Next step if you don't pass NCLEX in Illinois

dishes, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2016

What do you think the Illinois BON thinks of applicants who try to circumvent their NCLEX cap rule by applying to another state and then re-applying back to Illinois?

If you apply to another state, you must acknowledge that you failed the NCLEX in the three year cap and were denied licensure in Illinois, how do you think the other BON will respond?

Try to answer these questions first, before you consider ways to get around the Illinois BONs licensing rules.

Shonab89 · Aug 6, 2016

Hello dishes, I have thought about all these things. The thing you don't know is why I wasn't able to pass the test after the 3 years, which I am not going to disclose. I was just reaching out to others which may have gone through the same thing. Since you have not been in that predicament it was no reason for you even to respond. You response was very discouraging and just rude. As a nurse I wouldn't expect that from you. I am willing to do what I have to do but if I don't have to go back to school and spend another 15,000$ I am not, you should always assess the situation first right, which I am doing. Have a great day.

dishes, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2016

That's good that you have thought about the BONs point of view and your answers to the questions they may have. When they review your application for licensure, they will have questions regarding your record of previous examination attempts and past denial of licensure. Maybe if you are able to answer the BONs questions in a way that shows you understand the nursing practice act and code of ethics, things will go well for you.

NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Aug 7, 2016

So I live in Illinois and didn't pass the NCLEX in the 3 year cap, I called Contential and they said you have to go back to school for 2 more years and apply again. I also heard you can take it in another state and apply for licensure in Illinois. Anybody have any info on this. Thanks in advance.

I believe what you are referring to is endorsement. That's the process by which you obtain licensure in one state by passing the NCLEX, and then transferring (endorsing) over to another desired state. The issue with that is whether or not Illinois will accept even an endorsed license from a candidate who has reached the 3 year cap and had not followed the requirements of returning to school after that time.

You may still gain licensure in another state...or maybe not. But if so, if I were you, I would make sure it's a state that has some relatives of mine living there; or a state that borders my home state; or a state that I would not mind living in, just in case I might have to actually try to find a job in the state that granted the license.