Border state licensing

[Skies627]

Hi, I'm currently enrolled in a Wisconsin nursing program, but live in and would like to be licensed in Minnesota. I know I can petition for a MN license by endorsement after passing the NCLEX and working for 2 years as an RN in WI. Would I be able to petition for a Minnesota license after I graduate and just take the NCLEX to only be licensed in MN after? I've never gotten an actual clear answer about this. Thanks!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Yes. You can apply for "License by Exam" in MN. Notify your school to have them send your documents to MN instead of Wisconsin. You do not need to go to the school in the state that you want your original license in.

[Skies627]

Thank you!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

You just need to declare the state you are testing for and have all documentation sent to that state. The NCLEX is the same no matter where you take it.

[Skies627]

Thanks, I understand it's a national exam, I just wasn't sure how strict the Minnesota BON would be or if I would have to work in WI prior. When I had asked at our school I was told "no one has had trouble transferring their license to another state after." by the secretary(it is accredited, and no, I know licenses don't transfer, you can hold multiple in multiple states); when searching online it really wasn't clear either as the option for endorsement continued to be the result. I really wish they would make a standard fact sheet.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

This is directly from the NCSBN website. They are actually a very good and in my opinion a very under utilized resource for NCLEX preparedness. After all, that is the group that oversees all aspects of the test so they are the definitive experts!

this is the link for the page that this particular information is on, but of course feel free to explore the site. You can find a ton of helpful information! https://www.ncsbn.org/9008.htm

"Can I take the NCLEX at a test center outside of my desired jurisdiction of licensure/registration?

SEE ANSWER

You are able to take the NCLEX at any Pearson Professional Testing location, regardless of where you are applying for licensure/registration.

The NCLEX is given year round and is administered by Pearson VUE. For candidates seeking licensure in the U.S., domestic test centers are those within the U.S. and American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For candidates seeking licensure/registration in Canada, domestic test centers are those within Canadian provinces/territories and the mainland U.S. (not including territories). International locations where the NCLEX is offered include Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.

Candidates can find test center locations by going to the Pearson VUE website.

For more information on where the NCLEX is offered, visit the Test Center Locations page."