Question on taking NCLEX in another state that does not need a SSN

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Hello, I am in Canada (Winnipeg) and I will be marrying my Fiancee next year. He lives in California and I will be moving there. I am currently a registered nurse (RN) here in Winnipeg. I was looking at the requirements to take the NCLEX for the states and saw that the CA board requires anyone who wants to take the NCLEX, have a social security number. I currently do not have a social security number and will not have one until I move to California next year. I want to take the NCLEX as soon as possible while I am here in Canada. I called the CA Board and they mentioned that I could take NCLEX for another state that does not require a social security number to take the NCLEX, such as Texas, and then when I move to California and get a social security number, i can register with the CA board.

I wanted a confirmation from the people on this forum if this is a valid approach. Has someone went through a similar situation?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nurse Registration forum

Many have done this however be aware CA is a difficult state as a IEN to register with

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Thanks for the information. Why is it so hard for IENs to register for California? Since I will be moving to California and applying, would this still mean it will be hard to get in?

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Your education might not meet the California BON's requirements. Your idea to apply to another state and pass the NCLEX before moving is a good idea, others have done this.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Your education might not meet the California BON's requirements. Your idea to apply to another state and pass the NCLEX before moving is a good idea, others have done this.

But if OP's educational requirements don't meet California standards, OP will not be getting licensed by either examination or endorsement. It's those educational requirements that trip up a lot of foreign graduates when they apply for a license. CA reviews the transcripts of ALL applicants, and they won't care that TX or any other state licensed you--if you don't meet CA standards, no license for you.

OP: if CA is your ultimate goal, you may want to visit the CA BRN website to see what requirements your nursing program needs to meet. If you discover that you are deficient in any area(s), you can try to rectify matters before it comes time to apply for the CA license.

Start here:

http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/education/edp-i-35.pdf

Best of luck.

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