What states allow you to challenge the NCLEX-PN?

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the process of challenging the LPN exam through the Florida Board of Nursing, including issues with school paperwork, eligibility requirements, and the possibility of obtaining an endorsement to practice in their home state. Some members are seeking advice on how to navigate the process, while others share their experiences and plans for challenging the RN boards after obtaining their LPN license.

I am a student nurse & I've passed everything but my last class of the RN program (critical care). Because I failed this class by 2.5 points on my exam, I am unable to graduate & am being asked to take the LPN course & then re-enroll into the RN program after working as a full time LPN for 6 months. I feel that's far too long after I've already spent this long to get my RN! I would like to get my LPN ASAP. I can't find any solid information about it anywhere but I've heard that medics in the military & other RN students have challenged the NCLEX-PN to get their license. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you for your time!

Hi Karla,

My school won't complete the LPN paperwork, is there any other way to challenge? 

Julie123 said:

Hi Karla,

My school won't complete the LPN paperwork, is there any other way to challenge? 

Hi Julie123, I'm sorry to hear that your school won't complete the paperwork. I'm not sure if there is other ways to be able to challenge it, as the paperwork is priority to allow you to take the exam. Try to have your school send the Florida boards just your school transcript. I can't think of any other way to do this. ?

Specializes in med surg.
Karla R said:

Hi there,

As long as you have completed med surge 1, fundamentals, pharm, and mental health, and you have passed with at least a C+, you are qualified to apply for the PNEQ.  I was in a RN program though, but I think that as long as you have a certain number of credits and have completed those classes, you're good to go.

Also, once you obtain your LPN license, it will only be to work in Florida - single- state license. You may apply for a compact license; however, you must reside in the state of Florida to be eligible. 

I wish you good luck and please research your home state educational laws, because some states like NY won't allow endorsement.

hi karla! I have a few questions for you in regards to this topic. can you please email me at [email protected]

Specializes in ED/Peds/Occ Health.

From my research so far, Florida and New Hampshire both offer it 100%

Florida requires the same classes as NH, being Fundamentals, MS, MH, OB and Peds, but Florida requires a C grade or higher. NH, from my understanding, does not require specific grading, but I have not confirmed that yet. 

Florida's application fee is like $150, while NH's is approx $50. 

NH requires your state, and NH's backgrounds and an FBI clearance check. 

The only issue is you're not allowed to get into some LPN-RN programs, and depending on the state, a compact/multi-state license. Since most programs and BON's require graduation from an accredited PN program with proof. But once you get your LPN from one of the challenge states, you can just apply for reciprocity in the state you want to work in/live in. 

Specializes in Knowledge Seeker.

To challenge the LPN (LVN), which can only be done in Texas and California, one must essentially be a nurse from overseas or an unlicensed nurse. The requirements to challenge the exam are essentially to have the hands on training that a nurse would already have. I suppose if one almost completed LPN school and then dropped out near the end, they might be able to challenge the exam. 

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Or maybe, since they take advanced placement students into block 3 who are LPNs, see if you can apply for advanced placement based on you already passing the first and second semester.

Thanks y'all. I think I'm just gonna do the last semester of LPN. Not how I wanted to do this but it seems to be the quickest route to getting licensed.

ERIKAMARIE...I totally agree with you about going back and finishing your last semester b/c you will learn more and it will be worth your time, the only down fall would be having to pay for the semester but you would probably pay just about that in fees and ext.

Does anyone have any advice for my situation, I completed all the prerequisites for nursing school (which was over 5 years ago) I was accepted and completed 2 semesters of nursing school (therefore I was half done with my BSN RN 4 year degree) I was "expelled" for my ignorant opinions I posted on Facebook. (Which I am sharing with everyone to bring awareness to how social media can literally ruin your life and take what you worked so hard for and punish you so bad) This was the worst thing I have ever gone through. That being said I was thinking about re-applying to nursing schools and starting over or letting them accept what courses were equivalent in their course outline. I am desperate since I am working for low pay as a medical assistant. I have been looking into going back and starting my RN nursing career over but have had no luck since my pre-requesites (anatomy, physiology, micro etc) was over 5 years ago. Therefore, they want me to start ALL OVER AGAIN! Which I refuse to do. So I have been researching LVN programs in Texas, and it appears I would have to go through an accredited LVN school to sit for the boards. I know in Cali and a few other states you can use previous schooling hours and work experience, since I have been a MA for over 10 years.

I am desperate and if anyone could please read this and give me any advice possible and options to paths I could take to eventually get my RN or LVN I would be so honored! PLEASE HELP!

Whitney

Rosak17, How did your state endorsement go after the Florida License? Any updates on your process will be really helpful as I plan on challenging the LPN too....in NY.

Many thanks.

I was not able to transfer license to NY being that the education laws are completely different.

I appreciate the update! If you live in NY like I do, have you considered working in New Jersey - being a compact state? Trying to see a work-around....

Never mind, I re-read your comment about being ineligible to sit for a compact license....

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