RN Licensing & NCLEX:
You are almost there!
University of Arizona ● College of Nursing
Office of Student & Academic Affairs (OSAA)
Academic Success Coach
Deb Nesbitt,
MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Discussion Outline
Outline process for initial RN
license by examination
Outline registration steps for
taking the NCLEX exam through
Pearson Vue
Identify helpful resources for
RN initial license and NCLEX exam
preparation
NCSBN
Ready, set, 1-2 months
before graduation….GO!
RN
License
NCLEX
RN by Examination
Licensure Process
RN by Examination Licensure Process:
Timelines
Check with the state Board of Nursing for
when they recommend submitting your
application.
• AZ: 2 months before graduation
• CA: 2 weeks before graduation
RN by Examination Licensure Process:
Special Requests & Fee Waivers
Check early with the state Board of Nursing for instructions for requesting
testing accommodations and/or a waiver to help offset the cost of the RN
by Examination application if applicable.
There is no waiver for cost of the NCLEX test (Pearson Vue).
AZ BON - NCLEX Testing Accommodations:
https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/rn-lpn-examination-faq
AZ - Application Fee Wavier:
https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/forms-and-documents
Overview: RN Licensure Process
Decide which state you will apply in:
Where will you be working?
Will you be working in more than one state?
(You can only apply in one state for your RN by Examination license.
This is where your NCLEX results are sent.)
Review state Board of Nursing(BON)
website to see what is required
May need to make an account with the BON to begin the
licensing process
. (AZ – the Nurse Portal)
Look for: requirements – RN by Examination Application –
Fees – Fingerprinting – Validation/verification of Education
– Transcripts, etc.
Overview: RN Licensure Process
Follow BON guidelines for getting fingerprints.
Submit application (RN by Examination), fingerprints,
proof of citizenship/nationality/alien status,
pay fees, provide any other documents or
photos required, and complete any additional
training if required.
States other than Arizona may need:
• a transcript which you order from the registrar’s office
• a certificate of completion or education verification form
which you would fill out and email to CON-
OSAA@email.arizona.edu
UA CON Program Codes
BSN & BSN IH
US96505300
MEPN
US96505500
BreEZe Online Application
Program Codes for California
BSN
A3013
MEPN
A3052
(A3048)
Flickr
AZ RN Licensure Process
Arizona – you can find application information on
the https//www.azbn.gov site by clicking on
Licensure & Certification; Application Instructions; RN/LPN
Examination
AZ RN Licensure Process
Direct web address for AZ application information
https://www.azbn.gov/licensure-
certification/application-instructions/rn-lpn-
examination/#
AZ RN Licensure Process
AZ – Instructional videos for:
How to Create an Account on the Nurse Portal
How to Submit an RN Application
New Graduate Application Process (coming soon)
https://www.azbn.gov/licensure-
certification/application-instructions/instructional-
videos/
AZ RN Licensure Process
AZ applications are only online so you must
create your account first through the AZ Nurse
Portal if you have not done so previously.
Must make an account before you can fill out the
RN by Examination application.
AZ RN Licensure Process:
Transcripts
For Arizona:
You do not need to send a transcript!
Once you have completed the steps for the RN
by Examination application, your name is
placed on a list that the CON OSAA will check
off after your degree posts. This will verify
your successful completion of the program, so
you do not need to send a transcript or a
verification of education form to the AZ BON!
AZ RN Licensure Process:
Fingerprints
Electronic:
https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-certifications/electronic-fingerprint-instructions
AZ RN Licensure Process:
Fingerprints
Paper Card:
https://www.azbn.g
ov/licenses-
certifications/finger
print-card-
instructions
RN Licensure Process:
Verification of Education
For license outside of Arizona
(does not apply for California)
Student must contact that state BON to get the appropriate
form for verification/validation of education if required.
Download, save, and fill out the verification form.
Email the filled-out verification form to the OSAA office 1-2
months before graduation:
Request form to be sent to the designated BON upon
graduation.
RN Licensure Process
For license outside of Arizona
If a transcript is needed, you can order it
through the registrar's office as soon as your
degree has posted.
Check unofficial transcript to see when your
degree posts. There is no cost for this. As
soon as the degree shows up on the unofficial
transcript, then submit request to registrar for
transcript to be sent to the BON.
Cost to request transcript to be sent : $10
https://www.registrar.arizona.edu/transcripts
RN Licensure Process:
Validation of Education and Transcript
For California License:
In the instructions for filling out the
application, find the Request for Transcript
form, fill out the top portion, then submit this
form directly to the UA Registrar by attaching
it to your transcript request. (Registrar will send
a separate email for you to send the attached
form.)
Licensure by Examination Instructions –
open instructions, scroll down to Request
for Transcript form:
https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-
exam.shtml
RN Licensure Process:
Validation of Education and Transcript
For California License – if you took
microbiology from a different
college or university:
If the UA transcript lists the microbiology lab by
name, then you do not need the other school to
send a transcript.
If the microbiology lab course does not show up
listed by name on the UA transcript, then you do
need the other school to send the transcript to the
CA BON. You will need to attach the Request for
Transcript form to that order too.
RN Licensure Process:
Validation of Education
For California License:
The form can be attached to the transcript once the transcript is ordered.
When searching the recipient, choose "Search our Recipient Table"
Select California, then search "Board of Registered Nursing"
RN Licensure Process:
Validation of Education
For California License:
After selecting a recipient, you have the option to provide
an attachment with the transcript. Select “yes”.
Once the order is complete, students will receive an email to attach the form.
You should not need to use this, but if you ever did need to enter the email address, electronic
transcripts must be sent to brn.etranscrip[email protected]v
.
RN Licensure Process:
For California Interim Permit:
The wait time to be granted a CA RN license can be 8-10 weeks.
You may apply for a interim permit while you apply for RN
licensure at any time prior to the issuance of a registered nursing
(RN) license. An interim permit is valid for a period of six
months, allowing an applicant to work pending issuance of an RN
license. Please visit Licensure by Endorsement page for
application instructions.
To learn more:
https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-temp.shtml
To get the application, scroll down to link for “apply online for a
temporary license:”
https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-end.shtml
What is the Enhanced
Nurse Licensure
Compact (eNLC)?
Enhanced Nurse
Licensure Compact
(eNLC)
It is a compact or agreement
that Boards of Nursing join,
that allow nurses to practice
in other eNLC states, without
having to obtain additional RN
license. AZ is an eNLC state.
Benefits of eNLC Multistate License
1) Opportunity to practice in all eNLC states
2) Able to practice telenursing in all eNCL
states
3) Able to teach via distance education in all
eNLC states
4) Allows nurses to easily
provide nursing services
during disasters involving
other eNCL states
Requirements for obtaining an RN
license in a compact state are the
same as non-compact states, except…
You need to declare your primary state
of residence in that compact state.
Primary state of residence is defined as
the state you:
have a driver’s license
are registered to vote
pay taxes
http://www.emmallamb.com/
If you do not have primary state of residence established yet, check BON to see
if single state RN license is an available option.
Current map of eNLC states
Ready, set, ….GO!
RN
License
NCLEX
NCSBN
NCLEX: What to expect
• Examination time is five hours
• Number of questions is 75 – 145
• Plan to take 1-2 minutes per question
• All candidates are strongly encouraged to take the online tutorial
to practice with the item types prior to sitting for the exam.
• If you have any specific questions about the examination, please
contact NCLEX information at nclexinf[email protected].
NCLEX Support Resources
https://www.ncsbn.org/1213.htm
2023 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin
Important information for NCLEX
registration, scheduling, what to bring,
testing rules & regulations, what to
expect on the day of the exam, test
information, passing standards, and more.
This is a must have document!
2023 NCLEX Information Flyer
Highlights for before, during, and after
the NCLEX, lists acceptable ID, and
contact information.
NCLEX Support Resources
2023 Test Plans:
RN, RN Detailed, and RN Detailed Educator Version
Test plans help guide preparation
for the exam
Define Client Needs categories
Describe distribution of content
Sample NCLEX items
Test plans are current through March 31, 2026
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
https://www.ncsbn.org/testplans.htm
Eight Steps of the NCLEX Process
1. Apply for RN licensure or
registration with one board
of nursing (AZ $350
license and fingerprinting
fees).
2. Register and pay exam fee
at Pearson VUE ($200).
3. Receive email
acknowledgement of
receipt of registration from
Pearson VUE .
4. BON grants you eligibility
to take the exam and the
BON notifies Pearson VUE
to give you permission to
take the exam.
5. Pearson Vue emails you the
Authorization to Test (ATT) email
and now you have 90 days to
take your NCLEX exam.
6. Schedule NCLEX exam
appointment using the
information in the ATT email you
received from Pearson VUE.
7. Arrive at exam with acceptable ID
& ATT email.
8. Receive results within 6 weeks
from BON, unofficial results in 2
business days in some states for
a minimal fee.
• Prices listed are subject to change
without notice.
Pearson VUE Program Codes
BSN & BSN IH
US96505300
MEPN
US96505500
Use the number that fits
the number of spaces on
the application for Pearson
VUE or state nursing
applications.
NCLEX Results….wait for it
Examination results are sent to the BON.
Only the BON can release the results and the
results will be sent to the candidate within 6
weeks.
BUT that seems like an eternity….so…
Within 2 business days, many states (including
Arizona) offer unofficial “Quick Results” for a
small fee through the quick results service
available on the NCLEX Candidate website at:
http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/
Yikes…what if I didn’t pass
Breathe!
Candidate Performance Report
(CPR)
CPR is an individualized 2-page
document providing information
regarding your performance within the
8 test content areas. You can use this
to guide your review.
NCSBN requires a retake exam no sooner than 45 days,
and ability to retake up to 8 times a year.
Check with BON to determine how many retakes are
possible and within what time period.
Important Links & Resources
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm
Arizona Board of Nursing
https://www.azbn.gov
Pearson Vue
http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/
University of Arizona Registrar
https://www.registrar.arizona.edu/transcripts
UA CON OSAA Office - Degree/Program Verification for BON outside AZ
CON-OSAA@email.arizona.edu
OSAA Office
Phone: 520-626-3808 CON OSAA Room 112
CON-OSAA@email.arizona.edu
