California RN > Arizona RN license help

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I am a California new grad RN and I am planning to apply for a job in Arizona.

Do I need to retake the NLCEX-RN to get an AZ license?

If so, do I have to take the exam IN arizona or can I take in California? - I am asking because it is a computerized exam and different exams can be accessed by different states.

IS there are different exam? Because I thought all RNs no matter what state took the same exam.

PLEASE HELP.

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The NCLEX is a nationalized test that every state takes the same test. I live in Arizona and we're part of the COMPACT states, which California isn't. So that means you have to actually hold an Arizona license before you can work in Arizona unlike me where I can go work in another COMPACT state before I actually hold that states license I think up to 30 days.

You just have to apply and pay the Arizona license fee of like 200 bucks to get your license and probably need to do finger prints as well. You don't have to take another test.

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Once I get that AZ license will that license also be good for other COMPACT states? Even though I didn't test in AZ? Or will they hold me to the CA for one since it isn't compact?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

The exam is a national exam, Ca will issue a license if you have a SSN and then you can apply to endorse license to AZ. Compact states only work if you have a permanent residence in a compact state and then you can work in another compact state. However if you sell your house in one compact state and move then you have to apply for a license in the new state. (that is my understanding on how compact works)

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