School/RN exam in SC then work in NY?

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I'm applying to several nursing programs along the East coast. I currently live in NY (Long Island) but am considering leaving NY.

I heard there are a few states where once you pass the Nclex-rn exam in that state such as NY and CA, you can go to work in any other state because the exam is harder and schools have higher qualifications.

If I pass the Nclex-rn exam for SC/PA/VA, for example, and decide to go back to NY after working as a RN for a year or two, would I have to take the Nclex-rn exam again for NY? Or would I not have to take the Nclex-rn exam again (this time specifically for NY)?

Thanks for your help!

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I've heard the once you take the exam, you never have to take it again if you go to another state. I'll graduate in May and we're also considering moving to SC. Good luck to you!

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The NCLEX is nationally standardized, and has been for many years now. There is no such thing anymore (and hasn't been for a long time) as different exams for different states. After completing nursing school, you apply for licensure in the state of your choice (doesn't matter whether it's the state where you went to school) and that state authorizes you to write the NCLEX once the state has determined that you meet all the other requirements for licensure. Once you are authorized to test, you can physically take the NCLEX any place that suits you (there are testing centers all over the US).

Once you pass the NCLEX once, any US state will recognize your results and you don't have to take the exam again to apply for licensure later on in a different state. The only exception to that is if you happened to leave nursing entirely for an extended period of time (many years) and then wanted to get licensed again -- in that case, it is possible that a state might require you to write the NCLEX again in order to be willing to license you. Other than that slim possibility, though, the NCLEX is a one-time deal.

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Thanks so much... this is extremely helpful

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Good luck to you too CruncyMama

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