How do I get a license to work as a nurse in the United States?
How do I know which state board to apply to?
Do I have to take my NCLEX-RN exam in the state that I have applied to?
Am I required to work in the state where I take and pass my NCLEX-RN exam?
What does “Licensure by Examination” mean?
What does “Licensure by Endorsement” mean?
Where can I find more information about the NCLEX-RN exam?
Where can I find information on the individual requirements for each state board of nursing?
Q: How do I get a licence to work as a nurse in the United States?
A: Before you can work as a registered nurse in the United States, you will need to obtain licensure as a registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN exam through the Board of Nursing.
Once the Board of Nursing assesses your nursing credentials and qualifications, you will be given approval to sit the NCLEX-RN exam. Once the approval is issued, we will register you for the NCLEX-RN exam as well as schedule your exam for you.
Some Boards of Nursing will require you to obtain a CGFNS certificate before they will issue approval for you to take the NCLEX-RN exam. For more information about the CGFNS certificate please read our CGFNS Exam page (link to CGFNS Exam page).
Q: How do I know which state board to apply to?
A: The requirements for each state board are different. Depending on your training and background, InterStaff will assist you in finding the state board that is best for you based on your individual circumstances.
Q: Do I have to take my NCLEX-RN exam in the state that I have applied to?
A: No. There are many testing centers throughout the U.S., as well as many international testing centers for your convenience. To locate an NCLEX-RN Testing Center, please visit the Pearson VUE website at www.vue.com and click on the link “Locate a Testing Center”.
Q: Am I required to work in the state where I take and pass my NCLEX-RN exam?
A: No. You can apply by endorsement to get a license in the state where you will be working.
Q: What does “Licensure by Examination” mean?
A: If you have never held a license/registration in any U.S. state and you have never taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse, you will need to apply by examination to a state board.
Q: What does “Licensure by Endorsement” mean?
A: If you currently hold a license/registration in any U.S. state and have taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam but would like to get a license in a different state, you will need to apply by endorsement to a state board.
Q: Where can I find more information about the NCLEX-RN exam?
A: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) www.ncsbn.org website contains information about the NCLEX-RN exam, including the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin which contains all scheduling and registration information.
Q: Where can I find information on the individual requirements for each state board of nursing?
A: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) www.ncsbn.org website contains a link to each state boards website.
You can also make contact with InterStaff by completing our Online Registration Form (link to Online Registration Form).