US NCLEX Application Process & Exam Requirements for Foreign-Educated Nurses
Are you a nurse who was educated outside of the US but would like to work in the US as a registered nurse? Great! Nursing is a wonderful career and there are many job opportunities in all states and all specialties. Becoming licensed in the US after obtaining a license in a different country is referred to as "licensure by endorsement." Because it can take time to get a nursing license in the US, and there are many steps. It is recommended to start this process 6 months in advance of when you are hoping to begin working in the US. First, each of the 50 states has its own nursing regulating body (NRB), also known as a state board of nursing. All states require you to pass the same licensure exam, known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), but each state has its own requirements to be able to test. Some states require a social security number, driver's license from that state, or other proof of residency. Many states require fingerprints and a background c...