Im moving , should I just take the NCLEX/get license in that state, or home state&trnsfr?

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Im moving to Cali...

From what I understand....NCLEX is a national test and shouldn't be any different if I take it in Cali (where Im moving) vs. where Im from...

The only difference I have found is that I live in a compact state whereas Cali is currently not...............

Beyond that..............is there any reason I should take the test in my current home state and just transfer......or would it be easier and less $ to just take it in Cali.

Before the What If's surface...I am definitely moving...and definitely need a Cali license regardless of which scenario I choose....I just need some expert advice??

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

It doesn't matter WHERE you take the exam. When you register for it, you indicate which state you want your registration to be in. You can take the test in Maine to be registered in California, or whatever.

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Unless you want to pay for, and maintain two licenses, then save money by only applying for a CA license.

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If you're moving to California, unless you maintain a legal residence in your current state, your license in your current state won't have compact privileges. If you know you're moving to California, just get licensed in California.

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elkpark---I didn't realize that I wouldn't retain compact/license if I don't have a residence here........I thought its fine as long as I retain my license? Are you sure this is correct...?

Yes, I'm sure. You must maintain your permanent residence in a compact state in order for your license in that state to maintain its "compact privileges." If you move to another compact state, you have 30 days to apply for licensure in the new state, because you can only be licensed in one compact state at a time, and it must be your state of residence. If you move to a non-compact state (like California), you retain your previous license but it becomes a single-state, "regular" license that does not have compact privileges and cannot be used to work in other compact states. Check the rules/regs of your current state BON.

(ETA: I have no idea why this posted out of order ...)

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klone---I didn't realize that, so that's good info! I haven't changed my address yet and wont until after testing all though my fiancé is there, I hope that doesn't change anything?

elkpark---I didn't realize that I wouldn't retain compact/license if I don't have a residence here........I thought its fine as long as I retain my license? Are you sure this is correct...?

Thanks for the info!!

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Thanks ELKPARK....your info is really helpful...I was going to license in both but obviously, seems silly to. I am gearing up to start doing my APP and so on so...Im trying to research everything I can first, and awaiting a call back from CALI for questions that cant be answered. But again, SO helpful, THANK YOU!!!!!

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