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Choosing Your NCLEX State: Top 6 States in the USA
Taking and passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a requirement for healthcare professionals who are seeking to pursue a nursing career in the US. When it comes time for choosing your NCLEX state, listed below are the top 6 states in the USA based upon ease of working with the state board of nursing.
What Is the NCSBN and NCLEX?
Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX is a critical step to ensure that nursing school graduates are safe to practice as entry-level nurses. NCSBN, with its mission of empowering and supporting nursing regulators through its mandate to protect the public, has been dedicated in developing licensure and certification exams that are a valid and reliable gauge of nursing competence. The NCLEX, unlike any other nursing tests, relies heavily on application and analysis based on the nursing knowledge gained in school. Therefore, an RN (registered nurse) must pass the NCLEX first and be licensed in the state where planning to practice in the United States.
How to Take the NCLEX
To be eligible to take the NCLEX, one must submit an application to the nursing regulatory body (NRB). The requirements vary per state. Nonetheless, one major requirement is a PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) license if you are located in the Philippines, or a local license or certification in the country where you completed your nursing education.
You Don’t Have to Register in the State Where You Plan to Work
Your NCLEX state does not have to be where your assigned facility is. The application process is complex. Some states take longer than others. Some states require an English Proficiency Exam, such as IELTS (known as the International English Language Testing System). Some states require you to first secure a Social Security Number (SSN). Bottom line: Where you will work in the US does not need to dictate where you will write the NCLEX.
How to Choose a State for Your NCLEX
Here are WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions’ top 6 states to help you make an informed decision when choosing your NCLEX state (in no particular order):
| STATE | APPLICATION FEE | CGFNS | CBC | ATT | NCLEX SCHEDULE FEE | TOTAL | Approximate Timeline* | English Exam | ||
| CES | CVS | CP | ||||||||
| CO | 88 | 450 | — | — | 51 | 200 | 150 | $939 | 1 year | Depends on CES Report if nursing program was taught in English |
| CT | 180 | — | — | 475 | None | 200 | 150 | $1,005 | 1 year | None |
| IL | 107 | 475 | — | — | 60 | 200 | 150 | $992 | 1 year | Depends on CES Report if nursing program was taught in English |
| MT | 100 | 450 | — | — | 30 | 200 | 150 | $930 | 1 year | None |
| NY | 143 | — | 400** | — | None | 200 | 150 | $893 | 1 year | None |
| MP | 150 | — | — | — | None | 200 | 150 | $500 | 1 year | None |
CES – Credential Evaluation Service via CGFNS
CVS – Credential Verification Service via CGFNS
CP – Certification Program via GCFNS
CBC – Criminal Background Check – Fingerprinting
*Timeline is a case-by-case basis and will not solely depend on the BON, but is also dependent on the applicant’s compliance and timely submission. Unforeseen factors or unavoidable factors should also be considered
**This is optional as the credential evaluation can be done direct to the NYSED
Simply take the NCLEX in any of these states. Afterwards, in the latter part of your immigration journey, endorse your license to OR process a score transfer or acceptance of examination in your assigned state. WWHSS’s Licensure Team has the expertise to assist you with any of these processes as you get close to deploying to the United States.
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
As a promise to help alleviate the growing healthcare crisis in the US, the NGN officially launched in April 2023. Incorporated in the revised format are: new item types and question formats, a shift to case studies, and different scoring methods. All in all, this improved, and newly formatted exam aims to ask nurses better questions, enabling critical thinking and making the right decisions. Check out this webinar replay detailing the changes in the NGN.
WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions is your partner in achieving your American Dream. Throughout your journey, we have a dedicated, competent, and successful team of Case Managers, Licensure Specialists, and Candidate Support Specialists who will guide and support you to make your transition seamless. We cannot wait to see you actualize your goal of living and working in the USA. Now, take that first step and pass your NCLEX!
Learn more about the NCLEX exam and international test center locations.
