How soon after graduating can I sit for the NCLEX in California?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 10, 2014

You have to wait for the BRN to give you the ATT letter. Most of the class that graduated from my school last May were taking the NCLEX about 4-5 weeks after they graduated. I think the last one took theirs (and passed) about 6 weeks after graduation. I don't know about last Semester's graduates, but I would expect that they'll start taking theirs within the next 3 weeks, if they haven't already started taking theirs.

Remember there's a bit of paperwork that must be processed by the school and the BRN and it does take a little while to get through it all. I hope you're able to get your ATT soon. Good luck!

MedLove, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 10, 2014

Akulahawk- thank you for the reply.

Can you start the process before you actually graduate? Or do you have to wait? Also- I have several degrees from different universities, do I need to get official transcripts from all of them?

Thanks again!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2014

thread movedf for best response

Boone8 · Jan 20, 2014

You should turn in your application as soon as you can because CA board of nursing takes a LONG time to process applications. I just graduated from nursing school in December and I put in my application in November because I thought that would be enough time....ya, I am still waiting for my application to be processed and it is January 20th There is quite a lot of paperwork involved with the application (plus you have to get your fingerprints taken and obtain a passport type photo) but don't put it off till the last minute. The sooner you apply, the quicker you'll receive you ticket to test after you graduate and the sooner you can test! Good luck!

Also you can apply now before you graduate! And you do need official transcripts from ALL of your previous colleges...to answer your questions