RN/LPN licensure by Examination means that you have graduated from an approved nursing program, need to take the NCLEX exam and obtain an original RN/LPN license in Arizona.Questions About the Application ProcessMany questions about the application process can be answered by visiting the RN / LPN Licensure by Examination FAQs.Application Instructions for RN / LPN Licensure by ExaminationPlease read this flyer for detailed instructions.To check the status of your application please log into your nurse portal and check the message center for updates. Please allow up to 30 days for your application to show up in the license verification system before contacting the Board.Arizona is a Compact StateArizona is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) and no longer part of the Original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).A list of states participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact is available at https://www.ncsbn.org/enhanced-nlc-implementation.htm.An applicant for licensure as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse who meets certain requirements is eligible for multistate licensure. Once the Board grants the multistate license, the nurse can then engage in nursing practice in any of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the criteria for issuance of a multistate license. If you do not meet the criteria for a multistate license but you do meet the criteria for a single state license, a single state license will be issued to you.Requirements for Multistate Licensure:Meet the requirements for licensure in the state of ArizonaHas graduated from a board-approved education program or has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credential review agencyHas passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native languageHas passed the NCLEX or predecessor examIs eligible for or holes an active unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)Has submitted fingerprints for state and federal background becksHas no state or federal felony convictionsHas no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursingIs not currently a participant in an alternative programIs required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative programHas a valid United States social security numberRequirementsU.S. EDUCATED APPLICANTS:RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program.Visit RN / LPN Exceptions to view a the list of exceptions.Passing score on NCLEX exam.Graduates of out of state schools – Transcripts, including graduation dates and type of degree, sent by your school to Arizona State Board of Nursing.Board approval for applicants who are under investigation.FOREIGN EDUCATED APPLICANTS; Including Canada and Puerto RicoVisit the Foreign Educated Requirements section for application requirements.Items to Complete for LicensureCOMPLETE THE NCLEX REGISTRATION by going to pearsonvue.com/nclex OR by phone 866-496-2539REQUEST OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS - Sent by the program directly to Arizona State Board of Nursing (for out-of-state graduates)CITIZENSHIP / NATIONALITY / ALIEN STATUS DOCUMENTATIONAll applicants must upload a copy of documentation regarding citizenship/nationality/alien status. A copy of the document must be submitted on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper and submitted with the application. For a list of acceptable documents visit the Citizenship and Alien Status page.SUBMIT A FINGERPRINT CARDYou are required to submit a full set of fingerprints, for the purpose of obtaining State and Federal criminal record checks.You are only exempt from this requirement if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the Arizona State Board of Nursing within the previous two years.A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute.A fingerprint card will NOT be issued from the Arizona State Board of Nursing. A fingerprint card can be obtained from any local facility that offers fingerprinting services.Please remember to submit your fingerprint card as soon as possible to expedite the process.A permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received.Results can take up to 6-8 weeks to receive.Additional InformationFees and Payment MethodsAll fees are in US Dollars and are non-refundable.Application Fee: $150.00Writing for NLCEX Fee: $150.00Fingerprint Fee: $50.00 (required, unless submitted within the previous 2 years).Credit/Debit CardFelony ConvictionsThe Board shall revoke a nursing license or multistate privileges or deny licensure if the applicant has one or more felony convictions that have not previously been disclosed to the Board and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions 3 or more years prior to the date of filing an application. If this law pertains to you, your application will be processed, and proceedings for revocation of your Arizona license or multistate privileges in Arizona or denial of your application shall be instituted by the Board.Reporting of Criminal ChargesApplicants for licensure / certification must notify the Arizona State Board of Nursing of criminal charges within 10 days of being charged.Undesignated OffenseFor purposes of the Nursing Board's felony bar statutes, A.R.S. Sections 32-166(B)(17) & 1646(B), the commission of any felony offense on or after July 23, 2010, which results in a conviction of an undesignated offense, shall be treated by the Board as a felony "until such time as the court may actually enter an order designating the offense a misdemeanor" pursuant to A.R.S. Section 13-604(A).Time Frames for LicensureThe Board is required to process applications for licensure within certain time periods, per R4-19-102 in the Nurse Practice Act.Deficiency NoticeWhen you submit an application, the Board will send you a deficiency notice identifying any elements of the application process which remain outstanding. If you fail to respond to a deficiency notice within the applicable time period, your application will be withdrawn. After withdrawal, if you are still interested in obtaining licensure you would need to submit a new application and applicable fee.
