A friend had an inquiry yesterday, inspiring me to write this post.
Because I am not able to give an elaborate explanation and I do understand that there are people back home that are in my previous situation who wanted to have a better paying job but need to go through the process to be here.
I know blog posts are passe but this is where I express myself the most and I hope this can help more people not only in the Philippines but also in other countries.
Did you take the NCLEX in the Philippines?
Yes, we usually do. We process the accreditation first to prove that our education is at par with US standards. My friend and I initially thought we can do it by ourselves but with full-time work and family responsibilities we finally end up going for an agency to help us process the papers. There is a timeline from being able to submit all the papers to the time when you are allowed to take the exam. From here start studying.
How much is the fee?
If you take the stress-free road and opt for an agency this is the potential rundown of expenses
$69- Service fee
Pre-eligibility (Credential Evaluation)
Processing Time is 2-3 Months
$350——–Credential Evaluation Application Fee
$37———-PRC License Validation & PRC Express Mailing Fee Note: For PH local license holder only.
$45———-Mailing and Handling & Inter. Credit Card Assistance
$69———-Online Application Service Fee
Eligibility Application
$40———–Eligibility Application Fee
$45———–Mailing and Handling & Inter. Money Draft Assistance Fee
$99———–Service Fee
NCLEX Registration (ATT)
$200———NCLEX Registration Fee
$33———–Service Fee
NCLEX-RN Exam Scheduling
$150———-Inter. Exam Sched Fee Note: There is no fee if taking the exam in the U.S and Territories
$35————Service Fee
This is years ago, inflation-adjusted they might increase it and you can also inquire to them directly.
If you do it yourself you’ll probably just not pay for the service fee and add 10-20% buffer cause you will run the errands for food, transportation cost.
Is it better to self-review or review center?
In my experience, it is better to review on a center and really focus on the exam I had stomach cramps when I was taking it cause I really thought I wouldn’t pass.
Possible Cost:
Bundle of 40 Practice Tests – P28,704.00 P12,050.00
Bundle of 20 Practice Tests-P14,352.00Â P6,950.00
Bundle of 10 Practice Tests-P7,176.00Â P3,975.00
Also, this is an offer years ago, prices may vary.
We opted for self-review because of the life situation at the time, I can’t afford to resign and focus on reviewing for the exam. I needed my full-time nursing job to have continuous experience in bedside care. Since it doesn’t pay enough I needed to have a part-time job too. So how are we able to review?
Ninja moves of the hustlers
- Have a friend that will make you accountable. Someone who will pervently remind you “Have you studied?”
- Use time efficiently. I used to wait in line to pay bills and while waiting am answering review questions on my phone. I have a 20minute walk from work to my home I used to listen to lectures.
- Have friends who respect your life situation and believes in your goals. I used to always have the back of the car when we are going out of town so I can review while we drive.
- Give yourself atleast 45 minutes a day. You will have almost a year from the date of filling to the exam time. Seat and study for 45minutes everyday, that will equate to 273.75 hours.
- Maximize your resources. When I was at work during nights we scan charts, I used to read ABGs, lab findings and their relevance to the case. I would follow consultants when they do their rounds specially when they are with their residents cause I know they will explain the case. I asked my senior nurses to teach me, resident and nursing aides. It’s easier to remember when you are actually doing it. Then I try to teach the incoming nurses even if I am not the kindest and most courteous teacher back in the day.
- Chill. Sometimes it feels like a crashing wave unto you. You will have thoughts like “What if I fail the exam, everything will be wasted, I will be stuck here what will my future become?” You can certainly entertain those thoughts and put it into writing. If the worst of the worst happens what will you be? Sometimes you realize it’s not that bad and you will go on.
That’s it pancit!!! I hope you all the best and pm me once you pass! It’ll be nice to see people achieving their dreams.



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