CA Application for Licensure by Examination for Out of State Applicants

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Hey all,

Didn't see a thread that talked about the process for people who went to school out-of-state, so I thought I would start one to give/get advice for those of us who are trying to get our RN licenses in California. Here's what I have found out so far on my journey to get licensed.

How to get licensed in CA: An Amateur's Guide

1. Apply to the CA BRN
Online application is best/quickest: https://www.breeze.ca.gov/datamart/mainMenu.do;jsessionid=ahbaiZFQ24IZVyvg8dpIzDhwQ_59wQai9tirGaYZ.dca-fp-98-o-02

  • Include:
    • (1) Fingerprints (will upload at the end of your online application)
      • TIP: I requested a fingerprint card & NEVER received one in the mail. If you have the ability to go get fingerprinted at a Live Scan office in CA, DO IT! It's super easy and it speeds up the process of your application
      • How to do LiveScan:
        • (1) Print/fill out this form: https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/livescan.pdf
          • It includes 3 copies (all 3 will be signed by person at LiveScan): 1 for CA BRN, 1 for LiveScan & 1 for your records
        • (2) Find a Live Scan location near you: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations
        • (3) Bring all 3 completed "Request for Live Scan Service" forms to your chosen Live Scan location for fingerprinting
          • Cost: $70
          • Take credit/debit card
          • Need photo ID (i.e. Driver's License)
        • (4) After completing the Live Scan fingerprinting process, scan the completed "Request for Live Scan Service" form onto your computer
        • (5) Upload the completed "Request for Live Scan Service" form that you scanned to your onlineapplication (on the last page of application before pressing submit)
    • (2) 2x2 Passport Photo (will upload at the end of your online application)
    • (3) Transcripts – IMPORTANT!!
      • If this is not your first degree and some of your educational requirements were completed during undergrad/at a different school, you must send transcripts from all colleges/universities you attended that reflect courses required for a degree in nursing, including general education course requirements and all nursing courses
      • The CA BRN will not just accept your official transcript from your nursing school!! The following items MUST be sent together:
        • [1] "Request for Transcript" form: https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/end_transcript.pdf
          • You complete part A
          • Your school must complete part B
          • Here's what I did: completed part A, uploaded the form as an attachment with my official transcript, marked that the form needed to be completed by my school before sending
        • [2]Transcript with initial nursing degree posted sent directly to the Board form your school of nursing
          • CA BRN has two ways in which transcripts can be sent (I am trying both & will update as soon as I find out which method works better)
            • Method 1 : Email – [email protected]
            • Method 2 : Mail – PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
      • Side Note: I have seen mixed reviews on whether or not your nursing degree must be conferred on your official transcript. My degree has not been conferred yet & I am sending the "Request for Transcript" form with my official transcript showing my final grades but no degree conferral. I will update whether or not the CA BRN accepts this, but just thought I would throw that in there.

2. Register to take the NCLEX through Pearson Vue

  • Application fee: $200
  • Status will say: Registration acknowledged
    • Important for the next step: Authorization to test

3. Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT)

  • I am currently on step 3 where I am anxiously awaiting my authorization to test. Unfortunately, the "Request for Transcript" form cannot be completed prior to the completion date of the nursing program, so my ATT is being delayed by my transcript issues.
  • Your ATT will come as an email from Pearson Vue

4. Schedule your NCLEX on Pearson Vue

  • Can set your location, date & time of the exam on the Pearson Vue website

Again, I am in no way an expert on this topic, but this is just what my experience has been so far. Like I said, my intention of posting this was to create a forum to help others who went to nursing school out of state that are trying to take their NCLEX back in CA. Any other help/advice/corrections/clarifications/comments are more than welcome and most definitely encouraged!

Good luck everyone ?

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The prerequisite courses to get into my nursing school were taken in two different colleges back in California. I do not have a prior degree. BSN will be my first. My nursing school had already transferred over those required courses. Do i still need to request transcripts from those schools?

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