NCLEX Accommodations: A Step-by-Step Guide for Yale Nursing Students

Planning to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN with accommodations? Here’s how to get started.

1. Start Early

The NCLEX accommodations process begins with your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB)—not Pearson VUE. Start planning at least 3–4 months in advance of your intended test date. Gathering the necessary documentation and receiving approval can take time.

2. Contact Your Provider

You’ll need medical documentation from a licensed professional that explains your diagnosis and how it functionally impacts test-taking.

  • If you have a current provider at Yale Health or Mental Health & Counseling (MH&C), we recommend scheduling a visit to discuss your NCLEX accommodation needs.
  • If you don’t have an established provider, you can make an appointment through MyChart or by calling Yale Health Member Services.

Your provider must not be a relative, friend, or supervisor.

3. Request a Letter That Includes:

Your documentation must be submitted to your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) before you register for the NCLEX. According to the 2025 NCLEX Bulletin, the letter should include:

  • Diagnosis and description of your condition
  • How it functionally impacts test-taking
  • Specific accommodations being requested (e.g., extended time, breaks, separate room)
  • Rationale for each accommodation
  • Credentials and contact info of the provider
  • Evaluation/testing methods used and date of most recent evaluation

📎 Send your request for accommodations to your NRB as early as possible to ensure timely processing. Each NRB may have slightly different requirements, so check their specific instructions.

4. Register and Schedule

Once your accommodation request is approved:

  • Register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE
  • Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) email with the approved accommodations listed
  • Then schedule your test appointment at nclex.com/scheduling.page

Do not schedule your exam until you’ve received your ATT with confirmed accommodations. If accommodations are not in the ATT, they will not be provided.

5. How SAS Can Help

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is here to support you every step of the way. We can:

  • Provide a sample letter or template for your provider
  • Help clarify what your documentation needs to include
  • Support communication with Yale Health
  • Advise on timing and process for your specific testing needs