confuse which state to take NCLEX

[mloc_21]

Hi guys! Please need some advice. I am really confused which state will I take my NCLEX. I already filled my application in California, unfortunately I didn't passed the NCLEX.

My fiancee lives in Delaware. But there are too many requirements, they need CFGNS Certificate (which means CGFNS and IELTS passer) before I can take NCLEX. In Maryland (which is a compact state), the only difference is they need CGFNS CES Full Course report, and they also require IELTS passer before I can take the NCLEX.

My plan is to take my NCLEX here in the Philippines and take my IELTS in the US.

Which is the best way:

Take my NCLEX in California again and endorse my license in Maryland? Is it true that they need nursing experience before I can endorse my license? and How long it will take to endorse a license?

or

Take my NCLEX in a compact state which doesn't require IELTS passer?

Thanks so much for your reply and advice.

[elkpark]

"Compact state" stuff doesn't really matter unless you are physically living in that state -- if you apply for licensure in a compact state and don't live there, you will just get a regular, traditional license that doesn't have "compact privileges" and isn't recognized in other compact states. You can only get a "compact license" (that is recognized by other states) if you are maintaining your permanent residence (home) in that state.

If you're going to be living in Delaware with your fiance, you can use a Delaware license (which would be a compact license, because you're living there) to work in Maryland, but you can't use a Maryland license to work in Delaware. (You could get a Maryland "non-compact" license and use it to work in Maryland, but it will only be good in Maryland.)

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Have you checked what you need to do to endorse license from one state to another. You may still have to do CES or CGFNS exam. Each state is different and really you need to check with the BON what they require of a foreign trained nurse that has license in another state

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

You could retake the exam for California but the issue is you won't receive your license unless you have a US Social Security Number. The question is where do you want to work? If you plan on moving to California after you get married, you may be eligible for an SSN after a few months of marriage (depending on your future wife's legal status). If you retake the exam for California but plan on staying in Delaware after you get married, you'll still need to take the CGFNS examination to endorse the California license to Delaware. I don't know where Maryland stands as far as your plans.