These instructions apply to applicants for licensure as a RN who:
- have never been licensed as an RN; and,
- graduated from a nursing education program registered by NYSED as licensure qualifying for RN.
- STEP 1: SUBMIT Online Form 1 - Application for Licensure - RN.
You must pay the $143 license and first registration fee by credit card.
If you started filling out Online Form 1 within the past 30 days, you can continue filling it out by using this link. You will need your Application ID, social security number, and date of birth to access your application. If you already completed Online Form 1 and want to upload additional documentation to your application use this link. You will need your Application ID, and date of birth to access your application.
- LIMITED PERMIT OPTION. If you have not taken the NCLEX-RN, you may apply for a limited permit using an Application for a Limited Permit (Form 5). Complete Section I and then ask your prospective employer to complete Section II. Mail the completed form with the $35 fee to the Office of the Professions at the address at the end of the form.
- STEP 2: PASS THE NCLEX-RN.
Register directly with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/ or by calling Pearson VUE at 1-866-496-2539. If you have a disability and are seeking a reasonable accommodation to take the NCLEX-RN, submit a completed Request for Reasonable Testing Accommodations Form to the NYSED. To retake the NCLEX-RN, you must reregister with Pearson VUE.
- ADDITIONAL STEP IF YOU HAVE BEEN LICENSED AS AN LPN OR LVN IN ANOTHER STATE OR U.S. TERRITORY:
If you have been licensed as an LPN or LVN in another state or a U.S. Territory, you must arrange to have information verifying your license(s) provided to the NYSED. There are two methods for verifying your LPN or LVN license:
- Nursys®: NYSED participates in Nursys® (an online service), to verify an applicant’s LPN or LVN licenses from most other U.S. states. If you were licensed as an LPN or LVN in a state that participates in Nursys®, use the Nursys® service to verify your nursing license to the NYSED. To find out whether your state participates in Nursys, visit: www.nursys.com. To sign-up for Nursys®, visit www.nursys.com After you sign up and pay the fee, Nursys® will provide verification of your nursing license directly to the NYSED.
- Form 3: If have been licensed as an LPN or LVN in a state or U.S. Territory that does not participate in Nursys®, Complete Section I of a Verification of Other Professional Licensure/Certification (Form 3) and send it to the licensing authority that granted you your nursing license and ask that they complete Section II. The licensing authority will verify your nursing license on Form 3 or a similar document and send it to the NYSED.
- Nursys®: NYSED participates in Nursys® (an online service), to verify an applicant’s LPN or LVN licenses from most other U.S. states. If you were licensed as an LPN or LVN in a state that participates in Nursys®, use the Nursys® service to verify your nursing license to the NYSED. To find out whether your state participates in Nursys, visit: www.nursys.com. To sign-up for Nursys®, visit www.nursys.com After you sign up and pay the fee, Nursys® will provide verification of your nursing license directly to the NYSED.
- ADDITIONAL STEP IF YOU ARE LICENSED TO PRACTICE A PROFESSION OTHER THAN NURSING.
If you are licensed to practice another profession in a state other than New York or in a U.S. Territory, you must complete Section I of a Verification of Other Professional Licensure/Certification (Form 3) and send it to the licensing authority that granted your license and ask they complete Section II. The licensing authority will verify your license on Form 3 and then send it to the NYSED.
- ADDITIONAL STEP IF YOU GRADUATED NURSING SCHOOL OVER 4 YEARS AGO.
You must complete a NYSED Approved Infection Control Course from an approved provider or qualify for an exemption.