RN program in AZ but want to take NCLEX in CA

Published

Hi there everyone,

After researching around the web and allnurses, I can't seem to find a detailed answer on this topic.

I was wondering if anyone has taken the NCLEX in CA or another state different than where they received their nursing education?

I'm currently in a BSN program in AZ (provisionally approved by the AZ BON because we haven't gotten our first class graduated and taken the NCLEX yet, but they're graduating this month and will take the NCLEX soon- other than that, the AZ BON has come to our school, loved it, and think it is an excellent program). My permanent residence is in CA, so I would like to sit for the NCLEX after I graduate.

I know that I have to send in the app and do the Livescan and have the nursing school send in my transcript, but do I need transcripts for every school that I went to for general requirements (I went to UC Riverside). If I do need those transcripts, where does it say which classes is the board looking at?

Lastly, I just wanted to know how long this whole process takes. I know it's normally about a month for a new grad from a CA program to get approval to sit for the NCLEX, but usually how much longer is it for an out-of-state nursing program (and one that is provisionally approved by the BON also)?

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatry.

I can't speak for California specifically but I graduated nursing school in IN and moved to AZ. Prior to graduation I contacted the AZBON and had all the information mailed to me in IN. I sent all the information through the mail (including transcripts from each college I attended) and basically set up all appt's ahead of time. When I got to AZ I took my NCLEX about 3 weeks later and then just waited for the results (which took a couple more weeks). I don't feel that there was too much of a hold due to me moving from another state. Just get as much done as you can before moving back to Cali and you shouldn't have a problem. If you apply in California for your license I believe you can even test in AZ before you leave because it's a national test. I just chose to wait until I moved because I left IN 7 days after graduating. Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there! Thanks for your input! I was wondering if you can explain what you meant by taking the test in any state and then applying for the license in the state that you want? Does that mean that I should apply for the NCLEX in AZ and then apply to be licensed in CA? Is that the same as endorsing the license in AZ to CA? Or does that mean that somehow I can apply for a license in CA but take the test in AZ?

Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not exactly the same situation but I was educated in Illinois and will be taking the NCLEX in Illinois, but my license will be issued in California because my family is re-locating there at the end of the year.

You apply for your license from the state you want to issue but you pay for the NCLEX and schedule location, date and time through Pearson Vue (a totally different company). You have to have permission to test first from the state you are applying in I believe. The rationale is that the state in question has to say that your education meets their requirements. You could try to endorse, but if you know you are moving why pay for an additional license that you won't be using (at least that was my rationale for applying directly to California). If you are concerned, I would recommend that you contact the Arizona BON directly.I hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

If you wish to work in CA (may be hard at the moment) straight from graduating then just apply to the state BRN meet requirements and sit NCLEX. If not sure where you are going to work it will more than likely be quicker to meet AZ requirements and then endorse to the state you end up working in. NCLEX can be sat anywhere in the world regardless on state you applied to as long as the test site administers the exam

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Pandorajinel-

Did the board in CA require that you send in all of your transcripts for all of the classes before they will deem you eligible to take the NCLEX? And is there a list of what CA requires in nursing education, or will they assess your file and then just let you know?

Also, thank you everyone for your input.. I understand now that you can sit for the NCLEX anywhere you want, but applying to the state you want to work at is what matters. That is what I'm concerned about, because I'm afraid it might take months for me to apply and be eligible for a license in CA (due to the budget crisis in CA and limited staffing at the BRN) if I went to school out-of-state.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi kn_absn

Been awhile since this was last updated but I was wondering if you had any updates on what you decided to do and how your experience was. I'm in a similar situation, studying in another state but my desire is to go back to CA for licensure. Hope you check every once in awhile.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello,

Studying in a different state then going back to California is not all that hard! Before I did it, whenever I called the CA BON, they said that it will take like 3 months for them to process the application, but it only took 3 weeks. You should fill out the application before you graduate, like a few weeks, so all you will need after you graduate is the letter from the school that you're done. And it honestly doesn't matter where you take your nclex. Most people will pass the exam anyway if you studied. Good luck! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

kn_absn,

I am in the same situation trying to get CA license but getting my nursing degree out-of-state. Did your nursing degree have to be posted to your transcript when you sent it? And did you have to send in all of your transcripts that were "college credit" or just your nursing school (I am doing a 2nd degree accelerated program)? I have been trying to get a hold of the CA BRN but keep getting a busy message.

Thank you for your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
kn_absn I am in the same situation trying to get CA license but getting my nursing degree out-of-state. Did your nursing degree have to be posted to your transcript when you sent it? And did you have to send in all of your transcripts that were "college credit" or just your nursing school (I am doing a 2nd degree accelerated program)? I have been trying to get a hold of the CA BRN but keep getting a busy message. Thank you for your help![/quote']

CA usually requires ALL college transcripts. Yes degree must be posted. Have you checked the application on CABRN website?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your response JustBeachyNurse. Yes I looked at the application on the CA BRN website and it clearly states that degree needs to be posted for CA graduates but has no mention of degree for out of state graduates. I have been trying to call CA BRN for weeks now but keep getting the "we have a high volume of calls try again later." My school says it takes about 3 weeks to have degree posted to transcripts...does this mean that I can't even apply for my ATT until 3 weeks after I graduate? I am hoping to take my test by 3-4 weeks after graduation.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply to my posts. This is such a stressful situation and any help that you have to offer is greatly appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know this topic has not been updated in 3 years. But I'm in a similar situation: I'm graduating from RN in AZ and I want to get license in CA. What is the fastest way? a) Get license in AZ and then endorse in CA or b) Apply directly in CA. I haven't start the process and I'm graduating in 2 days. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion