Easiest State to Apply for Nclex for Foreign Nurses
|

Easiest State to Apply for Nclex for Foreign Nurses

If you are a foreign nurse planning on taking the National Licensure Exam (NCLEX) in the United States of America, you must choose the right state that will provide you with a better opportunity to practice your nursing career.

Each state in the U.S. offers each foreign nurse an opportunity to become a registered nurse but some states will help you achieve this faster than others. Each state has its own requirements and job placement.

Obtaining a licensure for your nursing practice can be difficult and time-consuming especially if you want to move from one state to another, instead of moving from one state to another.

If you are thinking of where to get your license conveniently, there are the easiest states to apply for NCLEX for foreign nurses. You can also apply through any of these states and get your license issued to you immediately.

The US has more than 50 state boards of nursing (SBON) with each having a set of NCLEX requirements, qualifications, process of NCLEX registration, and NCLEX exam fee for each state.

This content will provide you with full details about the easiest states to apply for NCLEX for foreign nurses, make sure you read till the end.

Easiest State to Apply for Nclex for Foreign Nurses
Easiest State to Apply for Nclex for Foreign Nurses

Easiest states to apply for NCLEX for foreign nurses

The following are the easiest states in the US where you can apply for the NCLEX as a foreign nurse.

NCLEX Illinois

Illinois is one of the best states to apply for NCLEX and practice your nursing career as a foreign-educated nurse after graduation from a nursing school.

To become a licensed practicing nurse in the state, you must complete the requirements set by the Illinois Board of Nursing, and register and pass the NCLEX exam. Illinois does not require the US SSN for your NCLEX application, ifyou apply with an SSN, you must declare your SSN Status.

After passing your NCLEX exam you must apply for a license application to be issued an active license by the Illinois Board of Nursing.

The Illinois NCLEX processing time takes between four to six months with an estimated fee of $1,500-$1,700.

NCLEX New York

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) oversees all professional licensing including the nursing license. After completing your nursing program in the state, the next thing you need to do is apply for licensing through the NYSED.

To do that, you are to follow this procedure. 

  • Complete and submit the Online Form 1 – Application for Licensure – RN or Online Form 1 – Application for Licensure – LPN through the NYSED website. 
  • Pay the licensure application fee. 
  • Optional: pay the application fee for a limited permit. 

After applying for licensure through the NYSED, you must also meet the New York Board of Nursing requirements by registering for NCLEX New York through Pearson Vue. After completing your registration, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via your email. 

The ATT for NCLEX New York is only valid for 90 days therefore you are to schedule your test date within that period.

Below are the fees associated with NCLEX registration in New York 

  • Licensure and first-time registration: $143
  • Limited permit ( optional): $35
  • NCLEX registration fee: $200

New York’s NCLEX processing time takes between six to nine months with fees ranging from $800-$900

NCLEX Texas

Texas is one of the well-known states in the U.S. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is administeredby the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN).

You can take the NCLEX Texas every 45 days over four years. If you fail to pass the exam within four years, you will be required to undergo an approved nursing program before retaking the test.

Foreign nurses must fill additional Texas NCLEX application requirements include 

  • English Proficiency exam
  • Credential evaluation service (CES)
  • Full education professional Report 
  • Verification of licensure (VOL)

To be eligible for the NCLEX exam as an international nursing candidate, you must have worked within the four years preceding the exam. 

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) accepts NCLEX applications from foreign-educated nurses who do not have a U.S. SSN.

NCLEX process in Texas takes six to eight months to complete, with fees ranging between $ 1,300 and $1,400

NCLEX California 

The NCLEX California is administered by the California Board of Registered Nursing. For you to become eligible to receive licensure by examination as a foreign-educated nurse, you must meet the following requirements 

  • Compile Transcripts, Translations, and fingerprints 
  • Apply for the RN Licensure by Examination and an interim License application 
  • Pass the National Council licensure exam

After application, the Board of Registered Nursing will evaluate your educational licensing to see if it is comparable to the minimum standards for the California Registered Nurse program.

The standards for coursework and clinical experience required by the California Registered Nurse program include 

  • Anatomy and Physiology 
  • Microbiology 
  • Medical Nursing 
  • Surgical Nursing 
  • Obstetric Nursing 
  • Pediatric Nursing 
  • Psychiatric Nursing 

You can register for the NCLEX exam through Pearson Vue at for $200.  After writing the exam, your NCLEX score will be available to the California Board of Registered Nursing within one month of the exam.

NCLEX Florida

Nursing in the state of Florida is regulated by the Florida Board of Nursing (BON) and the NCLEX is administered by the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN).

To become a registered nurse in Florida you must submit an online application to the board of nursing through their board’s website

After the board has reviewed your application and approved you to take the NCLEX, you will have to register with Pearson Vue which will administer the exam.

Pearson Vue will email you the “Authorization to test”( ATT) and allow you to schedule a date and time to take the exam.

Final Thought 

As a foreign-educated nurse who wants to practice a nursing profession in the United States of America, it is pertinent to carry out thorough research to find out if the various states within the country are favorable to your nursing profession.

Most states in the US offer a good working environment and as well a high salary, to get your license and start practicing as a registered nurse, you need to write your NCLEX exam in such a state.

The states listed above are the easiest states where you can apply for NCLEX and get your nursing license with ease.

They are regarded as the best states because of their easy means of obtaining a nursing license immediately after passing the NCLEX exam and tend to provide better job opportunities compared to other states in the US.

Similar Posts