NCLEX Results Release: Do They Come Out on Weekends?

I remember finishing my NCLEX-RN exam and instantly wondering, "When exactly am I going to see my results—and do NCLEX results even come out on weekends?" After weeks of preparation and the intense pressure of exam day, waiting for my results felt almost as challenging as the test itself. If you’re in the same boat, anxiously checking your email and refreshing your state board's website every hour, you're definitely not alone.

Here's what you need to know: Official NCLEX results typically come directly from your state's Board of Nursing and are usually posted during standard business hours (Monday through Friday). This means that, generally speaking, official results aren’t typically processed or posted during weekends or holidays. Instead, they're usually released during weekdays, especially if you're relying on direct communication from your nursing board.

However, there's an important exception to consider: Pearson VUE’s Quick Results, the unofficial results service available within 48 hours after you complete your test. Since Pearson VUE is a private company separate from state nursing boards, unofficial results can sometimes become available over the weekend, including Saturdays and Sundays. This can significantly reduce your waiting anxiety, even if your official, final confirmation won’t appear until the following business week.

It’s worth noting that state boards vary slightly in their processes and timelines. Some might occasionally update results late on a Friday, while others strictly adhere to weekday-only updates. To ease your anxiety, I recommend regularly checking both your Pearson VUE account (for unofficial results) and your state’s Board of Nursing website (for official licensure confirmation). That way, you’ll never miss an update regardless of when results are released.

Ultimately, the waiting game for NCLEX results is undoubtedly stressful, but knowing what to expect can help manage your anxiety. Remember: whether results come during the week or on the weekend, the most important thing is that you've already taken a huge step forward in your nursing journey. Be proud of how far you’ve come, breathe deep, and trust that you’ve done your absolute best.

You’ve got this! Good luck, and happy nursing!