Where to test?

jtboy29 · Nov 3, 2018

If you plan on practicing in Washington then you should test there. Florida is a compact state meaning that you once you get a license there you can practice at other NLC states. Washington is not a NLC state so if you test in Florida you will have to re-take the NCLEX again in Washington. You might want to check with each Board of Nursing in Washington or Florida to make sure. You can look for their contact info on the http://www.ncsbn.org website. Hope this helps.

chare · Nov 3, 2018

I have 10 weeks left of my ADN program in Florida. My husband was recently transferred to Washington state (military). I want to test in Florida before I move just not sure if I should take the Florida test or the Washington test. I plan on practicing in Washington.

The NCLEX isn't a FL test or WA test, rather the NCLEX is a national standard examination used by all states, territories, and DC. When you apply to take the NCLEX you designate the state that you want your results sent to. What varies from state to state are the specific education requirements (i.e., TX jurisprudence or PA mandated reporter). If you know that you aren't going to practice in FL, it doesn't make sense to apply for initial licensure there, and then apply for licensure by endorsement on WA. All that this does is add time and expense to the licensure procedure. If your husband is transferred back to FO later you can apply for licensure then.

As for writing the NCLEX examination, you can do this at any authorized testing center. If you will be leaving shortly after graduation it might be more beneficial to find a testing center in WA.

If you plan on practicing in Washington then you should test there. Florida is a compact state meaning that you once you get a license there you can practice at other NLC states...

Partially correct. A license issued by an eNLC state allows multi-state privileges as long as you maintain residency in the issuing state. If you relocate to another state, what happens to this license depends. In the OP's situation, if she were to apply for, and be granted a FL license with multi-state privileges. As she is relocating to WA (not an eNLC state) her FL license would lose its multi-state privileges. However, had her husband been transferred to TX. She would be required to apply for licensure by endorsement and allowed to work on her FL license while her TX application is being processed. When her TX license was issued, her FL license would be placed inactive.

...Washington is not a NLC state so if you test in Florida you will have to re-take the NCLEX again in Washington. You might want to check with each Board of Nursing in Washington or Florida to make sure. You can look for their contact info on the http://www.ncsbn.org website. Hope this helps.

Incorrect. Once you tak and pass the NCLEX, you do not have to retake it when you apply for licensure in another state.

OP, congratulations on finishing school; best wishes on the NCLEX, your relocation, and job search, and thank your husband for his service.

jtboy29 · Nov 3, 2018

The NCLEX isn't a FL test or WA test, rather the NCLEX is a national standard examination used by all states, territories, and DC. When you apply to take the NCLEX you designate the state that you want your results sent to. What varies from state to state are the specific education requirements (i.e., TX jurisprudence or PA mandated reporter). If you know that you aren't going to practice in FL, it doesn't make sense to apply for initial licensure there, and then apply for licensure by endorsement on WA. All that this does is add time and expense to the licensure procedure. If your husband is transferred back to FO later you can apply for licensure then.
As for writing the NCLEX examination, you can do this at any authorized testing center. If you will be leaving shortly after graduation it might be more beneficial to find a testing center in WA.
Partially correct. A license issued by an eNLC state allows multi-state privileges as long as you maintain residency in the issuing state. If you relocate to another state, what happens to this license depends. In the OP's situation, if she were to apply for, and be granted a FL license with multi-state privileges. As she is relocating to WA (not an eNLC state) her FL license would lose its multi-state privileges. However, had her husband been transferred to TX. She would be required to apply for licensure by endorsement and allowed to work on her FL license while her TX application is being processed. When her TX license was issued, her FL license would be placed inactive.
Incorrect. Once you tak and pass the NCLEX, you do not have to retake it when you apply for licensure in another state.
OP, congratulations on finishing school; best wishes on the NCLEX, your relocation, and job search, and thank your husband for his service.

Thanks for correcting me.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Nov 4, 2018

NCLEX is a national test. You can go to school in Maine, take NCLEX in Texas, and get initially licensed in Utah. Once you get licensed in a state, you can apply for a license in another state by License by Endorsement.