Canadian Registered Nurse Getting Married to USC in California. Need Information

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Hope all is well. I am n in Canada and am a Registered Nurse here. I passed her CERN about four years ago. My husband to be lives in California and the plan is for me to move to California after we marry and work as a RN there. I have a few questions that I hope you can assist me on:

1) Can the NCLEX be taken in Canada (Manitoba) and will it be acceptable here in California if I passes?

2) Would I need a Social Security Number to take the NCLEX ?

3) Will I need a social security number if I seek licensure from the board in California?

Thanks in Advance!

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General Process (BE sure to check for current info on official board websites)

STEP 1: APPLY AT YOUR PROVINCE'S ASSOCIATION OF NURSING FOR ELIGIBILITY TO TEST

What is the Association of Nursing?

In Canada's system for the NCLEX RN, Each province has an organization called an Association of Nursing (for example, there are 15 Associations of Nursing in Canada). Some provinces have two Associations – one for LPNs and one for RNs. These associations are the people who decide if you are able to take the NCLEX and get licensed in their province.

Before you can even consider scheduling or planning where you want to take the NCLEX, you have to make your application to a Province or Territory.

How do I Know What Requirements I need to Meet?

Each province has different requirements. They will charge a different application fee depending on each province. If you don't know what province you want to be a nurse in, now is the time to choose!

In Canada, nurses don't get licensed for the whole country. Each nurse is usually licensed in one province at a time. That's why the first step is to choose what province you want to apply for NCLEX in Canada!

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However, no matter what province you apply for, everyone takes the same NCLEX to be a nurse in both Canada and the United States.

Where can I take my NCLEX?

All international students should also read this FAQ page on the NCSBN website to learn more about applying for the NCLEX in Canada!

According to the FAQ page, The countries and non-member board territories that currently administer the NCLEX examinations are Australia, Canada, England, Germany (not available), Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico and Taiwan.”

You can also search available test centers from this Pearson Vue Test Center Search.

When can I take my NCLEX?

There are no set test dates for the NCLEX in Canada – and in the U.S. for that case – that you have to plan while doing the application. You can apply1and register anytime. Once you do, you can then schedule your NCLEX for a date that is comfortable for you! The only requirement is that there might be a 90-day time limit (you have to schedule your NCLEX within 90 days of your application's approval).

List of Provinces and Territories and Association Websites for NCLEX in Canada:

Alberta

Alberta LPNs

Manitoba

Manitoba LPNs

Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland & Labrador LPNs

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan LPNs

Yukon Territory

British Columbia

British Columbia LPNs

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia LPNs

Ontario

STEP 2: REGISTER WITH PEARSON VUE

Pearson Vue is the company that administers the NCLEX exam in Canada too. You should register here only after you have received authorization to test from Step 1!

Pearson Vue NCLEX Website

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I tried to paste the link couldn't, so I copied the info good luck, and congratulations on your wedding!

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The national licensing exam that existed before the NCLEX was implemented in Canada was the Canadian Registered Nurse Exam CRNE not the CERN.

You cannot apply to the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba (CRNM) or any other Canadian province to write the NCLEX because you are already licensed as a RN.

If the California BON allows you to write the NCLEX you may be able to write it at the Pearson VUE centre in Winnipeg.

In regards to whether or not you need a SSN to apply to California or write the NCLEX, check with the California BON as the rules may have changed and the past experience of posters may not apply to current IEN applicants.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Your application to CABRN won't be accepted until you have a valid SSN. At this point you are ineligible for a SSN

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hope all is well. I am n in Canada and am a Registered Nurse here. I passed her CERN about four years ago. My husband to be lives in California and the plan is for me to move to California after we marry and work as a RN there. I have a few questions that I hope you can assist me on:

1) Can the NCLEX be taken in Canada (Manitoba) and will it be acceptable here in California if I passes? Can be taken in Canada once you have eligibility from the state

2) Would I need a Social Security Number to take the NCLEX ? Yes as CA requires it

3) Will I need a social security number if I seek licensure from the board in California? as above

Thanks in Advance!

Once in the USA with valid visa and US SSN you can apply to CA.

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Specializes in Psych.

Hey RN from Ontario, in a similar situation as you!

1) Can the NCLEX be taken in Canada (Manitoba) and will it be acceptable here in California if I passes?

--> if you've written the CRNE (as I have), you will need to take the NCLEX for the States

- you will have to request to write the nclex with a state of your choice: every states has different requirements for Canadian educated nurse; Personally, Minnesota is the easiest/fastest way to initially write the test

- wait to receive an Authorization to test (ATT) and write it within 90days of receiving the ATT

2) Would I need a Social Security Number to take the NCLEX ?

- depends, MN does not require you to have a SSN to write the nclex

3) Will I need a social security number if I seek licensure from the board in California?

- you would have to check with the BON directly or their website. if your fiance is a US citizen, you should have no issues getting a SIN but if not, you will have to get a TN visa through the NAFTA status

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