Can I take the Nclex in Florida?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 13, 2017

You should get your license where you are going to work. California is (from what I read here) a nightmare in terms of a timeline to NCLEX. Take NCLEX for FL and save yourself time and money.

Scottishtape · Dec 13, 2017

I agree with MMJ. Wait and take it down here.

To answer your other question: When you apply for your license down here, you will need to specify that you want a multi-state license. Us being a compact state is a new thing. I think it kicks in sometime in January 2018, so it's a new process. The letter I got about it stated if you want a multi-state, that's what you apply for. If you don't, you're issued a single state license.

Good luck!

chare · Dec 13, 2017

While FL is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), the eNLC has not been implemented, and won't be until 20 Jan, 2018. When Scottishtape wrote regarding the requirement to request a multi-state license; this appears to be a requirement for those with a current FL license as I received a similar letter from the WV BON as well. If the eNLC functions as the current NLC, whether your license is either single-state or multi-state will be based upon which state your residency is based upon. What this would mean is that, when you receive your FL license, and are still a resident of CA, it would be a single-state license only. When you relocate to FL and update your licensing information with the FL BON, it should automatically convert to a multi-state license.

I agree with MMJ. Wait and take it down here.
[...]

To clarify this statement: You can apply for licensure in FL, while still living in CA. And, can actually write the NCLEX at any authorized testing center.

PJishere · Dec 13, 2017

thanks! I appreciate for taking the time to answer!

PJishere · Dec 13, 2017

thanks for answering! I saw that it is fairly new. I think the timing is great, considering Ill be moving there by the time it takes effect.

PJishere · Dec 13, 2017

While FL is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), the eNLC has not been implemented, and won't be until 20 Jan, 2018. When Scottishtape wrote regarding the requirement to request a multi-state license; this appears to be a requirement for those with a current FL license as I received a similar letter from the WV BON as well. If the eNLC functions as the current NLC, whether your license is either single-state or multi-state will be based upon which state your residency is based upon. What this would mean is that, when you receive your FL license, and are still a resident of CA, it would be a single-state license only. When you relocate to FL and update your licensing information with the FL BON, it should automatically convert to a multi-state license.
To clarify this statement: You can apply for licensure in FL, while still living in CA. And, can actually write the NCLEX at any authorized testing center.

So I can still take the NCLEX test here and still get a single state license. Will I have to take another test in Florida, or can I just simply apply for the multi-state license in Florida as soon as I claim Florida as my residency? Do you know how long the process is to obtain a license in Florida? I should also mention I plan on continuing to get my BRN in Florida, I have two schools in mind but haven't delved into their requirements yet. Right now, its sounding like it's less hassle to take the test and apply for a license in Florida. Although, it'd be nice to have a RN license in my home state California.

chare · Dec 13, 2017

Yes, you can attend school in CA, apply for licensure in FL, and actually write the NCLEX at a third location, anywhere in the world, at any authorized testing center. And, once you have completed and passed the NCLEX you never need to take it again. If you later want to be licensed in another state, you apply for licensure by endorsement.

As to your license becoming a multi-state license, I am unsure how that will work. However, if it works similar to the current NLC, this should happen automatically.

lbeck11 · Dec 22, 2018

I am currently in the same boat of graduating in May of 2019 in Kansas and relocating to Florida. Can you tell me how it all worked out for you?

PJishere · Jan 30, 2019

On 12/22/2018 at 5:18 PM, lbeck11 said:
I am currently in the same boat of graduating in May of 2019 in Kansas and relocating to Florida. Can you tell me how it all worked out for you?

So while we towards the end of the our RN program, us student applied for the CA BRN nclex. I decided that I should study and take the nclex in CA since it would be nice to have a license in my home state. As soon as I passed the nclex and got my ca license number, I immediately started my application for my florida endorsement. Go on the FL BRN and read whats required from Kansas in order for your license to get endorsed over. Suprisingly, I was able to get my Florida license within 2 weeks. That's unusual because CA BRN takes FOREVER with everything. I thought itd take them a months to get to my license verification request, which is when your home state confirms to your endorsing state that you do pass all backgrounds checks, etc. and do indeed have a license!

Also, I ended up not applying for the multi-state license in Florida because I was advised not to do that since I didnt have an actual home address in Florida at the time. If I did apply for the multistate it would have delayed my FL license. Hope that helps. I'm here in Florida now and just starting to look for jobs! I have been too relaxed ugh lol