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NCLEX Forms for California
Note: In the state of California RNs and LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) are managed by separate boards.
RN practice is regulated by the Board of Registered Nursing.
LVN practice is regulated by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Their rules and regulations are different.
Application for Licensure by Examination
RN Application: RN Licensure Application
LVNs must register here to apply: LVN Licensure Application Signup
California State Fees
RN Application Fee: $300.00
RN Application Fee with Interim Permit: $400.00 ($300.00 + $100.00 for permit)
LVN Application Fee: $220.00
LVN Application Fee with Interim Permit: $240.00 ($220.00 + $20.00 for permit)
The state fees are in addition to the NCLEX registration fee itself, which is $200 for US candidates, $350 for international.
All fees are non-refundable
Fingerprint Fee:Fingerprint card: $49.00.
Live Scan fee: Depends on the LiveScan site.
Highlights:
- Both RN and LVN licensure application forms can be submitted online or on paper.
- Fingerprints and criminal background checks are required for both RN and LVN candidates.
- Submitting the application for licensure by examination does NOT register you for the exam. Applicants must register and pay separately for the exam by going to: Pearson Vue.
As part of the application process applicants must:
- Register to take the NCLEX. If you submit the application for licensure before registering for the exam, your application process may be delayed.
- Request an official school transcript. The transcript should be sent by your nursing school directly to the Board.
- Obtain a recent passport-size photograph (2x2) and affix it to the application.
- Complete fingerprints using either the Live Scan Process or the Applicant Fingerprint Card (Hard Card)
- Submit the application along with the necessary fees and all supporting documentation.
Licensing Process
Once you are registered for the NCLEX and the application, fee, criminal background check and supporting documentation have been received, the Board will determine your eligibility to test.
Applicants who are deemed eligible to test will receive an Authorization To Test (ATT) notification directly from the testing service. The ATT letter will include information regarding scheduling the examination.
When passing examination results are received by the Board a license will be issued.
About Temporary Permits For RNs and LVNs:
Interim Permits allow graduates of a California-approved school to practice nursing while awaiting NCLEX results. Permits can only be issued after you have received an authorization to test.
The permit is valid for 6 months or until your examination results become available. To receive a temporary permit you must first register here: Temporary License Signup.
Candidates with Disabilities
The board is not required to provide accommodations that “fundamentally alter the nature of the examination”, but it will grant reasonable accommodation requests.
The application packet contains a Request for Accommodation of Disabilities form that the applicant must fill out. Make sure that all portions are completed. Supplemental documentation from your health care provider and from your nursing program will be required.
The applicant should notify the Board of the request as early in the process as possible.
Need More Information?
Access the site for the California Board of Registered Nursing here: http://www.rn.ca.gov/
Access the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians here: http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov