I'm an RN from the Philippines and just arrived here in California, how do I get licensed here?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Welcome to California! If you're an RN (Registered Nurse) from the Philippines and you plan to work as an RN in California, here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the licensing process:

Evaluate Your Credentials

Credential evaluation. The first step is to have your nursing education credentials evaluated by a credential evaluation service approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). This service will assess whether your education meets California's requirements to practice as a nurse.

The California Board of Registered Nursing accepts evaluations from services like CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or CES (Credential Evaluation Service).

You'll need to submit the following:

• Your official transcripts from your nursing school in the Philippines.
• Proof of licensure in the Philippines (your RN license).
• Any additional documents requested by the evaluation service (e.g., course syllabi or evidence of clinical hours).

Submit an Application to the California BRN

• Application for licensure. Once your credentials have been evaluated, submit an application for licensure to the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The application can be completed online through the BRN website.
• You must provide personal information, details of your education, and professional experience. The application fee is around $150 (but this may change, so check the latest fee structure).
• Criminal background check. All applicants, including those with foreign credentials, must undergo a criminal background check through Live Scan fingerprinting. The BRN will send you instructions for this step.

Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

After your application is approved and your credentials are evaluated, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, the national licensing exam for registered nurses in the United States.

• Register for NCLEX. Once the BRN approves your application, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE,  the company that administers the NCLEX.
• Prepare for the NCLEX. The NCLEX tests a broad range of nursing knowledge, so it's a good idea to prepare thoroughly. Many candidates take review courses or use NCLEX prep books and online resources to study. There are many online testing banks to choose from.
• Schedule the exam. You can schedule the exam through Pearson VUE once you have your ATT.

Pass the NCLEX-RN

After successfully passing the NCLEX, you will be granted a California RN license. You'll receive a notification from the California BRN with instructions on obtaining your official license and practicing as an RN.

English Proficiency Requirements (if applicable)

If English is not your first language, you may be required to prove English proficiency by taking the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or providing proof of English language instruction.

This is typically necessary if your nursing education was not conducted in English, but this may not be required if you've worked in an English-speaking healthcare environment.

Obtain Your California Nursing License

You will receive your California RN license after passing the NCLEX and fulfilling all the requirements. You can start looking for nursing jobs in California and begin your practice.

Additional Considerations

 If you feel there might be a language barrier, many nurses find taking an NCLEX review course helpful to better understand the exam format and terminology in the US.

Once you've passed the NCLEX, you can apply for jobs in California! Be sure to update your resume to reflect your international background and any experience or skills that can differentiate you in the competitive nursing market.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth