Each state’s Board of Nursing has a website where you can find out the requirements. What is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)? Candidates must earn licensure within four years of graduation from nursing programs and have four attempts to pass the NCLEX. RN candidates use the new Pennsylvania Licensing System, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of State, to apply for initial licensure and renewal. To earn licensure by examination, candidates must pay $100 for the exam application, $50 for a temporary license, and $3.50 for a transaction fee. Nurses in Oklahoma must renew their license every two years. Requirements by State – RN. Each state in the U.S. is responsible for the licensure of nurses within that state. However, no matter what state you apply for, everyone takes the same NCLEX to be a nurse in the United States. Candidates should upload graduation verification to the board’s nursing portal and request official transcripts from their accredited institutions. Arizona licenses expire on different dates depending on several factors, but they can last up to four years. The board recommends that nursing students start the criminal background check process about six weeks before graduation. Nurses can also pay $30 for a frame-worthy copy of their licenses. Candidates must apply online, pay a $180 application fee, and submit transcripts and degree validation. Option 1: ... experience. The requirements for eligibility to take the NCLEX and to get a license/registration are determined by the nursing regulatory body (NRB). This document should be sent to the Oregon State Board of Nursing along with their application. Candidates in Texas must submit to fingerprinting and an FBI-run background check. The OBN offers several ways to remain eligible for renewal, including earning 24 continuing education credits within the previous two years. Online PMHNP programs offer flexibility and convenience, making it easy for candidates to earn a degree. Candidates who completed a program in another state but don’t yet have a license must also submit transcripts from their nursing program. Territory or Canada and passed the State Board Test Pool Ex… Reasons to Pursue a Master’s in Nursing Degree, Online Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Programs, Acute Care Nurse Program (ACNP) Programs Online, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs Online, Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM) Degree Programs Online, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Online Programs, Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Programs, Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Programs, Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in 2021, Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Online, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), How to Become a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, if a candidate has ever held a professional license of any kind, the Tennessee Board of Nursing needs a record of that credential. Students in North Carolina can send transcripts 30 days before graduation, but out-of-state candidates must submit finalized documents. State specific licensure information is available on board of nursing websites.. To ensure public protection, all boards of nursing require a candidate for licensure to pass an examination that measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively. Once the board approves applications, they send fingerprint cards and allow candidates to register with Pearson Vue. This page was last updated on October 30, 2019. The licensure process does not stop with successful completion of the NCLEX exam, however. Candidates must also submit to a criminal background check and pay $52 for this service. Additional Requirements, Aspiring registered nurses in Colorado must pay $88 for the examination application or $43 for licensure by endorsement. Qualifying petitioners should submit a notarized application along with payment for the $124 fee and copy of their ID. All first-time candidates must provide fingerprints and submit to a background check. The state does not require continuing education for renewal, but candidates must reaffirm their residency statuses. Fees: $50 temporary license, $150 application fee, $50 fingerprints. NCLEX Candidate Bulletin (Pearson Vue). Those who opt for a temporary permit can practice under the supervision of licensed nurses while they await official NCLEX results. RNs must renew their licenses between September 1 and December 31 of every even-numbered year and complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years. The Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) requires candidates who seek initial licensure by examination to submit a diploma from a preapproved nursing program, fingerprints for a background check, and a passing NCLEX score. Candidates for renewal must submit a $115 processing fee and proof of adequate employment, which can be 140 hours in one year or 480 hours in six years. Must possess an active, unencumbered license in another state and have been initially licensed by NCLEX- examination in another state. Nursing License Map is owned and operated by 2U, Inc. Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees, Online Registered Nurse (RN) Degree Programs Guide, Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs Guide. The Texas Board of Nursing approves only nursing programs within the state. After the examination the … A multi-state license may be issued if proper eligibility and residency requirements are met. The NCLEX-RN was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by Pearson VUE. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has contracted with Pearson VUE to administer NCLEX®. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees licensing for RNs, and candidates should graduate from IDFPR-approved schools. Testing Restrictions All Tennessee candidates should register with Pearson Vue before submitting their application to the board. This interstate authorization to practice eliminates the time-consuming and costly burden of applying for licenses in individual states. NCLEX is a national exam that can be taken in any state, regardless of where the candidate wants to practice, according to the NCSBN. RN licenses in Maine expire every other year on the nurse’s birthday. A nurse moving from a non-compact state to a compact state may apply for licensure by endorsement on the new state’s nursing regulatory board’s website. While a compact license is binding in any NLC state, nurses who want to change their primary state of residence from one compact state to another must apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state. After graduation from a school of nursing, one takes the NCLEX exam to receive a nursing license. Thirty-four states have enacted NLC. Nursing License Requirements in Alabama: Become a Nurse in Alabama! Candidates should submit the $75 fee and their initial application about 4-6 weeks before they graduate, then submit transcripts and education verification closer to graduation. Each state has its own requirements concerning licensure, and although passing the NCLEX-RN is one of those requirements in each state, other requirements may differ. The requirements for an initial nursing license in Indiana may be reviewed at these links: Statute IC 25-1-1.1-4, Statute IC 25-23, and Indiana State Board of Nursing. Candidates must submit official transcripts along with fingerprints for a background check. TheKansas Board of Nursing recommends that candidates first apply for examination through Pearson Vue. The graduate would then apply and pay a fee to a state board of nursing to sit for the NCLEX®-RN or -PN exam. Nurses in North Carolina must pay a fee of $100 and meet continuing education requirements every two years to remain licensed. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. RN candidates in Montana must submit transcripts that verify their date of graduation to the Board of Nursing. The Wyoming State Board of Nursing allows RN candidates to graduate from in-state programs on its approved list or similar institutions in other states. RN candidates in Ohio must graduate from a school approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Testing Requirements. The NCLEX exam requirements and application process: How do I Know What NCLEX Requirements I Need to Meet? When candidates earn approval, they receive their license and begin a Transition to Practice program where they work under a preceptor. RNs from other NLC states can practice in Utah for up to 90 days before applying for licensure by endorsement. Nurses must begin the renewal process through the IBON’s online portal at least 30 days before their expiration date. Candidates must pay the board $130 for processing the paperwork and an additional $60 for the required background check. RN licenses in Arkansas expire every two years, on the last day of each nurse’s birth month. Candidates must provide their Social Security number and proof of either high school graduation or a passing GED score. Renewal candidates must submit payment for the $65 fee and proof of continuing education credits. The Washington Nursing Commission charges candidates $88 for processing their paperwork, and candidates must register with Pearson Vue and send education verification to the commission to gain approval. Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) manages all professional licenses in the state, including those for nurses. To apply for renewal, nurses must complete one continuing competency requirement every two years, which can include 30 hours of continuing education. Various State Requirements to take the NCLEX-RN. All of the BONs in the United States and its four territories comprise the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc., known as the NCSBN®. in Florida should first complete an approved nursing program and apply for the NCLEX through Pearson Vue. Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), meaning that nurses from other participating states can work in Colorado without applying for additional licensure. Candidates must also request that their nursing school send degree verification to the PLA. In most cases, to meet the examination requirements for licensure as a RN, you must pass the National Council Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). They should also contact their nursing school to request that they send official transcripts and degree verification to the state health department. Below you can see where Touro College’s curriculum meets each state’s respective educational requirements for … New RN candidates must submit a passport-style photograph with their application as well as a notarized affidavit declaring sound moral character and proof of either citizenship or legal immigration. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. © 2021 NurseJournal.org, a Red Ventures Company. Nursing school graduates in North Dakota can apply for RN licensure if they provide a Social Security number, send official copies of their final transcripts, and pay a $130 processing fee. Between the criminal background check and other fees, candidates should submit payment of $138.25 with their application. If becoming a Registered Nurse is your passion, there will be certain educational and career paths you must follow. Upon approval, candidates take the NCLEX and can earn licenses within 10 days of passing the exam. RN licenses from the Colorado Board of Nursing expire on September 30 every two years. The requirements for obtaining a license to practice as a nurse differ in each U.S. state … Remember that before you can sit on the NCLEX exam, you will first need to apply for an NCLEX exam license with your chosen U.S. State. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) participates in the NLC, which helps nurses bring their talents to different states. Students who attended an approved nursing program and meet these qualifications can take the NCLEX, while those who attended out-of-state programs must also submit transcripts to the KBN before taking the exam. During the first two years after licensure, nurses do not need to earn continuing education credit. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) administers nurse licenses and accepts successful nursing graduates from any accredited school in the United States or who have received certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. Alabama. The Canadian Comprehensive Examination is not acceptable. Territory below to view the requirements in that jurisdiction. The LLR gives nurses in South Carolina several paths to keep their licenses active. RNs who apply for initial licensure must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check and complete the rest of their application online through the Idaho Nurse Portal. Nurses in Virginia renew their licenses every two years and qualify for renewal if they complete one of several continuing education requirements. Candidates who meet all of these requirements, register for the NCLEX, and pay an additional $25 can get a temporary permit. RN renewal cycles in Rhode Island last two years. RN licenses in Wyoming expire every two years, and nurses can qualify for renewal through several paths including completing 500 work hours in two years. Next, they must send their fingerprints through the Livescan system and apply for licensure by examination through the Florida Board of Nursing. Yes, NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Exam is required. Candidates do not need to complete a program within the state, but must earn a degree from an accredited school that meets Connecticut’s guidelines. In which states can you practice as a nurse with your Touro nursing degree? Next, they should submit completed applications and payment of $75 to the board. Each state has specific requirements which must be completed in order to qualify for a license as a registered nurse. The fee for the application is $100. To be specific, the NATIONAL standard for passing, as of Apr 1 of this year, will be -0.21 logits. Black nurses have worked in the healthcare industry for centuries, but workplace challenges persist. Candidates qualify to take the NCLEX in Arkansas if they pass a comprehensive background check, provide a valid United States Social Security number, and complete an approved nursing program. Here's a link that discusses it in detail: Maryland is a founding member of the NLC and continues to provide that flexibility to nurses in the state. Nurses must renew their licenses every two years, and they can prove either 400 working hours or 200 hours and 15 continuing education credits to qualify for renewal. Out-of-state students must complete an approved nursing program that includes a similar number of clinical hours as North Dakota-approved institutions. Renewal costs just over $100, and candidates must clear any outstanding debt and complete 24 hours of continuing education credits. Nurses must renew their license each year, qualifying if they complete 14 hours of continuing education, earn a national nursing-related certification, complete nursing research, publish a nursing paper in a recognized journal, give a continuing education presentation, or act as a preceptor to student nurses. The DPR requires RN candidates to complete an accredited nursing degree and at least 400 clinical hours. Foreign educated nurses must have validation of education report. The North Dakota Board of Nursing notes that continuing education credits do not roll over between renewal periods. The Alabama Board of Nursing makes up the largest group of professionals in the state and oversees LPN and RN licensure, endorsements, renewals, and reinstatements in Alabama. Programs approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing are below. Candidates must also pass a criminal background check with fingerprinting through the state’s vendor, Webcheck. Nurses renew their licenses during even-numbered years and must complete continuing education hours through courses approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the IDFPR. RN candidates for initial licensure through examination must submit a notarized application, a completed fingerprint card, official transcripts, and nursing program verification forms when they apply to take the NCLEX through the Alaska Board of Nursing. These include proof of completion of an approved nursing education program, successful completion of the NCLEX exam, proficiency in English, and self-disclosure of misdemeanors, felonies and substance abuse. The board of nursing in the candidate’s desired state of practice must also consider evidence that the candidate meets the state’s NPA qualifications. Nursing is a profession that requires licensure by state as a safeguard for public health. CGFNS is one of the agencies they can use. Because Delaware participates in the NLC, nurses from other states can practice in Delaware without reapplying for licensure. State Board of Nursing Requirements for NCLEX-RN. NCLEX Requirements. must graduate from an approved in-state school on an extensive list or an out-of-state nursing program that has comparable standards for clinical hours. The Missouri Nursing Board accepts candidates who are either near graduation or recently completed a degree from a nursing school approved by the board. If you are interested in information about eligibility and licensure/registration requirements, you should contact the NRB where you wish to practice All graduates must complete a member Board approved Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse nursing education program. Renewal candidates must submit proof of 75 continuing education credits and $75 for the renewal fee. Here are the online New York Applications for Licensure for RN or LPN candidates to see it laid out in another way. Connecticut State Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, several paths to keep their licenses active, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Virginia Department of Health Professions, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Challenges Faced by Black Nurses in the Profession: Q&A With an Advocate, Nurse Who Inoculated Vice President Kamala Harris Advocates for COVID-19 Vaccine. While there may be differences in requirements from state to state, one universal requirement for RN licensure is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) allows only New Hampshire residents to apply for initial licensure but does accept RN candidates with licensure in other NLC states. RNs born in an even-numbered year must renew their license each even-numbered year, and the converse is true for nurses born in odd-numbered years. can apply to take the NCLEX online or through the mail after they obtain permission from Pearson Vue. Additional Requirements. The New Jersey Board of Nursing, a department within the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, accredits nursing programs in the state and awards licenses to nurses at all levels. You can get a full list of Boards (including those outside of the U.S.) on the NCSBN Board Contact page. Several laws determine what constitutes good moral character; for example, candidates with certain kinds of criminal histories can never gain board approval, while those with other types can prove that they have changed. The Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) requires RN candidates to earn a degree from a program that they preapprove or a similar program in another state. The MBON accepts candidates who graduate from an approved local university or out-of-state college that meets the same standards. Please see the licensure handbook for details on the NCLEX exam and applying for licensure in Indiana. When graduates meet these standards, they can earn temporary permits that allow them to practice while they await NCLEX results. Graduates from approved schools do not need to send transcripts. Candidates must provide transcripts, payment for the $91 fee, and fingerprints. RN licenses in Hawaii expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) manages nurse licensing. The test is administered at Pearson VUE testing locations. The nurse’s original non-compact, single state license stays intact. Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN. must submit a printed application to the Maine State Board of Nursing along with payment of $75, a passport-style photo, transcripts that prove graduation from an approved nursing program, explanations of any problems that arise on Section II of the applications, and proof of primary residence in Maine. Every state, district and territory in the United States employs a Board of Nursing (BON), which establishes standards for safe nursing care and issues nursing licenses in accordance with the regulations defined in that region’s Nursing Practice Act (NPA) legislation. The North Carolina Board of Nursing requires candidates to submit their information online. How to Become an Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC), How to Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), How to Become a Nurse Practitioner without a BSN, Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse, Healthcare Certificate Programs and Courses Online, Healthcare Management Certificate Courses, Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive Authority, Advanced Practice Nursing Certification Fees, “What You Need to Know About Nursing Licensure and Boards of Nursing”, NCSBN issues national, uniform requirements for licensure, Learn more about the different moving and licensing scenarios from the NCSBN. Nurses in Vermont must renew their licenses every two years, and renewal candidates can apply online and verify the number of hours they worked since their last applications. Candidates who graduate from a state-approved program can apply using an online system. At that time, candidates should submit their completed application and $70 for the processing fee. Students who are near graduation from an approved school use the test before transcript form to apply for the test before they earn their diploma. Registered nursing requirements include legal citizenship and a nursing degree from an accredited institution. All renewal candidates need 24 contact hours of continuing education per cycle, even if they earned licensure in the past two years. The board also verifies that candidates do not owe back payments for child support or have any unfavorable marks on their record that could impact their abilities to work as a nurse. The Connecticut State Department of Public Health oversees nurse licensure. RN candidates are required to declare Tennessee as their primary state of residency, submit to a criminal background check, attach a passport-style photograph to their application, and confirm their United States citizenship. You must be careful to meet your chosen State’s specific requirements since the NCLEX requirements for international or foreign-educated nurses vary between the states. If compact-state nurses want to practice in a non-compact state, they can apply for a single-state licensure by endorsement on the website of the nursing regulatory board of that state. Nurses who want to retain active licensure in Oregon must complete 960 hours of nursing employment every five years in addition to seven hours of continuing education in pain management before their first renewal. Pearson Vue is the electronic testing service that administers the NCLEX examination on behalf of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). During each period, nurses must earn 10 hours of continuing education credits that include two hours in substance abuse prevention topics. Compact state. Additional Requirements. RN licenses in Indiana expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years. The NLC is beneficial to states as well because it unifies licensure requirements so that all nurses practicing within the compact states meet the standards of education and testing and safe practice advised by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN®). Graduates must pay $230 for the application, and RN licenses expire on each nurse’s birthday during even-numbered years. Candidates must also submit fingerprints for a background check that will be forwarded to the KBN. Candidates for initial RN licensure by examination must submit transcripts, a passport-style photograph, payment for the $50 application fee, and explanation for any criminal history. When RN candidates submit applications to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), they should include evidence of either citizenship or legal presence, a passport-style photograph, appropriate name change documents, and any applicable criminal case documents. Variations exist among the states. Candidates who do not meet those requirements and those who earned degrees in other countries must contact the department before they apply. We’ve included links that help you go right to the instructions for those who went to nursing school outside of the United States. They should also submit completed applications to both Pearson Vue and the board. Candidates must also pass the exam within the first three years following graduation. Concern arises over nurses licensed in one state not knowing the nuances and discrepancies in other states’ NPA scopes of practice. Once candidates satisfy the education portion of registered nurse requirements, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), the state to which you applied will grant you licensure to practice as a registered nurse in that state. For example, some states may require proof of good moral character, sound physical and mental health, proficiency in English, or no felony convictions. RN licenses in Nebraska need renewal by October 31 of even-numbered years, and nurses must earn 20 hours of continuing education contact hours every two years to remain eligible for renewal. Missouri does not require RNs to earn continuing education credits for renewal, and nurses who earn licensure in Missouri can practice in any other NLC member state. License Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements: Idaho RN licenses expire on August 31 st of odd-numbered years. NCSBN issues national, uniform requirements for licensure by exam or endorsement, renewals and reinstatement. Nurses who earn temporary credentials can practice for 90 days under such permits. As of July 2018, RNs must earn at least two hours of continuing education credits that address the opioid crisis and substance abuse prevention to qualify for renewal. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) manages all nursing licenses in the state. From state to state, license application fees, length of application process, renewal timelines and requirements, clinical hours served, continued education units (CEU), and temporary practice permits vary. But what if you move? The information on this page is designed to help current students and upcoming graduates navigate the process of applying to take the NCLEX. Although New York is not an NLC state, professionals from other regions can apply for licensure by endorsement. The state also ensures that candidates do not owe back payments of child support or suffer from medical conditions that would make nursing impossible. Who Administers the Exam: The NCLEX-RN exam is developed and approved by the National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). California has 385,663 licensed RNs and 87,701 LVNs. You can only have your social security number if you are already in the USA. Candidates must submit an affidavit of eligibility, fingerprints, consent for a background check, and transcripts that prove graduation from an accredited program. As you’ll see, there are quite a few NCLEX requirements in … COVID-19 Affecting NCLEX and IELTS Testing - PassportUSA - […] are working with our candidates and encourage continued studying for both exams. They are not all the same. Candidates for RN licensure through the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) must submit either their federal tax identification or Social Security number. RNs from other states can apply for endorsement by providing their nursing school transcripts and proof of existing licensure. The Virginia Department of Health Professions welcomes first-time candidates who graduate from state-approved nursing programs. Upon graduation, candidates must submit official transcripts to the board and register with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX.