The answer to whether you must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the state where you intend to work is no. The NCLEX is a standardized examination used across the United States. The physical location of the testing center is irrelevant to where you ultimately receive your license. Authority to practice nursing is granted by individual state Boards of Nursing (BON). Your license is tied to the specific BON where you apply and meet all licensing requirements.
The Relationship Between the NCLEX and State Licensure
The NCLEX is a national examination developed and owned by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Its purpose is to ensure entry-level nurses possess the minimum knowledge and skills necessary for safe patient care. The exam is administered year-round by a vendor, and its content is uniform across all states. Passing the NCLEX is mandatory for licensure as either a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) or a Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (NCLEX-PN). Once passed, results are sent directly to the Board of Nursing (BON) where the candidate applied for initial licensure.
Licensure is governed by the individual state’s BON, which operates under its specific Nurse Practice Act. This Act outlines the legal scope of practice and requirements for practice. While the NCLEX is a uniform national requirement, administrative requirements like background checks and fees are determined and enforced at the state level. The license received is a state credential, confirming the legal right to practice within that specific jurisdiction.
Choosing Your Initial Licensing Jurisdiction
The initial choice of which state to apply to for your first nursing license is known as “licensure by examination.” This state becomes your primary licensing jurisdiction. New graduates should consider their current residence, where they attended nursing school, and where they have a confirmed job offer. The application must be submitted to the desired state’s BON before receiving permission to take the NCLEX.
Once the BON confirms you meet the educational and administrative requirements, they issue an Authorization to Test (ATT). Selecting a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) can impact future mobility. Establishing your Primary State of Residency (PSOR) in an NLC state may lead to a multistate license.
How to Get Licensed After Passing the NCLEX
After receiving a passing score notification, the candidate must ensure all state-specific application requirements have been met for initial licensure. These requirements vary by state but include submitting final official transcripts from the nursing program and a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Some jurisdictions also mandate a state-specific jurisprudence examination testing knowledge of the state’s Nurse Practice Act.
Once the BON confirms all criteria—including the passing NCLEX score and required documentation—are satisfied, the license is issued. The license is then recorded in the state’s database, officially authorizing the nurse to practice. Processing time can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the volume of applications.
Working Across State Lines with the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses to work in multiple member states with a single license. This provides a multistate license, eliminating the need for multiple applications and fees across jurisdictions. The license permits practice both physically and via telehealth in any other compact state.
To qualify for a multistate license, a nurse must declare a compact state as their Primary State of Residency (PSOR). Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or federal tax forms, must be presented to the BON in the declared compact state. If a nurse moves their PSOR from one compact state to another, they must apply for licensure in the new state within 60 days of the move to maintain compact privileges. Failure to comply means the nurse would be practicing on a single-state license from their former residence.
Obtaining a License by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement allows a nurse holding an active license in one jurisdiction to obtain a license in a new one without retaking the NCLEX. This process is used by nurses moving between states, particularly when the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) does not apply. Endorsement involves the new state recognizing the validity of the existing license and the nurse’s credentials.
The process begins with an application and fee submitted to the new state’s Board of Nursing. A crucial step involves license verification, often completed electronically through the Nursys database, the national repository of licensure information. The nurse must also satisfy any unique requirements of the new state, which may include a new background check, proof of continuing education, or a state-specific jurisprudence exam. Once the new BON receives the application, verification, and all supporting documents, they will issue a new single-state license.