The NCLEX application process can be confusing for foreign educated nurses.
Below steps will help you get started
Apply for licensure to a U.S. State Board of Nursing.
The United States of America has 50 states and each state has its own licensing requirements and fees. Each state has a Board of Nursing who decide if you are able to take the NCLEX and get licensed in their state. However, no matter what state you apply to, everyone takes the same NCLEX to become a nurse in the United States.
At Global Nurse Force, we encourage nurses to take the NCLEX through a nursing board that has less stringent requirements. Later, you can apply for your license in the state where you’ll be working as an RN. Although every state has its pros and cons, we’ve had a lot of success applying through Texas, Illinois and Michigan since they don’t require a Social Security Number to apply for a license.
Register with Pearson Vue for your NCLEX
- Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE by mail, telephone or via the internet to schedule your NCLEX exam location and date.
- Receive Confirmation of Registration from Pearson VUE.
- Receive eligibility from the state board of nursing you applied for licensure with.
- Receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE.
- Schedule an appointment to test by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/nclex or by calling Pearson VUE.
- Present one form of acceptable identification and your ATT on the day of the examination. A passport is acceptable.
- Receive your NCLEX examination results from the board of nursing you applied for licensure with within one month from your examination date.
Where can I take the NCLEX?
The countries that currently administer the NCLEX examinations are Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.
When can I take the NCLEX?
There are no set test dates for the NCLEX. You can apply and register anytime. Once you register, you can schedule your NCLEX for a date that is suitable for you! Foreign educated nurses generally have to schedule their NCLEX within 90 days of their application’s approval.
Other Requirements in Some States
Fingerprints: Some states require fingerprints, which can be challenging if you’re currently in another country.
Social Security Number: Some states require nurses to have a social security number in order to apply for or take the NCLEX.
English Proficiency Test: Many states require nurses to take either the TOEFL or IELTS test to make sure your English is fluent enough to work as a nurse in the U.S.
Where have you always wanted to work?
California, Texas, Florida, New York?
Global Nurse Force can help you get licensed in the state where you truly want to work! Contact us today!
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Learn more about Nursing License requirements here.