Submit NCLEX Application Before Graduation? - California

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I found a similar discussion topic but it was posted awhile back so I'm not sure how current that information is. So my question....

Is it possible to submit the Licensure by Examination Application to the California Board of Nursing prior to graduation?

I was just reading through the application process and it seems it could take a lot longer than expected. Currently I'm attending an accelerated BSN program out on the east coast (graduate in august) and plan to move back to CA shortly afterwards. I was planning to take my exam out here but I don't want to extend my stay here longer than I need to. I read that I need my finger print to be part of the application and since I don't live in CA to use the live scan, I need to submit it manually which could take a long time to process (1-2 months). I'd rather take my exam shortly after I graduate and don't want to spend all this extra time waiting for everything to get processed while I wait out on the east coast (in which I may move back to CA earlier and take the exam there).

So with that information, is it possible to just submit my application with everything they need besides the graduation verification? My hope is that they can just keep everything on file and update it as my school sends in my final transcript so I can get my ATT quicker. Does anyone have any experience with this? I would appreciate any personal experiences and advice!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Yes. I submitted my application in October (2012) and graduated in December. It takes the BRN at least a month to even process your paperwork, so you definitely want to do it at least a month before graduating if you hope to take the NCLEX as soon as you are able.

But I went to school in CA so maybe your situation is different? Hopefully it's not!

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Yes. I submitted my application in October (2012) and graduated in December. It takes the BRN at least a month to even process your paperwork, so you definitely want to do it at least a month before graduating if you hope to take the NCLEX as soon as you are able.

But I went to school in CA so maybe your situation is different? Hopefully it's not!

Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely get on it early. How long did it take to get your ATT after graduation and to sign up for NCLEX?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I did all my paperwork for the board months before graduation, I also filed all my paperwork with PV as well.. I graduated in Dec, and received my ATT the end of Jan, tested the first week of Feb.. We experienced a delay because of the christmas holiday and new years..

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

My understanding is CA will not process your application until you have graduated if trained outside the state. If trained in the state they generally allow you to sit NCLEX once confirmed by college that you will be graduating and the college is in CA

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My understanding is CA will not process your application until you have graduated if trained outside the state. If trained in the state they generally allow you to sit NCLEX once confirmed by college that you will be graduating and the college is in CA

Thanks for responding Silverdragon102 with that info. I've been looking around the forums and I've seen it mentioned that it is for california schools only. On the application, it mentions "california non grad" which I guess implies students that are anticipating graduation who wish to take the NCLEX. I guess I'll go back to to drawing board to decide whether or not I should just get licensed in the state I'm in and endorse to CA, or just wait it out in CA for everything to process. Seems like each method will take months........

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Hi I know this is an older thread, but I was wondering what the outcome was for your situation. I am also currently in an accelerated school on the East coast in Philadelphia and planning to move back to California after. I wanted to start the application at the CA BON before graduation and hadn't before heard that you can't do this if you don't go to school in California. Were you able to apply before graduation and get your ATT quicker?

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CatEnthusiast, I am graduating in Oregon in June and want to work in CA. Although I haven't done it yet, I think you can apply early based on this wording on the CA BRN website: "If you submit your application to the Board prior to graduation you may receive a letter from the Board indicating that you are missing final transcripts with posted degree. Please do not panic as this is only to let you know that your application has been received and an initial evaluation of your application has been conducted. The Board is aware that the school will submit final transcripts with posted degree after graduation."

It doesn't say anything about CA schools only. I think the confusion comes from the application having instructions for "CA non-graduates". This is not non CA graduates like us. CA non-graduates refers to people who are in a nursing program and have met all the nursing requirements, but might be missing some non-nursing classes to graduate. Those people can actually sit for the test.

So I say start early. I understand that sending in fingerprints from out of state can take months.

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Hi sailorjoe,

I was just wondering if you were able to get all you paperwork in and approved for without your transcripts in?

I am currently a nursing student in TX, but from CA and would like to move back to CA to work. So I was just wondering if you were able to get everything approved?

Thank you!

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