Is the NCLEX required for U.S., Canada and Ireland?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Yes, the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a requirement for international nurses who wish to practice in the USA and Canada, but it's not required in Ireland.

Here are the details for each country:

USA

NCLEX-RN. International nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States.

State boards of nursing. Each state has its own Board of Nursing that sets specific requirements, but passing the NCLEX-RN is universal across all states. So, every RN in the U.S. must take and pass the NCLEX.

Canada

NCLEX-RN. Since 2015, the NCLEX-RN has been used as the licensing exam for registered nurses in Canada.

Provincial/Territorial regulatory bodies. Each province or territory has its own regulatory body that oversees the licensing process, but passing the NCLEX-RN is a mandatory step.

Ireland

Aptitude test or adaptation program. Ireland does not require the NCLEX-RN. Instead, international nurses must undergo an assessment process by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). This may involve an aptitude test or completing an adaptation program.

Summary

USA and Canada: NCLEX-RN is mandatory.

Ireland: Different assessment process (aptitude test or adaptation program).

If you have specific questions about the process for any of these countries, I'd be glad to help.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth