NCLEX in CA or CO

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Hi! I’m an ABSN student in CA. I graduate in May of 2023. I plan to relocate to CO, and work there. I’m not sure if I should be taking my NCLEX in CA, and then have it endorsed in CO, or if I should apply to take it in CO right away? From my understanding, you have to wait about 45 days post grad to take NCLEX, but it does vary by state. Are there any pros/cons to taking it in CA first ? Not sure what is the fastest and efficient route. If anyone has had this experience or has any advice, I’d greatly appreciate it! Thank you :)

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

You’re confusing two things here that are distinct, separate processes:

  1. NCLEX (1 process and fee)
  2. Applying for licensure (separate process and fee)

NCLEX is a national exam that requires registration through the exam provider Pearson Vue. It does not matter where you take it. You can take it in ANY Pearson Vue testing center. What does make a difference is applying for licensure. And that can depend on a few things:

  • whether the state you live in/want to work in is a compact state 
  • where you live vs where you want to work

If you have no intention of working in your current state, it makes zero sense to pay to become licensed there only to turn around and pay to endorse it to another state. You've just wasted time and money to do that. Now, how the NLC plays into that I can’t for 100% be sure as I am in a non-compact state. That being said, CA is non compact while CO is compact. I may be incorrect, but I believe by not being in CO and not being in a compact state, you can apply for a CO license but it will be single state. There’s no need to pay for a license twice when it will only be used one of those times. 

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Oh wow, thank you for sharing as I was not aware of it at all. Our school hasn't really explained that process just yet, but I'm thinking ahead because I intend on moving right after graduation

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I have noticed that a lot of new nursing graduates ask the question,"Where should I take my NCLEX exam?". Here is the answer. I took this information directly from the National Council Of The State Boards Of Nursing website (the organization that administers the NCLEX).

 

The NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. If you are seeking a multi-state license and reside in a compact state, you should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and/or practice.

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Take your NCLEX in CA or CO (whichever is closer to where you reside at the moment you want to take the exam). Apply for your ATT (authorization to test) from Colorado. Use your Colorado address on the ATT application.

Good luck to you!

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Thank you! If I apply for ATT in CA, can I also apply to have a CO license too? 

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Probably. My guess is that you won't be able to get a Colorado license until your California license is active. If you choose this route your Colorado license will not be compact until you have a Colorado address. Just something I have noticed: the California Board of Nursing moves very slowly. Many people on this website have commented about how long it takes to get a California ATT. Hopefully things have improved at the California BON.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

You can only apply for licensure via examination in one state. It does not need to be in the state you live in, provided your home state is not a compact state. If you apply for licensure by examination in CO, it does not matter where you take the exam. If you apply for licensure in CO, your ATT will be connected to them. 

19 minutes ago, Epidural said:

My guess is that you won't be able to get a Colorado license until your California license is active.

This is not necessarily the case, and will have OP wasting both time and money. 

Click on the checklist link under the application for nursing license. https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/RNApplications


https://drive.Google.com/file/d/0BzKoVwvexVATTEVXYV9jeTBHcDg/view?usp=sharing

You may also want to sit down with your advisor or another faculty member and have a discussion. 

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Here are two relevant FAQs from the NCSBN website. 
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Yes,        www.NCSBN.org      (National Council of State Boards of Nursing)  is a great website to look at, if you have any nursing licensure questions.

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