U.S. licensure for foreign-educated nurses
The USA offers no single national license for nurses. To practice in the country, international nurses must register in the state they want to live and work in.
Here at Espirita, we can help you navigate the different licensure processes of each State Board of Nursing.
Do I need a license to work in the USA?
In the USA, healthcare professionals must obtain a license to practice in any given state. Rules and eligibility criteria for licensure can vary from state to state. Licensure requirements will also depend on your profession, meaning allied health professionals and nurses register with different bodies.
Applying for your nursing license
Nursing licenses are granted by State Boards of Nursing, meaning each U.S. state has its own licensure body and process for granting licenses to nurses who want to practice in a state. For example, to work in Texas, you will have to obtain a license from the Texas Board of Nursing.
Some U.S. states have processes that are more accessible for international nurses than others. We can advise you on the best US states for your nursing license and relocation. Simply register with us to start your international job search.
Step-by-step: U.S. licensure for nurses
1. Verify your credentials
Before you can take the NCLEX-RN exam to get your nursing license, State Boards of Nursing need an evaluation of your academic and professional credentials, which we conduct using CGFNS International. The organisation checks and verifies that your qualification is comparable to U.S. nursing standards and that the documents you have submitted are authentic.
To complete this important step, you will have to:
- Set up an account on CGFNS International
- Apply for a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report (this can be state specific)
- Upload your documents for review
You may also need you to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam ® to satisfy immigration requirements or to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam.
2. Apply to the State Board of Nursing
Next, you will choose a State Board of Nursing to apply to. You don’t have to apply in the state you want to ultimately work and live in. At this stage, you may choose to apply to a different State Board of Nursing, because their application procedure and processing times are quicker.
To start, ask for your CFGNS credentials verification documents to be sent to the State Board of Nursing you’re applying to. This would be the Evaluation Service Professional Report® (CES) or Credentials Verification Service for New York State (CVS).
Now, you can apply directly to the State Board of Nursing where you will take the NCLEX-RN exam. Note that each state has its own application requirements. To find out more, contact your chosen State Board of Nursing or speak to our credentialing specialist.
3. Register with Pearson VUE
You must register with Pearson VUE and pay the NCLEX-RN exam fee. Soon after, you should receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from your chosen State Board of Nursing. The ATT allows you to book your examination at the nearest international NCLEX testing location. You can book your exam online or over the phone, but your test will take place in person.
Make sure to schedule your NCLEX exam before the ATT expires. The validity period varies between state boards, so check your ATT email confirmation for the given expiry date.
Tip: This is a good time to start practicing for the exam. Being familiar with the format of the test and the type of questions will help you feel more confident when taking the exam. Prepare with our 50 NCLEX practice questions and answers, plus read guidance on how to complete the exam.
4. Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Finally, you will take the NCLEX exam at a testing centre near you. The exam uses Computerised Adaptive Testing, meaning you will complete your test on a computer. Your NLCEX results should be available within six weeks.
If you have passed, you will receive your nursing licensure, allowing you to practice in your specialised field in one of the U.S. states.
U.S. nursing licensure made easy with Espirita
When you apply for a nursing job in the USA, we guide you through the licensure process. Our credentialing expert is available to answer your questions and advise you every step of the way.
Navigate your application and exam with confidence, knowing we have your back.
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