Which route applies to you
- New nurse: licensure by examination — apply to the board, meet education requirements, pass the NCLEX. See the new-graduate guide.
- Already licensed elsewhere: licensure by endorsement based on your existing license.
- Internationally educated: additional credential evaluation and requirements apply — see internationally educated nurses.
Where the compact fits
If your primary state of residence is a compact state, applying there can make you eligible for a multistate license instead of a single-state one — one license that covers every compact state. If your home state is non-compact, you hold a single-state license and apply separately in each additional state.
What varies by state
Education requirements, background checks, fees, and processing times are set by each board and change. We do not list them — use your board of nursing. Once licensed, confirm the result on Nursys.