How to get my RN license in multiple states?

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Hi friends,

I just graduated with my BSN this past weekend, and am filling out all my paperwork for the NCLEX. I am planning on taking the NCLEX here in Illinois, but plan on moving to Colorado once I have my license. I want to have my license in both states just in case things don't work out in Colorado and choose to come back home to Illinois. My school told me that I can register for both Colorado and Illinois and take the exam once, I just have to pay the fee for both. However I cannot seem to figure out how to do this, if it is even possible.

Thanks in advance!

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You need to apply for and get a license in one state (presumably, in your case, IL). You can then apply for licensure in CO by "endorsement." You do not have to take the NCLEX again. Once you have your IL license, you can find all the info and forms you need to apply for CO licensure on the CO BON website. You are not "transferring" your license from IL to CO, as many people sometime suggest. You are applying for a new, additional license (CO), and will still have your IL license. You can maintain both licenses (or as many licenses as you wish to hold) as long as you like, as long as you meet the necessary requirements (like mandatory continuing education hours) and pay the renewal fees every two years.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Apply for licensure by endorsement. Pay the fee.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to NCLEX forum

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thanks for the reply, would i apply for endorsement for colorado or illinois?

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would it be equally as easy or faster to get the license in colorado and apply for endorsement in illinois? cuz i plan on using it in colorado and only have illinois as a back up. so i would want my actual license asap.

if that makes sense lol

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It's quicker and more cost-effective to get initially licensed in the state you want to work in. You can apply for initial licensure in CO, and get an IL license later if you decide you actually want it. You will just need to let your school know that you want your school info sent to the CO BON (the schools all automatically send all the necessary info on graduates to their own BON -- they can send the info to another state; they just need to know that you want them to).

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Specializes in Pedi.
thanks for the reply, would i apply for endorsement for colorado or illinois?

Whichever one you don't get your initial license in. You need to have a license to apply for licensure by endorsement in a new state.

If your intention is to work in Colorado, I would apply for license by examination in Colorado. You can still physically take the exam in Illinois or any state. Do you have a job offer in Colorado? Why are you so certain you're going there?

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