NCLEX Requirement for Foreign Nurses
If you are a foreign-educated nurse and want to start practicing your nursing career in the United States of America, the first thing you need to do is meet the NCLEX requirements for foreign nurses. This also applies to other countries other than the U.S.
State licensing in the US requires that you write and pass the NCLEX Exam. The exam is approved by every nursing board and tends to evaluate whether you as a foreign-educated nurse are capable of practicing entry-level nursing in the USA.
The National Council of State Board of Nursing administers two NCLEX exams, they include the NCLEX-PN exam which is designed for practical nurses seeking entry-level licensed nursing occupations, and the NCLEX-RN which is designed for registered nurses who want to obtain a nursing license and start their nursing practice.
Whichever NCLEX exam you want to take, there are certain requirements you need to know. You are only eligible to take the NCLEX after successfully meeting all the criteria.
The NCLEX requirements and eligibility are determined by the Nursing Regulatory Board (NRB). To find out in detail about the NCLEX requirements for foreign nurses and how to apply for NCLEX, ensure you continue reading this content till the end.
NCLEX Requirements for Foreign Nurses
To apply for the NCLEX as a foreign-educated nurse, you must meet the following requirements.
Educational Qualifications
One of the basic NCLEX requirements for foreign nurses is that they must obtain either a practical nursing diploma, an associate degree in Nursing (ADN), or a bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited educational institution in the U.S.
After your nursing education, most states in the U.S. will require that you complete a foreign-educated nurses (FEN) refresher course.
This course consists of 120 hours in the classroom and 120 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed Registered Nurse.
Background Check
Before applying for NCLEX and becoming certified to start practicing as a registered nurse, you will be meant to undergo a background check about your history and identity.
The aim of doing this is to ascertain if you have any criminal record or have been involved in any form of criminal activity. If you are found guilty, you will not be allowed to take the NCLEX exam and be given a nursing license.
Credential Verification
Your credentials will be verified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS) to ensure that your documents meet the basic criteria and are fit to take the NCLEX.
CGFNS will specifically go through all your school nursing transcripts and educational history from your home country.
The three main credential verification include
- Credential Evaluation Service Professional Report
- CGFNs Certification program
- Visa Credentials Assessment
Verification of foreign license
Your foreign license must be verified by the state board of nursing.
This verification helps the regulatory body or licensing board in the US assess whether your qualifications are equivalent or comparable to the standards of the country and whether they meet the necessary criteria for licensure.
Steps for NCLEX Exam Registration
After meeting the NCLEX requirements, the next step is to apply for the exam. To do that, here are the guidelines you must follow
Submit your application to the Nursing Regulatory Board.
The first step you need to take after meeting the NCLEX requirements as a foreign nurse is to submit your application to the Nursing regulatory board of the state in which you want to obtain licensure and work.
The application requirements vary according to the states in the U.S., you are to complete the application alongside your qualifications.
Register for NCLEX through Pearson Vue
The next step after submitting your application is to register for NCLEX through Pearson Vue.
Pearson Vue is an official platform and testing service for various exams.
To register for NCLEX through Pearson Vue, you are to pay $200 as an application fee plus additional foreign charges.
Authorization to Test
After registering for the exam, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via your email. The ATT permits you to schedule your NCLEX at a date convenient for you.
ATT is only valid for 90 days therefore you are to schedule your exam within that time frame.
Book your exam
The next step is to book your exam by arranging the date, time, and location of your Pearson Vue examination. The testing centers are the locations where the NCLEX is administered, this information will be sent to you via your email.
Take the exam
After booking your exam date, time, and location, the final step is to take the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX exam is a computerized Adaptive test meaning that the question difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
The exam covers core areas like psychological integrity, safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, and psycho-social integrity.
The maximum number of questions in both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exam is 145, you must answer at least 75 questions within the allocated five hours to be able to pass the exam.
FAQs | NCLEX Requirement for Foreign Nurses
Can I work as a Nurse in the USA without NCLEX?
No, NCLEX is one of the basic requirements that allow you to work as a Nurse in the United States of America.
Which States in the US is easy to apply for NCLEX
Some of the easiest states to apply for NCLEX in the USA include Illinois, New York, Texas, California, and Florida.
Final Thought
The only criteria for obtaining a nursing license and practicing your nursing career as a foreign nurse in the United States of America is that you meet all the NCLEX requirements for foreign nurses listed in this content.
Once you’ve successfully met all the requirements, you are to apply for NCLEX in the state that gives you better opportunities favorable for your nursing career.
Most states offer a lot of benefits to foreign nurses and it will be of great help to you if you get a nursing license.
Once you pass the NCLEX exam you will awarded the nursing license but before you can get any nursing job or be allowed to work, you must have had at least two years of nursing experience and obtain a resident visa.
