deciding what state is best to apply for nclex

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Apr 4, 2008

You need to apply for a license in the state you want to work in. Each board of nursing is different, and you MUST have a license in that state to practice. It's a LOT of paperwork to endorse your license to another state, and a LOT of money.

You can take the NCLEX in any state you want, but you need to pick a state to apply your results toward a license.

There is ONE NCLEX exam. Doesn't matter which state you take it in.

There is only reciprocity between a few particular states, and only when you live in one state and work in another. Other than those few states, there IS no reciprocity. You have to endorse your license to another state's board of nursing.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 4, 2008

This thread actually moved to the International Forum since foreign nurses have completed different additional requirements that need to be met.

There is also no way to apply for the NCLEX exam, you are going to be applying for licensure as an RN in the US. You must actually be given permission by the BON before you can sit for the exam.

Licenses in the US actually do not have reciprocity, only the NCLEX exam does. You require a license for each state that you wish to work in. There is no appplication for reciprocity, only for endorsement.

What was mentioned above is the Compact License, and that is not available for any that do not live in the US and have legal residency in that state before they even apply for the license.

If you do wish to work in another state from the one that you got licensed in, you will have to apply for endorsement to that new state.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 4, 2008

Any questions related to a foreign nurse getting licensure in the US, we ask that you post it on the International Forum since there are many other requirements for you to complete, besides just writing the licensing exam.

The exam is the final step in the licensing process for you, and there are many other things that will need to be done first.

The exam is also a national exam, so it does not matter which state that you write it for, or the location of where you write it. There is no such thing as one state being easier or having an easier exam.

Also be aware that with the retrogression in place, you are looking at about a five year wait for a chance at a visa. Please take the time to do some reading here, as there is much that you need to know. Each state has its good points in terms of ease of licensure as well as things that do not make it so good for a foreign nurse. You are going to need to do some reading here before you make any decisions.