Taking Boards for Two States

There is only one exam for the entire country, but in nursing you take it for one state, then just endorse to the other state.

If they are compact states, then you only would need the license in your home state, and it would be good for both states.

I completed a California LVN program in October 2005 before moving to Texas. Since my school sent my paperwork to the California board of nursing, I took NCLEX-PN in Texas, but the results were sent to the California B.O.N. After I received a license number in California, I then applied for licensure endorsement into Texas. I got my Texas license rather quickly, so now I am dually licensed in California and Texas.

The NCLEX-PN examination is the same test given to all 50 states.

Hi,

I'm an RN that lives in MD and worked in PA. I took the NCLEX in Maryland and got my MD license. Does not take long--a few days.

Once you get your copy of your MD license, go to PA's board of nursing website and see what to do. I believe I had to get a temp license while waiting for my permanent license (did not take long at all). There's an application form that addresses this.

Part of the process is paying your application fee to PA board of nursing and also going to a certain website and paying a fee so they can check your MD license. Don't hesitate to e-mail or call the PA Board of Nursing. They are very helpful. MD and PA aren't compact states.