the exam type (RN/PN) after registration costs an extra $50 USD per change.19 These extra costs underscore the importance of correct, authoritative choices made at the beginning of the process, particularly regarding state selection.

3.2. The Significance of the Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter

The Authorization to Test (ATT) is the definitive confirmation that the BON, having reviewed the candidate’s file and the accompanying CGFNS evaluation, finds them eligible to sit for the NCLEX.1 Obtaining the ATT is considered the application's "golden ticket" because it signals the successful culmination of all prerequisite administrative and academic hurdles.9

Securing the ATT requires perfect synchronization across all institutional bodies (the BON, CGFNS, and Pearson VUE). Should any discrepancy or missing document persist in the file held by any of these entities, the ATT will not be issued.9 Once the ATT is received, candidates have a limited window of time within which they must schedule and complete the examination.5 Full application management services dedicate staff to track and relentlessly follow up on the application status with the board, swiftly intervening to resolve discrepancies and minimize the waiting period, ensuring the ATT is secured as rapidly as possible.9

3.3. Mandatory Background Checks and Fingerprinting Procedures

The background check process is often a final gatekeeping requirement before the ATT is issued. Many State Boards of Nursing require candidates to submit materials for a U.S. criminal background check, most often utilizing specific FBI fingerprint cards.1

The critical nature of this step stems from its procedural delicacy. As noted by industry experts, FBI fingerprint cards are "easily rejected if done incorrectly".9 A rejection at this stage, so close to the finish line, introduces delays that can severely impact the candidate’s study plan and waste the limited ATT window. Full application management providers like NEAC mitigate this risk by supplying the necessary FBI fingerprint cards at no cost and providing precise, compliant instructions to ensure the forms are accepted on the first submission.9

Your USRN Journey Starts Here

Stop worrying about paperwork. Stop guessing which state to choose. Let the most trusted application center in the industry guide you. Take the first, most important step today with no obligation.

IV. Strategic Analysis: DIY Documentation Management versus Expert Processing

For the IEN balancing professional and academic responsibilities, the fundamental decision rests on whether to manage this intricate process personally (DIY) or delegate administrative oversight to specialized experts (Full Application Management, or FASM).

4.1. The Burden of Self-Management (DIY): Costs in Time, Effort, and Risk

The pursuit of a self-managed application necessitates significant expenditure in three non-monetary areas: time, effort, and risk. The application requires extensive "time-consuming documentation work".2 The core process inefficiency lies in the logistics—the 14-week average delay incurred waiting for document delivery from external, foreign institutions.17 This time must be spent chasing up academic and licensing bodies, often navigating complex local bureaucracy that may demand physical presence.18

For the IEN, diverting focus from intensive NCLEX preparation to managing international courier fees, communicating across time zones, troubleshooting administrative glitches, and learning the specific rules of the chosen BON is highly counter-productive. This loss of focused study time represents a substantial opportunity cost, directly raising the risk of failing the high-stakes NCLEX itself. Furthermore, if a candidate commits a procedural error—such as selecting the wrong state or submitting an incorrect form—the resulting delay is measured in months, alongside re-application fees, creating "costly mistakes that can delay your application".2

4.2. Advantages of Full Application Management: Error Reduction, Expedited Coordination, and Focus Preservation

The primary value proposition of FASM services is procedural de-risking and timeline compression, allowing the candidate to fulfill the user’s explicit goal: to "focus on my work and studies."

These services eliminate the need for the candidate to educate themselves extensively on all the paperwork and multiple steps required for licensure.2 FASM experts manage the entire end-to-end process, maximizing the chances of successful application on the first attempt. NEAC, for example, underpins this value by offering a highly compelling guarantee: a 100% Approval Rate and 100% Results Guaranteed or Money Back!.9 This commitment fundamentally shifts the entire risk of procedural failure from the IEN to the service provider.

4.3. Financial Transparency: Understanding the Total Cost of the NCLEX Journey

The total financial outlay for an IEN is composed of two necessary segments: fixed regulatory fees paid directly to licensing bodies and variable service fees paid for FASM.

Table 1: NCLEX IEN Financial and Time Commitments (Core Regulatory Phase)

The FASM service fee constitutes an additional investment above these fixed regulatory costs. However, this payment is best conceptualized as an investment in compressed time and guaranteed compliance. By mitigating the 14-week delay associated with document procurement 17 and eliminating the financial and temporal penalties associated with errors (e.g., $50 USD change fees 19), the FASM service increases the efficiency of the entire career planning process. For an IEN who is actively employed or heavily engaged in study, the monetary value of two to three months of saved time, which can be devoted entirely to exam preparation, invariably justifies the service fee as a mandatory investment for strategic career acceleration.

V. Profile of Application Management Service Providers

The specialized nature of the IEN application process has fostered a market of dedicated service providers. NEAC Medical Exam Center (medexamcenter.com)  recognized as a leader in this field,  and IPASS Processing is another player.

5.1. NEAC Medical Exam Center (medexamcenter.com): Comprehensive Service Model

NEAC focuses on addressing the specific points of failure commonly encountered by foreign-educated nurses, translating complex regulatory requirements into a navigable procedural system. Their claimed 100% approval rate reflects their competence in managing the intricate submission protocols.9

5.1.1. NEAC's 5-Step Assurance Process:

NEAC’s service is systematically delivered through a structured process designed to manage the sequential risks inherent in the application:

1. Step 1: State Selection & Pre-Qualification: The process begins with a non-committal pre-qualification assessment where NEAC experts analyze the applicant's profile against the requirements of over 50 nursing boards. This critical step ensures the selection of the state that offers the "fastest, most direct path to eligibility," circumventing potential traps like unnecessary secondary exams.9

2. Step 2: Flawless Credential Evaluation (TruMerit & Others): Recognizing the high failure rate of manual credentialing, NEAC manages the entire submission to CGFNS/TruMerit. They ensure that documents, including official transcripts and PRC license verification, are requested, submitted, and accepted on the initial attempt, avoiding rejections due to missing seals or incorrect forms.9

3. Step 3: Error-Proof Eligibility & Background Check: The official State Board of Nursing application is prepared using automated smart forms to eliminate common errors. Additionally, NEAC provides complimentary FBI fingerprint cards and precise instructions to ensure the required U.S. criminal background check is accepted without the frequent rejection issues that plague self-submissions.9

4. Step 4: Securing Your Authorization to Test (ATT): The NEAC team prioritizes securing the ATT. Their processing officers track the application relentlessly, maintaining liaison with the BON to quickly resolve any discrepancies that would otherwise prevent the ATT from being issued rapidly.9

5. Step 5: Fast & Strategic Exam Scheduling: Once the ATT is secured, NEAC assists the candidate with immediate scheduling to secure a convenient examination date at a Pearson Professional Center (such as those located in Manila, Philippines 3), ensuring the candidate takes the exam within the limited ATT window and aligned with their study timetable.9

5.1.2. Service Scope and Document Assistance

NEAC (https://medexamcenter.com/) recognizes that bureaucratic challenges often extend beyond the NCLEX. They offer specialized Document Assistance specifically for Filipino professionals, acting as a local representative to manage complex administrative tasks in the Philippines, such as PRC license renewal, retrieving Certificates of Good Standing, and obtaining academic records. This service is essential for IENs who cannot return home to manage these processes in person.18

VI. Synthesis: Conclusions and Actionable Recommendations

6.1. Strategic Conclusions for the IEN Candidate

The analysis confirms that the NCLEX application process  for Internationally Educated Nurses is fraught with administrative complexity arising from its decentralized regulatory nature and the logistical difficulties inherent in international document authentication.

1. Logistical Friction Determines Timeline: The 14-week document collection period is the application's most significant vulnerability.17 For the time-constrained professional, circumventing this logistical delay via professional FASM services (such as those offering PRC assistance 18) is the highest value administrative intervention available.

2. The Licensure Path Must Align with Career Goals: The choice of the initial licensing jurisdiction carries profound long-term implications. An applicant seeking the fastest route to testing should target a state accepting the CES report, bypassing the costly and time-consuming CGFNS Qualifying Exam.7 However, candidates with immediate U.S. employment and immigration goals must be counseled that the CGFNS Certification Program (CP), despite its hurdles, facilitates the mandatory VisaScreen® Visa Credentials Assessment required for occupational visas.6 The initial state selection is thus a critical strategic trade-off between speed and immigration preparedness.

3. FASM Transfers Risk and Preserves Focus: Full application management services are necessary commercial tools that address the structural inefficiencies of the regulatory process. By guaranteeing a compliant submission and proactively managing inter-agency coordination (as claimed by NEAC's 100% approval rate 9), FASM eliminates unpredictable delays and protects the candidate’s ability to dedicate their time to study and professional commitments.

6.2. Actionable Recommendations and Checklist

Based on the strategic analysis, the following action plan is recommended for IEN candidates:

Phase 1: Pre-Qualification and Planning

1. Engage a Service Provider Immediately: Initiate communication with a full application management service (e.g., NEAC) to utilize their pre-qualification assessment. This step ensures the correct State Board of Nursing is selected based on licensure requirements and long-term immigration objectives (VisaScreen requirements).

2. Financial Review: Obtain a detailed quote for the FASM service fee (as NEAC pricing requires direct inquiry 9) and calculate the fixed regulatory costs (approximately to Pearson VUE, plus CGFNS and BON fees) to establish the total budget.13

3. Prepare English Proficiency: Book an approved English Language Proficiency exam appointment (ensuring it is NOT an unaccepted at-home version 15) and confirm scores are reported to CGFNS/TruMerit.

Phase 2: Delegated Logistics and Study

1. Delegate Document Collection: Once the FASM service is engaged, delegate all tasks related to obtaining official transcripts and primary source verifications (including license validation dated within the last three years 7). This action formally shifts the burden of the 14-week logistical bottleneck to the expert provider.17

2. Focus on NCLEX Study: Utilize the 4–6 month application window solely for intensive NCLEX preparation, maintaining professional work and academic commitments without distraction.2

3. Ensure Compliance for Background Check: Cooperate promptly with the FASM provider on requirements like FBI fingerprint card completion, leveraging their instructions to ensure first-time acceptance.9

Phase 3: Examination and Licensure

1. Monitor ATT Status: Rely on the FASM provider’s dedicated follow-up to secure the Authorization to Test (ATT) in the shortest timeframe possible.9

2. Schedule Strategically: Upon receipt of the ATT, immediately schedule the examination date through Pearson VUE that best aligns with the completion of the study review timeline.5

3. Post-Passage Licensure: Once the NCLEX is successfully passed, coordinate with the BON to pay the final licensure/registration fee and fulfill any remaining requirements, such as supplying a Social Security Number (if mandated by the state).19 Nurses planning relocation should be aware of the 2024 Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) rule requiring application for a new license by endorsement within 60 days of moving to a new compact state.10
   

Your USRN Journey Starts Here

Stop worrying about paperwork. Stop guessing which state to choose. Let the most trusted application center in the industry guide you. Take the first, most important step today with no obligation.

Works cited

1. How to Register for the NCLEX: Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. and International Nurses, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://bootcamp.com/blog/how-to-register-for-the-nclex

2. NCLEX Application: DIY or Work with License Processing Experts?, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.unistaff.us/news-details.php/95/nclex-application-diy-or-work-with-license-processing-experts

3. Search | NCSBN, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.ncsbn.org/search.page?q=NCLEX+Candidate+Bulletin

4. NCLEX Philippines: All you need to know - The BridgeWay Firm, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.bridgewayfirm.com/news-updates/nclex-philippines

5. The Department does not review a foreign credential evaluation report prior to - Illinois.gov, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://nursing.illinois.gov/nursing-licensure/internationally-educated-nurses.html

6. CGFNS Certification Program® - CGFNS International, Inc., accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.cgfns.org/services/certification/cgfns-certification-program/

7. FACTS at a GLANCE The CGFNS Certification Program (CP), Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) and the Iowa Board of Nursing, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://dial.iowa.gov/media/128/download?inline

8. NEAC Medical Exams Application Center Inc., accessed on October 15, 2025, https://medexamcenter.com/

9. The difference between the NCLEX and CGFNS exams - Espirita, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://espirita.com/news/the-difference-between-the-nclex-and-cgfns-exams/

10. Fee Schedule and Policies - CGFNS International, Inc., accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.cgfns.org/support/fee-schedule/

11. Illinois Nursing Credentials Evaluation - CGFNS International, Inc., accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.cgfns.org/licensure/illinois/

12. VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment - CGFNS International, Inc., accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.cgfns.org/services/certification/visascreen-visa-credentials-assessment/

13. Required Documents - CGFNS International, Inc., accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.cgfns.org/required-documents/

14. CGFNS Application Processing Times, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.cgfns.org/support/application-processing-times/

15. PRC License Renewal & Document Assistance for Overseas Filipinos (2025), accessed on October 15, 2025, https://medexamcenter.com/pages/philippines-documents-assistance-1

16. Fees & Payment - NCLEX, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://www.nclex.com/fees-payment.page

17. NCLEX and License Costs - Nurse Plus Academy, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://nurse.plus/become-a-nurse/nclex-and-license-costs/

18. 
    Streamline Your NCLEX Application with Archer Review's Processing Services for Foreign Graduates, accessed on October 15, 2025, https://nurses.archerreview.com/nclex-processing