Hi Everyone!

It seems like more and more people are having issues in terms of fulfilling requirements for the California BON specifically for International Students and regarding the license to practice Nursing in the country where they were educated.

Before, if you do not hold a license it seemed to be enough to write a letter of explanation why you do not have one. But now more people are getting letters asking for them to submit a copy of their license despite submitting a letter of explanation.

I did a couple of reading and so far I haven’t seen any official statements from the California BON regarding the issue. But upon inspecting the actual application form I noticed that they removed the part that says if you do not hold a license where you were educated write a letter of explanation. What is stated now is the following: Attach a photocopy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

So for those applying for the California BON please be aware of the changes. Hope this information helps everyone.

Please be reminded that all information placed on these articles are opinions based on different forums, sites, experiences and knowledge. The intention of these articles is to be able to give guidance and idea to the readers. Later on, it will be the reader who will decided on whether or not to push through with the content of this article. In addition, end results vary from person to person and is a case to case basis.

If to be posted elsewhere please credit www.philippinenursesinfo.com.

Another batch of responses to your queries and I am overwhelmed with your support to the site so thank you very much. Keep your questions coming and I will get back to them as soon as I can.

DAWUD

Hi Ms. Joan my daughter will register to take the nclex can she use my Visa debit card?

If she is going to register in PearsonVue via the Internet she can use any major credit cards.

PINXOUL

hi miss joan, my LOE from Cali just arrived this morning.. just want to ask what will i do next?.. i saw an envelope inside the Candidate Bulletin enclose with a registration form.. do i have to fill it up and enclose a money order worth $200 in it and mail it back to them?.. because what i knew is there is also another way of registering to provide an ATT, right?, its thru their website, which http://www.pearson.vue.com/nclex and you will register there and have your credit card ready, am i right miss Joan?.. now what makes me confusing is what will i do for me to register to provide an ATT, is it by mailng or thru their website????.. this really confuse me.. HELP!!!. Thank you so much for answering all my questions regarding my application to Cali.. hope you’ll answer my queries.. thank you so much and God bless.. =)

You can choose either of the two. Though the main advantage of doing it online is that its faster as opposed to mailing the application form included in the Candidate Bulletin. When you register online, once your payment is cleared they will email the ATT in the email address that you provided in your registration.

oh, i would like to add, what if i wanted to schedule my appointment at Guam?.. is there any conflict, or will they ask me for documents and papers?.. what are the requirements?.. please help me miss joan, thank you so much.. God bless

If you intend on taking the exam in Guam just make sure that you have the necessary documents to travel to Guam. PearsonVue will not be asking you questions re such they are just responsible for your registration and scheduling of the exam.

hi.. follow up question miss joan.. im planning to take the exam at GUAM, what are the requirements?.. do i need to have a tourist VISA?.. what are the procedures to obtain one?.. can you provide me a good site for the information about obtaining a tourist VISA in Guam and taking NCLEX exam there?.. thank you so much..

This site has some information maybe it can help with regards to the requirements in traveling to Guam for the NCLEX exam. http://www.nurseimmigrationusa.com/Downloads/CoreFiles/NCLEX_Test_Sites_Rev.htm

MARIELLE

hi.. kasi i already passed my requirements last october tapos nitong may lang i received a letter na kulang daw ako ng copy ng license. pag pinadala ko ba un nka-address lng sa BRN or dun sa licensing analyst? does this min i have to wait another 3-6 mos before nila ulit iprocess papers ko? thank yu so much.. worried na kasi ako bka d na dumating eligibility ko..hehehe..

You just mail it to the Board of Registered Nursing. To be sure when you mail a copy of your license attach a copy of the letter they sent you so they’ll have an idea on what is for. If you want you can even write a cover letter so that they will be guided on what to do with the document you are giving them. Your waiting period doesn’t necessarily mean an additional 3-6 months during my application when they asked for additional documents I just waited for another month before I got my eligibility.

BLUEJHUN21

Hi! Ms. Joan Dati po akong nag-iinquire sa inyo sa codedmushroom at nalaman ko po ung dito sa bagong site mo.. May itatanong po ako ulit. Kasi po last March narecieve ko na po yung LOE ko. Ang pagkakaintindiko po 2 years ang expiration po nun.. Edi pwede magregister anytime within 2 years na binigay nila? Ibig sabihin po ba pwedeng sa June nalang ako magregister sa Pearsonview? Kasi balak ko po sanang magtake sa July o sa August.. Thank you… wait ko po yung sagot…

Hi! Miss Joan. I received my eligibility letter last March 28. But I haven’t registered with Pearson yet. Is it okay if I regiter by June or do I have to register a.s.a.p.? Whats next after registration with pearson?…..

Yes you can register anytime within that 2 year period. After registering with PearsonVue when your payment is cleared you will receive your ATT (Authorization To Test) and then from there you need to schedule for a test date.

LEIZEL

hello po..sinabi lang po ito nang katrabaho ko kya nlaman ko po ito..baguhan lang po kc ako..hindi ko po kasi alam kung paano ako mag start na mag apply my mga requirements na po ako d q po ksi alam kung pano mag apply online?tulungan nyo nman po ako..tnx po…

Hi Ms Joan..ako po c leizel tnong ko lang po kung pano mag-apply sa pagkuha ng nclex exam online..tnx po..

I just need to clarify have you applied to your deisred Nursing State Board and received a Letter of Eligibility? If yes, then the next step is to go to the PearsonVue website and register. When you register you will be asked some basic information questions and your nursing education background plus asked to pay the $200 registration fee. After that you will receive via email your ATT (Authorization To Test) and once you have that you can schedule for a test date.

ARLENE

Hi! I just wanna ask if its proper to state in your letter of explanation for cali bon that you have no intention to practice nursing here in the philippines aside from the plan of taking the local board exam in December this year. Thank you.

I cannot personally vouch for this but I have read in other forums and some use this as a reason for not holding a license here in the Philippines and were granted the eligibility to take the examination.

RAMAN

hi.. tnung ko lng po, kkgrad ko lng dis yir… and i have this prob, i studied here in the phil but i can’t take the local board kc hnd aku filipino citizen… so im planning to take the nclex, tma po b un? can i take it? anu po ung process ng pagtatake ng nclex kc i have no idea, please help me…God Bless.. Thank you…

Yes you can take the NCLEX examination. To start your application process you need to decide on what state in the US do you want to apply in? And then from there you fulfill the necessary requirements then after submitting wait for a letter of eligibility (LOE) that allows you to take the NCLEX exam. When you receive the LOE you will register at PearsonVue and then schedule for your desired test date.

GIGI L.

Hi Ma’am Joan,

Question lang po. . .

I would like to know what would be my best course of action. I have submitted my NCLEX application through my friend who went to the States last January. But up to now, I still do not receive any ATT from the Board. I checked with Citibank if my payment (bank draft) has been processed already; and the bank said that payment was processed last February 7. So this makes my application almost three months old. How would I know if my application is approved? (On their website it says that after 4 to 6 months you could already follow up to them your application but I am quite hesitant as this would delay the processing of my application). What is now the standard processing time of application? I am really worried that my application may lack some important documents/information. Will the Board inform me if my application is incomplete or denied? I would really appreciate your response to these. Thank you very much. – Gigi L. (Manila, Philippines)

The best thing to do is to inquire about your application by calling them at this number +1 (916) 574-7697, Monday- Friday with office hours of 8-5pm Pacific Time. Based on people I know who applied average waiting time is within 3-6 months. If your application is approved, you will receive your Letter of Eligibility (LOE) which allows you to take the NCLEX-RN exam. If you have incomplete requirements they will also mail you a letter and then it specifies whatever requirements they would want from you. I haven’t heard or experience someone being denied to take the exam. The fact the bankdraft was processed already means that your paper is running.

REXDY

hi der! im hoping if u could help me bout my concern.
i submitted my apllication last feb.12,2008.unfortunately almost 3 months from now i did not yet received any response for my aplication status and olso i send a masage via e mail to inquire if their institution(state board of nursing in california) had received all my documents such as application forms, transcript of records,hard card forms,prc forms, and lastly the bank draft.one more thing,i fill up an incorrect addressed for the payment of my initial fees, which is california state board of nursing,supposedly payable to board of registered nursing. im hoping if u could help me regarding my inquiries, and give or share an advice for apporriate actions on this matter.

The best thing to do is to give them a call at +1 (916) 574-7697, Monday- Friday with office hours of 8-5pm Pacific Time to inquire about the status of your application. With regards to your bankdraft you can verify with the bank if the bank draft was processed or not. That way you would know if they accepted the bank draft or not.

KATRINA L.

Hi.. i hope you can help me. i just recently graduated from college and i dont have plans on taking the local board exam. my family is in california and they advise me to take the nclex exam here instead of taking it there. i hope you can give me informations on what steps i should take. i dont know how to start and how to start. i hope you can help me with my problem thank you very much and im hoping to here from you soon. kat

If you are decided on not taking the local boards then you can proceed with your process in applying with the California Board of Registered Nursing. I made an article on the process on how to apply to California Board of Registered Nursing and you can read the article at the link given. That should give you an idea on how to start with the process. Good luck with your application.

EMMY

don’t know what to do… CA BON asked me for a copy of my license. Ginawa ko naman lahat, gumawa ako ng explanantion letter and nagbigay din ako ng certificate of passing. Ala pa namang maibigay yung PRC sakin na board certificate (di kase ako sa manila nagregister). Sabi ng PRC Baguio after 10 months pa daw makukuha… can u believe that??? ID pa lang meron sakin. I sent a ceritified photocopy of the ID, front and back. What do you thiink? Pwede na kaya yun??? Please HELP… thanks miss joan… god bless you…

Let me make it clear that you sent a copy of your PRC License right? If that is the case then that would be enough as proof. Please keep me posted regarding the status of your application. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

NITA

Hi ! can anyone help me where can i download the credential evaluation form for the Californial board of Nursing ?
thank you

I am not sure if I get your question correctly. Did you meant an application form by examination to California Board of Nursing? or the form being given to the school? or the CGFNS credential evaluations system application? Please clarify so that I can help you with your query better.

CARLO JUN

hindi ko pa po narerecieve eligibilty to exam (california) nagpass ako nung dec11 2007 all requirements how can i know the sttus of my application? and paano ako magfofollow up thanx

You can inquire about the status of your application by calling them at +1 (916) 574-7697, Monday- Friday with office hours of 8-5pm Pacific Time.

JACKIELYN F.

hi po….. ask q lang po,panu po ang pag-apply sa NCLEX,,,,,,sana po matulungan niyo po aq,,,,,,,,maraming salamat po,,,,godbless po.

elow po ulit mam joan,,,,,,,,magandang umaga po saiyo,,,mam puwede po bang magtake n aq ng NCLEX EXAM.kahit po d pa po aq natatake ng phillippine local board exam,,kasi po kgragraduate ko pa lang po last march 14,08. panu po mag-apply ng trabaho po dyn sa calipornia as a nurse,anu anu po mga requirements,sana po matulungan niyo po aq,kasi gustu ko ng makatulong sa mga magulang ko lalo n po sa lolo at lola ko n nagpaaral sakin,sana po help u po ako,lubos po aq nagpapasalamat sa inyo mam,godbless you always mam……

You need to apply first to the California Board of Registered Nursing in order for your to have a RN license here. After applying and giving the necessary documents you take the examination. For more information om applying in California you can read my article Applying to California Boards by Examination.

PRINCESS

hello! i would like to ask if i can pay my california NCLEX application fee using my credit card? and if in case i can, what would be the process? to whom shall i give my credit card details? thanks. ?

Sorry they only accept payment via Manager’s Check or Money Order payable to the Board of Registered Nursing.

JJ

hi po… ask ko lang po ung about sa form na nursing verification, pano po yun? kanino ko po yun ibibigay, eh still my license hindi ko pa nakukuha po,,,

You will not give that form to PRC that form is intended to be filled by the school where you completed your nursing education.

MAE

hello. ask lang sana ako, if for example, naipasa mo na sang nclex, what ang next step? visa screen or ielts? im confused kasi. thank you

After you passed your NCLEX, you can start working on your VisaScreen and while your papers are on process you can then take the IELTS since its a requirement for your VisaScreen for it to be completed.

MALDITO

hi maam im quite confuse regarding the 9×12 envelope(short), all my school docu are in a long sized paper so my lil prob panu napo un? can i just fold it para mag kasya? or instead can i use a long one? tnx in advance.. =)

You can use a long envelope for your documents.

naguguluhan na ako kung pano ko i mamail yung mga documents ko galing sa school sa california board of nursing. bngyan lang ako ng letter envelope ng registrar so pagkakasyahin ko po ba lahat un dun?, ifofold q po ba lahat ng documents ko like un TOR? ok lang po ba un? salamat po tc..

Yes its ok for the documents to be folded all together in a letter envelope. The important thing is that it is sealed and if possible have the registrar sign it so you can show to them that the documents are not tampered. In addition, make sure that you mail your personal application and school documents separately.

is it ok po na nailagay q ung nick name ko sa alias sa hardcard finger print?

I am not sure about this.

PAT

Hello po ma’am good day! I would just like to ask how to process my ATT…I just recieved my eligibility and I dont know how to send my ATT form likewise with the payment…Thank you po…

I take it that you received your Candidate Bulletin (CB) and together with that is an application form to register with PearsonVue. Fill that form out and the CB has the step by step instruction on how to fill that out. For a more convenient application you can go to the PearsonVue website and register.

MARY JANE

hi,graduate ako ng nursing sa Philippines at dina ako nakapag take ng board exam. then nagmigrate ako sa U.S gusto ko sana ipagpatuloy ang nursing profession ko paano ba kaya ang gagawin ko magtatake naba ako ng nclex or need ko pa magtake sa philippines? what are some requirements ba para makapagtake ako ng board dito sa U.S please help me naman po para alam ko kung ano ang gagawin ko. tnx a lot

If you intend to practice there sa US then just take the NCLEX-RN examination. Before I can tell you the requirements you need to choose a state where you intend to practice since each state has various requirements.

DENNIS

hello.

i am a filipino-american. i graduated nursing here in the Philippines just last year. i applied for my NCLEX in California. i don’t hold a license in the Philippines so i also included in the requirements i mailed, a written explanation why i don’t hold a license in the Philippines. i just stated that i am an American citizen and i look to pursue my nursing career in California.

now i received a letter a week ago from California BON requesting for the following below?

- A copy of your nursing license from the Philippines is a requirement of the board.

- As a American citizen you would have been allowed to take the exam in the Philippines but not allowed to receive a license. We could have used the results as an exemption to waive license requirement.

- We will require proof of citizenship via Visa, Naturalization document, birth certificate if born here or Greencard. Your proof will be passed onto management for final decision regarding your eligibility for NCLEX.

Why is this? Is my reason for not holding a local license not good enough? or California BON now requires copy of your nursing license from the Philippines?

I would really appreciate it if someone could help me or give me some info regarding in this matter…

Thank you.

Hi There. I am very sorry to hear about your situation. With the looks of it, it seemed like they have become more strict this time around. To be honest, its my first time encountering such question from a reader of the site. I was rechecking the CA BON site for updates of such and I couldn’t find any that pertains to strictly requiring you holding a license where you were educated usually if you do not hold one a letter explaining why will do. But, I checked the actual application form and now they deleted the part of writing a letter if you do not have a license where you were educated thus, the statement in your letter re being able to take the exam but not being given a license. I would like to ask if you tried to obtain a license from the Philippines? Because if you did and PRC refused to allow you to take the exam then you can explain to that to them. As for proof of citizenship just provide them with any of the one mentioned in their letter. Please keep me posted with your situation. Good luck!

KATHELEEN

I forgot to sign the applicant signature part on transcript request form filled up by my school, I already send the form to CA. What do I need to do now? Please help.

Since you have forwarded it to the BON there is nothing much you can do. But technically this will be considered an incomplete application. If it really bothers you the best thing you could do for now is give them a call and ask them directly how this will affect your application or just wait for their correspondence regarding your application.

NADINE

hi there: quick question regarding NCLEX application: Is it a requirement of the Board to have a license from the Country of Origin to take the NCLEX? A couple of months after I graduated I migrated to the United States and was not able to take the Board Exam in the Philippines, this is the reason why I do not hold a license.

I had submitted my application to the CA Board of Nursing and then I received a letter from them asking for a copy of my license or diploma. Per the BON website if I do not hold a license I just need to write a letter of explanation which I did. But a couple of weeks after, I received another letter asking for the same requirement: A copy of my license and A proof of immigration (visa, greencard, etc.) I am including these proof of immigration on my next reply but I could not provide a copy of my license since I do not have one.

Please advise if by me not having a license would not let me take the NCLEX?

thank you,

Nadine

Hi Nadine. You are the second person who left a comment having such issue. I suggest that you write an extensive letter on why you could not obtain a license since you had to leave the country and was not able to take the board exam. And include your proof of immigration together with the letter. Hopefully that works and solves the problem. I also noticed that in the application form they now require you give them a copy of your license. The option of writing a written explanation was removed. So that might be the issue here. Please keep us posted in your problem.

GABRIELLA

Hi, I just want to ask if its true that if you apply for the licensure exam in CA does it mean that you could actually practice in any state in America? If not , then please tell me what are the states that are included. Hope to hear back as soon as possible Thanks Gabriella

I am not so sure about this. But the thing is if you pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain a license from the state where you applied in technically you can apply to other states via ENDORSEMENT not by examination anymore.

ABBY

Hi Mary Jane,

I have the same situation as you. Graduate ako sa Philippines, pero green card holder ako. I had to leave last May 24 para hindi ako mag-overstay sa Philippines. Currently, I’m trying palakarin yung application ko. As far as I know, hindi na natin kailangan maging licensed sa Philippines para mag-NCLEX. Pero we need yung 3 forms na sinabi nila, i-submit sa registrar and have them fill it out and send to the board.

My current problem is the fingerprinting. Nakakahilo yung fees.
Ugh. From what I understand, merong fee doon sa livescan site for fingerprinting, tapos may dagdag pang babayaran for sa DOJ(?) sa background check. And there’s the $75 one para sa board. And I think there’s a more expensive one pa yata para doon sa exam mismo. $200 or something.

I need someone to correct me if I said something wrong, or linawin, kasi, naguguluhan din ako >.<

If you do the Manual Fingerprint Process you need to pay the BON $51 to process the fingerprint card and you include that payment together with the payment of your application which is $75. If you do the LiveScan process you just pay an average of $18-$50 depending on where you have it done. If you want a list of LiveScan Agencies click on the link. In addition, do not forget to print the LiveScan Form from the CA BON site to make the process easier. Hope this helped. Let me now if you have more questions.

CRES

I have read somewhere that IELTS can be waived. Is this true?

It depends on where you will use the IELTS. If you are using it for the VisaScreen process then that cannot be waived. If you are applying for the California BON then you can temporarily postpone taking the IELTS as it is not one of their requirements. Requiring of IELTS or English Proficiency vary from one state to another.

NERISSA

Im Nerissa Padilla. I came across your write up regarding NCLEX Eligibility at PinoyBSN.I’m actually in the process of applying for Florida NCLEX. It really confuses me with regards to their CGFNS requirement. AS per my understanding they only need CES but then some says eventually for immigrant status there is a need to pass the CGFNS exam or the CP for Visa Screen. So do i just need to take CP rather than CES to hit both requirements?

If the Florida BON requires a CES just do that. As for the VisaScreen they require you to pass either NCLEX-RN or the CP exam as their requirement not necessarily both. In addition the CES and CP exam are not comparable since CES evaluates your credentials as a nurse while CP is an exam that determines your nursing skills and knowledge.

JOAHNA

hi po,I got ur email add sa pinoy bsn ..I just wana ask po paano q maupdate ung application q ng NCLEX sa Cali lst nov.pa

You would have to give them a call and ask about the status of your application.

KAT

Hello po! I am a US Citizen… and a nursing student here in the Philippines. I heard that there’s a new law? that even if you are a US citizen and you graduated from a foreign country, they now require to first pass the Local boards where you studied and then that’s the only time you can take the Nclex? even if I don’t intent to practice in the Philippines? Can you please help me with that? thanks!

Since you are still in the Philippines studying I advice you to take the PNLE just to play safe. In addition, various states have different requirements and rules pertaining to obtaining a license where you were educated. So it would help to check the site of the State Board of Nursing of the state you intend to apply to in the near future.

APRIL

hi…tanong ko lang po,pwede po ba akong kumuha ng NCLEX exam at saka po mag-apply sa california kung hindi pa po ako nakakakuha ng licensure exam???kasi po sa november pa po board exam namin eh,,,thank you po ng marami,,,i’m very much please kung masasagot nyo po agad ako… God Bless…^_^

It seems like they changed their requirements and sad to say you need to have a Philippine RN license before applying.

VALERIE

hi ms. joan…its me again…i was wondering if you could give me tips on what to do while awaiting for the results of the june nle 2008? are there any volunteer jobs in hospitals available for people like me who still don’t have a rn license? thanks so much…really appreciate your help c”)

Well while waiting you can review for the NCLEX-RN if you intend on applying anytime soon. You can visit small hospitals and facilities because you have a better chance of getting volunteer work as opposed to bigger hospitals. At the same time, you can look for prospect employers or job so that once you get the results you know where to apply. Keep on reviewing since most hospitals still have written exams so keep the nursing knowledge alive and running in your brain

YOJ

hi, ms. joan Thank you for sending an email informing me that answers to my questions were already posted. After 6-7 months of waiting for my eligibility for NCLEX (CA state), it finally arrived. Thank you so much for all the help you’ve extended during my application.

Glad to be of help. Thank you for supporting the site

MADZ

hi ms. joan.. my question po ako regarding registering via net.. (my eligibility na po ako).. kasi un name ko nde kasya nun tinype ko… pano po kya un? thanks in advance..=P

Hi There. If your name does not fit usually if you have 2 first names you just use your main first name. For example your name is Juan Antonio Dela Cruz if in the first name box “Juan Antonio” does not fit you just place Juan. But to be safe its best to give them a call or inquire via their help area at the PearsonVue site.

JHENX

Good day! as ko lang Ms. Joan kung p0wede ung name sa bank draft namin ng kapatid ko eh parehong sakin, kasi ako lang ung may account sa bank. ok lang kaya yon. thanks.

I am not sure about this. It is quite unclear on where exactly your name will be placed on the bankdraft. If it will reflect that it came from your account then I guess that would be fine. Just make sure that it would be clear that the payee or the bankdraft would be for your sister’s application and not for you.

BEE

hi ms. joan, the last week of may, i received a letter from the CA BON asking for a copy of my local license. i’ve sent a copy last week (june 11). i’m just wondering if you know how long it will take before they send the eligibility to take the NCLEX? hope you could help.. should i already enroll in a review class for nclex? or is it too early to do so.. thanks..

During my time which was Nov 2006 they asked me for some extra requirements and after I sent it to them it took me another month before I got my eligibility. But please take note that response from them vary depending on the bulk of applicants they get plus other factors such as mailing time etc. If you plan on taking the exam soon (such as within the year) you can start reviewing for the exam because even if review classes are over (average of 2-3 months) yo still have to do some self study and assess your readiness for the exam. Good luck and do keep us posted with your status. Would love to hear from you

WHADDA

hi.. just want to ask regarding scheduling of exam.. i already have my ATT, then i registered right away to schedule for my exam.. but i decided to take my exam here in manila and the thing is i registered to take my exam in Guam, but i haven’t yet given them my ATT number to complete my schedule.. do i have to call them to change my test center of choice?.. and can i ask for that number?.. thank u so much..

If you haven’t received any confirmation on your schedule then there is no need to call. Since you plan to take the test in Manila just call and make an exam schedule there. Though taking the exam outside US will have an additional fee of $150.

MYE

hi..can i ask for a copy of saipan BON application? may nclex florida ba na available sa pinas? thanks!

What state do you intend in applying? The NCLEX-RN exam given here in the Philippines are for all states but you need to apply first to your choice of BON before being able to take the exam.

PRETTY

hello everyone! im about to process my nclex application.. pls somebody tell me kng san pong stat mas mbilis mgprocess ng nclex applcation? sa CA po kc 6-8mos e.. pls wat state po mejo ok at mbilis mgprocess.. tnx a lot!

Here is the thing sometimes its not the fastest processing time that you need to look for when applying. You need to choose the state where you intend to practice. It will save you time and money if you will plan out everything first rather than just choosing which one would be faster.

JOAN R.

Hello Ms. Joan, i’m happy that I found your website which answers queries on nclex application. It just so hapen that we got the same name. . I just want to ask you about the requirements for nclex application for Texas? Does two years of working experience ( for those who graduated outside US) a requirement before I can appy for nclex? Have you any idea regarding this matter? Thank you very much. More power.

Hi there Ms. Joan. Application in Texas requires the following:

• A completed Application by NCLEX-RN® Examination, all fees, a photo, a completed criminal history report, proof of passing scores of
English Proficiency exam (if program was not conducted in English), an original Credential Evaluation Service (CES) Full Education course-
by-course report, sent directly from an approved organization and a Verification of Licensure (VOL) form from all countries, states, provinces
and/or territories you hold or have held a license. The VOL must come directly from the licensing authority and must bear the authorities
official seal. The VOL is only valid for one (1) year after it is signed and sealed by the licensing authority *Note: the CES Full Education
course-by-course report will contain your original country of licensure’s VOL.
• Follow the instruction provided on under Criminal Background Checks. A social security number is not required; however, receipt of the
FBI criminal history report will take longer for the candidates who do not have this identifying information.
• The Board accepts the CES from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), the Educational Records Evaluation
Service, Inc. (ERES) or the International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF). The CES must be dated within one year of
issuances by the certification organization. You may access this service by going to one of the following websites: www.cgfns.org,
www.eres.com or www.ierf.org.
• If your nursing program was conducted in a Language other than English, you must provide proof of English Proficiency. The Board
accepts:

1) the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a passing score of 560 paper based or 220 computer based, or;
2) the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet based test (iBT) with a minimum passing score of 83.
3) receipt of both the Test of Spoken English (TSE) with a minimum score of 50 and the Test of Written English (TWE) with a minimum
score of 4.0, or;
4) the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a passing standard of an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of
6.0 in all of the four modules.

• All foreign applicants must demonstrate working in nursing for a period totaling two (2) years (i.e. 24 months) at anytime after graduation
from a nursing program.
• If you have not worked at least two (2) years as a first level, general nurse within the four (4) years preceding the filing of the application,
you will not be licensed until you complete a Foreign Educated Nurse (FENS) refresher course consisting of 120 hours of classroom
instruction and 120 hours of clinical practice under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. The applicant required to take the FENS
refresher will be given a six (6) month permit to complete the refresher course.

In terms of applying to Texas the 2 year experience is required before you can get your license but I think they will allow you to take the exam.

BERRY

hi ms joan! thanks for this site, it really helped me a lot with the processing of my application. i would hate to bother you seeing that you might be busy but i hope you can help me out a bit… see.. i can’t find any information on whether TOEFL is required in California or IELTS.. cause im planning to take the IELTS exam and i’m not sure if its accepted in California in case what they’re requiring is TOEFL.. thanks ^^

California BON is not requiring the English Proficiency Test as part of their requirement in order to take the NCLEX-RN exam. You’ll be needing the IELTS when you apply for your VisaScreen. Please take note also that the IELTS has a validity of 2 years so if you are not applying for the VisaScreen I suggest holding it off first.

EM EM

hi tanong ko lng may ngpadala kasi sken through email na ndi ko daw nasama ung bank draft ko dun sa application ko.. but i did.. i applied for board of nursing in california.. could it be a scam? kasi sbi nla na through snail mail daw po ngpapadala pag may kulang na requirements eh.. nu po ba dpat ko gawin?

The best way to verify this is to check with the bank where you had the bankdraft made if the draft was made good or accepted. Or you can call the California BON and inquire about your application and ask about your bankdraft. Usually, the California BON corresponds via snail mail not via email. So please verify everythig first before making another bankdraft.

CHICHI

anybody knows any review center for ielts offering a low review rate but is very good in handling reviews!!!!

When I reviewed for my IELTS exam I used this online review center called Scotts English. Its very convenient to study via Internet plus you get to hear different English accents which makes it easier to understand come exam day.

JESSEL

this is jessel a graduate of nursing. i already submitted my nclex application last january 9 2008 together my letter of explanation of not having a license here in the philippines. i just want to know if California board of Nursing requires a local license because my friends told me that its not necessary to have a license when applying for a nclex exam but i received a letter from california board of nursing last may that i need to pass my license within a year. i really dont understand.

I checked out the application form and it seems like they now require you to hold a license in the Philippines.

Please be reminded that all information placed on these articles are opinions based on different forums, sites, experiences and knowledge. The intention of these articles is to bel able to give guidance and idea to the readers. Later on, it will be the reader who will decided on whether or not to push through with the content of this article. In addition, end results vary from person to person and is a case to case basis.If to be posted elsewhere please credit www.philippinenursesinfo.com

Another batch of responses from your queries… I encourage everyone to leave comments for their own set of questions and I will get back of them as soon as I can. Thanks for supporting the site!

LOVE

hello, ms. joan Its been 4 months and i haven’t receive my LOE yet. I emailed them but they won’t really reply. Im so worried coz my parents kept asking me bout this. Can i ask for the exact telephone number if I want to inquire bout my application status in CA? I already know what’s the main phone number. All i need to know is the local number for the APPLICATION STATUS INQUIRY. So that i dont need to listen to that answering machine. And what time is it in the phils. does 8 am-5 pm in CA? thank you and more power xxx!

Sad to say more often than not they do not reply via email. The best thing to do is to give them a call at this number: +1 (916) 574-7697, Monday- Friday with office hours of 8-5pm. The time difference is -15 hours from our local time since they are on daylight saving time right now.

IMSKEE

hi ms. joan, i just want to ask about my ATT infos. kc ung address ko is incomplete… like “buhay na tubig”.. is “buhay” lang nakalagay… i tried to send them (pearson) a letter about the error.. pero di sila ngreply… my eligibility from Calif BRN has a complete address. i was just thinking if it will affect the mailing address when they send me the results of my nclex exam… thanks. stay blessed.

It might have an effect in terms of receiving your documents. It will also depend on the mailman/ the post office if they will be able to find your place or at the very least figure the address out themselves. But like what I always say there is no room for assumptions and errors so the best thing you can do is to give them a call and inform them about your query. How long has it been since you took the exam? Most of the results come out in about a month or a month and half the most. So if it exceeds that time period definitely you have to give them a call.

KATZ

hi..i just graduated last yr batch 2007., and took the nclex-rn last jan. 2008,and last Feb 21, they sent me a letter informing me that i passed the exam. But nakalagay dun sa letter that i need to submit my sss number within 3 years in order for me to have my permanent license. Ask lng, kasi in other state if you already pass the exam, after a few months they will already send your license.. xa CA ba iba? do you need to pass your sss number before they will give you your license??

Yes each state has different procedures in terms of giving out their permanent license. As what the letter indicates they need a SSN before they can release you your license.

ELIJAY

hi joan..i have already received my eligibility but i am quite worried about my application,my surname is leano,it’s spelled with an enye.all my documents that i had passed includes this surname but when my eligibility arrived it is spelled as plain leano,should i correct this with the BON or is it ok to go on with the process of my apllication?thank you very much,waiting for your reply

I think it will be okay the important thing is that when you get your ATT at Pearson Vue that your information are all correct. The ATT will be the basis for comparison with your passport which is the only accepted proof of identification during examinations. So when you register with PearsonVue make sure all your information is spelled correctly. But to be sure try contacting the California Board of Nursing if it will affect any of your documents.

BIANCA

hi there, I would just like to ask on how to update for the eligibility for examination…. hoping for your help, thanks..

You can inquire about the status of your application by calling the CA BON at this number +19165747697. Business hours is from Monday- Friday, 8-5PM Pacific Time. Keep in mind that they are in daylight savings time so add one hour from the regular time difference.

YANA

hello, just wanna ask something regarding the CA NCLEX. my sister is living in california and she told me that it is ok to take CA NCLEX even if i am not a local board passer. is it true?

Yes they do not require you to have a local license. If you do not have one you just need to write a letter of explanation why you do not hold a license in the country where you were educated.

MOCHA

hi, its mocha again,tnx sa rply mo,im waiting it tlga…ask k lng,pwede poh bng 1 padala lng gwn ko,i mean kanino ko iadres ung leter…db sbi nyo pgsamahin k nlng poh ung pinapadla nila tor and other WIth my Explanation letter….pwde poh b un????tangapn b nla un?

Sorry for the delay in reply. Since they sent you a letter informing the documents that you lacked you can send them the documents directly. You can just address the letter as to “To Whom It May Concern” or “Ruth Ann Terry” who is the Executive Officer according to the Application Form.

PHILIP

Good day, i need help.I registered for my NCLEX through mail. It was March 5 when i mailed the registration form along with the payment to St Paul, USA.

It says in the NCLEX Bulletin that in two weeks, i will be receiving a mail saying that they receive my registration. Until now, i havn’t received any correspondence from them.
What shall i do?

What state did you apply to? And when you registered for NCLEX what do you mean by this? I hope you could give me the necessary information so that I can give you a far more specific answer.

CLUELESSMONIQUE

hi…im really new to everything…so please bear with me maam.i don’t have a specific state to apply on yet because,does it matter what state i apply for nclex on?what if i end up finding an oppurtunity at another state,will that be a hassle for me?i guess what im leading to is do i need to be fixed on a specific state application before i apply?and will i be limited to that state only?what will be it’s effect?huhuhu…i hope you can help me maam…

hi…im also wondering if you could tell me how a cgfns certificate affect my application?i also heard from a friend that we could apply for saipan board of nursing,and have it processed faster?help help help

Above everything else I think its important to make up your mind on what state you really want to apply to. Personally, I think its important since it saves you a lot of time, money and effort. You can read more about this on my article here.

Passing the CGFNS exam gives you like an edge on what to expect when you take the NCLEX-RN exam. Though the two exams are different its a good way to see your knowledge and skills in nursing. Some states require the exam aside from taking the NCLEX so if you are to apply to those states then you really need to take the CGFNS examination. Also, some agencies/ employer may take you in even if you just passed the CGFNS exam. If they take you in they may also pay for your NCLEX examination expenses.

MEY

hi miss joan.. ask ko lng po sana kung gaano katagal validiy ng eligibility and att for cali nclex.. thanks po!

Your eligibility is valid for 2 years from the date it was written. So within that 2 years you need to register with PearsonVue. Once you register with PearsonVue your ATT will be valid for one year.

CHICKLET

hi there! i just wanna ask if i applied licensure for california,then i passed the NCLEX RN, do i have to be there and work there first before i get to hold my license? and if i will apply for Vermont state, do i have to work there before i can endorse my license to another state? Thanx so much!! oh and another thing..what states can i endorse my vermont license? thanx again!

You just need to have a SSN before you can get hold of your license in California. In terms of endorsing to another state you just have to fulfill the requirements of the state you want to endorse to.

YOJ

Is it true that most US hospitals prefer to hire foreign nurses who passed both the cgfns cert. program and nclex-rn? Coz this rumor really bothers me alot. Your reply will really help me decide if i’ll apply for cgfns cert. program.

I am not sure about this issue because I haven’t heard of it personally. But in my opinion some employers take in CG Passers because more or less if you pass the CG exam there is a big chance of getting good results when you take the NCLEX exam. If the state you are applying does not need a CG exam might as well not take it to save you some money.

DOM

hi ms. joan!!!! ask ko lang po kc sa u.s na po ako magpapadala ng mga documents ko at yung galing sa skul. pede po ba yun? pede ko po ba ipadala yung mga skul documents ko pag andun na ako sa states?

ms. joan isa pa po. pede ko po ba gamitin yung u.s check para sa pagbabayad? thanks po.

Your school should be the one sending the documents that would be coming from them. They shouldn’t be sent together with your personal application. To be safe, its better to pay using a money order or manager’s check which is readily available in the US in Railey’s or any US bank.

JULIE

hi just wanna ask if san pwede magdownload ng bank draft application form fro NCSBN, nagsearch na ako sa net pero wala me makita. thanks

I don’t think you can download a bank draft application. If you are pertaining to a bank draft you can inquire with any local banks.

ELLA

hi!! i want to ask how can i apply to nclex?

Before I can help you with this what state are you planning on applying?

PINKY CHAN

hi! I had submitted my NCLEX application las Feb. to the CA-BON but am anxious because until now I don”t know if they received it. Is there a way I can follow it up? Thanks for your help.

Let it pass for at least 3 months before following up. After that period, you could give them a call 8-5 PM Pacific Time Mondays- Fridays. You can inquire at this number: +19165747697.

BIENNE

i passed the nclex exam for california. problem is the sss# issue.. i need suggestions.

I think the next step is finding an employer that can sponsor you to work legally in the US.

MARIA LOVELLA

Good day! My pleasure to know about this site conserning about people problems on NCLEX. I have something to ask. I am a fresh graduate og BSN and i want to take the NCLEX. What will i do to apply the said examination? what are the requirements? do i need an employeer able to review first and take the exam? thankyou so much. I will be glad if you reply.. God bless ma’am joan..

Thank you so much for visiting the site. As for your question the first thing to do in terms of applying for NCLEX is choosing what state you intend to practice in. You do not necessarily need an employer in terms of reviewing and taking the test but there are some who would offer that. So that decision depends on you if you feel there is a need for financial assistance in terms of paying and reviewing for the exam then you can go and look for an employer that offers such.

KHRISTIE

Good Day po…

I’m so relieved i’ve come across your website that talks about NCLEX application particularly in California.
I just passed my application last january and I would just like to ask if there’s a website to check wether my application was already received or will the BON just inform me thru email or should i call them up.

Thanks a lot for your time and God bless…

Hi it’s me again..

after reading some of the comments. I realized that i only passed a copy of my diploma coz my license was not available yet and i failed to write them an explanation regarding my PRC license which i just got last february. WHAT WILL I DO? i’m so worried right now will it cause a delay in my application?

Thanks a lot and sorry for taking so much of your time… God Bless you more and more!

You can inquire about your application at this number +19165747697, 8-5 PM Pacific Time Mondays- Fridays. Upon inquiring you will know if there is a need for you to still submit a copy of your license or if the diploma you submitted will suffice.

ARNEE

hello po…i just wana ask po bout applying sa ca?anu po b ung dapat unahing itake?nclex or cg?tanx po.Godbless

If you intend on practicing in California there is no need for you to take the CGFNS based on their requirements.

AIMEE

hi, Just want to know what are the requirements or forms needed for the NCLEX-RN application? Hope to receive reply as soon as possible. MANY THANKS.

What state are you applying?

ARCHIE

hi ms joan. does this mean na i have a maximum of almost 3 years for nclex if I want to delay my exam? within 2 yrs for registering in pearsonvue and within 1 yr for scheduling my exam.

i found this website for more than 1 year na. this is very informative and I followed all your instructions regarding applying for nclex. tnx very much

Yes you are correct. But please take note that once you register with PearsonVue and get your ATT it will only be valid for one year. Thanks for supporting the site do keep us posted with the progress of your application.

SASHA

hi, i just graduated my nursing course here in the Phils. last March 2008. I just want to ask if is it ossible for me to take the California state board exam even if I will not take the local board exam here in the Phils? please respond.tnx

I cannot personally vouch for this but I have heard people do such. The important thing is that when you submit your application to the boards write a letter of explanation why you do not hold a license in the Philippines.

CAS

hello..need help about nclex in california.im planning to take the exam.could you pls guide me on how to process the papers?the specific step by step procedure.and lastly i’d also like to know what website can i visit about the illinois nclex.tnx a lot.

You can see the step by step guide application to California by clicking on the link. Also here is the link to the Illinois Nursing State Boards.
NIKS

Good afternoon miss Joan. Yung bankdraft ko po kasi, sa landbank ko pina-process. Tapos po, yung date dun, may alteration, ang nakatype kasi April 15, 2008, tas ginawang 25. Tapos po, naka address sa: “Board of Registered Nursing-California” for “Examination Fee” di na po nilagay yung address nung BORN. And then, hindi rin po nakalagay yung name ko sa bankdraft. Saka po may lukot yung cheke. Any suggestions maam? Hoping for your reply. THanks

I am worried that this might cause a problem in your application. Its just that there were too many errors made. My main concern is that the check should have been made to “Board of Registered Nursing” and yours had some additional words. The best thing to do is verify if the check was deposited and at the same time call the BON to follow up and know the status of your application.

Please be reminded that all information placed on these articles are opinions based on different forums, sites, experiences and knowledge. The intention of these articles is to bel able to give guidance and idea to the readers. Later on, it will be the reader who will decided on whether or not to push through with the content of this article. In addition, end results vary from person to person and is a case to case basis.If to be posted elsewhere please credit www.philippinenursesinfo.com