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!

Karla R said:

I also failed nursing during my last semester which has been devastating. Nevertheless, I was lucky to find and successfully challenged the LPN exam through the Florida Board of Nursing. It was actually fast. I sent the application less than a month or so and have already been approved to sit for the NCLEX PN.  I think it was approved fast mainly because I was not eligible to apply for a compact license. However, it is possible to apply for endorsement at your current state after obtaining it, which is what I will do in order to practice in my state. I have already scheduled the exam and just started studying for it. I definitely recommend going with Florida.

Don't hesitate to message me or anybody that needs extra guidance. 

Good luck!! :)) 

Hi I'm already an lpn and was only 1 class away from finishing my RN. Do you think I can challenge the NCLEX by taking my RN? I'm in NY btw. But I wouldn't mind doing it in Florida and then get an endorsement later

Specializes in Knowledge Seeker.

In a manner akin to physicians striving to curtail the expanding roles of Registered Nurses (RNs), RNs have in turn instituted Magnet status as a means to limit the professional scope of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). These initiatives, ostensibly aimed at enhancing patient safety and quality of care, in reality channel financial resources away from patients and society at large. This diversion of funds serves to bolster the medical-industrial complex, including accrediting bodies and lobbying organizations, thereby perpetuating a cycle of anti-competitive practices.

Specializes in Nursing Student.
Julie123 said:

Hi. Sorry I'm just seeing you message.  
I challenged the LPN board and just passed thank god!  I spoke with professor ----------- and she sent my email to the right people to get my forms I need to challenge and they sent them in to the boards.  -------- is really helpful.  My plan is to challenge RN boards with the 30 unit option once I get my license endorsed if they allow.  I'm waiting on endorsement now but will take 3-4 weeks per California board.  

Hello, can you message me? I need help. I didn't pass 3 questions and am not allowed a second try due to the capstone retake being considered a try so I want to try the application process. Some of my emails are being ignored or not being sent I'm not sure. so I want to ensure I speak to the right people. Not sure who I can speak to or how to apply.

My email is [email protected].

Julie123 said:

Hi Karla,

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

Hello Julie, did were you able to figure out a way around it to still test. I am interested in challenging the PNEQ as well without needing my school to complete the paperwork. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Can someone help me? I have been struggling for the last two years trying to figure out which route I should take. I basically finished my BSN program in AZ, but failed the exit exam. my credits are no longer transferrable because it is over 5 years. I have tried Len route, restarting bin, even and. I am just completely lost and I even tried PNEQ which my school sent over all paperwork. The problem is, will I be able to practice in AZ by doing PNEQ through Florida?

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
Claxxx said:

Can someone help me? I have been struggling for the last two years trying to figure out which route I should take. I basically finished my BSN program in AZ, but failed the exit exam. my credits are no longer transferrable because it is over 5 years. I have tried Len route, restarting bin, even and. I am just completely lost and I even tried PNEQ which my school sent over all paperwork. The problem is, will I be able to practice in AZ by doing PNEQ through Florida?

AZ requires one to graduate from a nursing program in order to obtain their license --see AZ BON Regulations ,  applies to initial and endorsed licenses.

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. 

MyNameIsJeff said:

[...]

... 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. 

This is highly unlikely.  Aside from the states that allow the challenge process, most states require completion of an approved program.

Good morning,

I am posting here to seek some guidance and assistance regarding challenging the LPN exam. I am pending reinstatement to my RN program after only receiving a C in a nursing course. I have successfully completed fundamentals, pharm 1&2, gerontology, mental health, med surg 1, and ob&peds. However, according to my school, I am required to complete med surg 2 before I can proceed with challenging the LPN in my home state.

Given my circumstances, I am seeking information or documentation that supports the notion that med surg 2 may not be a prerequisite for challenging the LPN exam in Florida. I understand that different states may have varying requirements, and I am particularly interested in the regulations specific to Florida, where I am willing to relocate for this opportunity.

If anyone has insights, suggestions, or knows where I can find relevant documentation to support my case, I would be immensely grateful for your assistance.

Thank you!! 🙂

Nursingstudent315 said:

[...]

Given my circumstances, I am seeking information or documentation that supports the notion that med surg 2 may not be a prerequisite for challenging the LPN exam in Florida. I understand that different states may have varying requirements, and I am particularly interested in the regulations specific to Florida, where I am willing to relocate for this opportunity.

[...]

I'm not sure that you are going to find anything that specifically states which courses you have to complete.  As each program is formatted differently, it will vary where you would meet the educational equivalency.  From the What do I need to qualify for the Practical Nurse Equivalency Examination (PNEQ)?

Quote

All professional (RN) courses taken must have been successfully completed with a grade of "C" or better and must have included theory and clinical instruction. The professional or practical nursing curriculum must document clinical experience and theoretical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric nursing. Each curriculum plan must document clinical training experience in appropriate settings that include, but are not limited to, acute care, long-term care and community settings.

Applicants for PNEQ must have their school submit official transcripts, course descriptions and a completed Practical Nurse Equivalency Application Letter (found in the Examination application).

Even if FL does allow you to challenge the NCLEX-PN, you are still going to have to meet the educational requirements of any state you try and endorse your license to.

Best wishes.

@ julie123 how were you able to go around the dean from your school 

@Karla R I need some help and information for the Florida board of nursing can you contact me through email [email protected]

+ Join the Discussion