RN Certification

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 11, 2005

I have a simple question about taking the NCLEX and receiving certification as an RN. Is the test different by state? In other words, if I take it in SC, do I need to retake it when and if I move to another state to be certified there? Thanks!

Hello, FurmanGirl,

No, you will not be required to repeat the NCLEX. This exam is a standardized test utilized by all states. NCLEX=National Council Licensure Examination

Also, you are not "certified". You are licensed. :)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 12, 2005

Aren't you glad (and the rest of us) that you only take it once?

Good luck :)

sp80 · Nov 13, 2005

hey there,

but there must b some formality wen u mov to another state....

could anyone pls tell us...

sp80

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2005

but there must b some formality wen u mov to another state....could anyone pls tell us...

It is called endorsement or reciprocity if you already have a license. Every state has their own rules and laws as to how this is accomplished. What you have to do is contact the board of nursing in the state you are moving to and contact them for information. Almost all state boards of nursing have web sites. If you look at the very top right corner of this web page and click on the "Links" a drop down menu appears. Click on "Boards of Nursing" and you will be taken to a page of links to all the different state boards of nursing web sites. You have to take the initiative to find this information for yourself and not depend on others to give it to you. That is how misconceptions and wrong information are avoided.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 13, 2005

hey there,
but there must b some formality wen u mov to another state....
could anyone pls tell us...
sp80

Hi, sp80,

You never have to take the NCLEX again once you pass it.

All you have to do is contact the state BON you wish to receive licensure and follow their directions. No problem at all, if you maintain a current license. Some states have a difference in the application process, but, you never re-take the NCLEX.

FurmanGirl · Nov 14, 2005

Thanks everyone! I'm not even a nursing student, yet. I was just looking into future possibilities. I do have another question to add, though. And I'm sure it varies... I've heard that nurses have to take some many hours of class each year to keep their license active. Are there more requirements?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2005

I've heard that nurses have to take some many hours of class each year to keep their license active. Are there more requirements?

What you are referring to is continuing education. Many health care professions have this requirement, including doctors. Each state varies on the continuing education requirement. Out here in California we have to have 30 hours within a 2 year period. The renewal of our active RN license is dependent on this. In Ohio the requirement is only 24 hours of continuing education every two years, but one hour must be a current course on Ohio Nursing Law. Missouri has no continuing education requirement. I've been licensed in 4 different states in the past 30 years and these are the only requirements I know. In the states where continuing education is required to renew your license, there are plenty of providers who offer courses, many continuing education courses you can do as home study, and many of the acute hospitals offer their nurses some continuing education courses as well as reimbursement for the cost of the courses and paid time off to attend them. In general, I have never had to pay more than about $20 for a continuing education hour. Some others may have a different figure than this, but I think that's a good estimate of the cost. Reimbursement for these courses that nurses must take to keep their licenses current is often a benefit offered by employers to nurses.

Another requirement of hospital employment is to maintain current CPR certification. This is not a requirement in order to keep our licenses. However, it's a good idea that any active practicing nurse keep her CPR certification updated. Most acute hospitals offer classes to renew our CPR certification. There are private companies in business to do this as well.

EmilyCCRN · Nov 14, 2005

Thanks everyone! I'm not even a nursing student, yet. I was just looking into future possibilities. I do have another question to add, though. And I'm sure it varies... I've heard that nurses have to take some many hours of class each year to keep their license active. Are there more requirements?

Check with your state's Board of Nursing as continuing education requirements vary by location. In Oregon, for example, continuing education is generally not required for RNs, with the exception of eight (8) hours of pain management CE by 2008. Also, RNs are generally required to work a certain number of hours per year in order to keep their licenses active. In Oregon, RNs must work 1000 hours every five (5) years.

Good luck! :)

Edit: It's actually 960 hours in five years.