Budgeting to take the NCSN exam
NBCSN will always make every effort to keep any increases within reason, however all costs are subject to change.
| Fees | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Prep | Review Book Digital | Review Book Digital and Print | Practice Exam 1 | Practice Exam 2 |
Practice Exam Bundle (1 &2) |
Total Exam prep fees |
| $69.95 | $89.95 | $75 | $75 | $120 | $69.95- $209.95 | |
| Certification | Registration Fee for Early Birds | Regular Registration Fee | Late Registration Fee | |||
| $370 | $390 | $440 | ||||
| Retake Fee for Early Birds | Retake Registration Fee | Retake Late Registration Fee | ||||
| $270 | $290 | $340 | ||||
| Total estimated exam and exam prep fees | $370 - $649.95 | |||||
| Credential Maintenance | ||||||
| Recertification | Regular Fee | Recertification Fee + Late application Fee | ||||
| $255 every 5 years= $4.25 per month | $355 |
*To qualify for the retake fee, applicant must have tested within the previous 12 months. Discount will automatically apply at checkout.
Using 529 Career Savings for Professional Certification (including the NCSN exam)
Good news: recent federal changes expand how 529 education savings plans can be used — and that now includes many professional credentialing and certification expenses, such as exam fees for the Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN). If you’ve been saving in a 529 plan, this can be a great way to cover the cost of certification, exam prep, and related expenses tax-free (when used for qualified expenses).
Are NCSN exam fees covered?
Potentially. Exam fees for recognized professional certifications (including the NCSN) may now be eligible 529-qualified expenses if they meet the program/credential eligibility rules under the updated law and your plan’s policies. To be certain, you must confirm with your specific 529 plan administrator and keep documentation that ties the expense to a qualifying credential program.