Fees are payable to DC treasurer, and non-refundable.
Highlights:
Applications for the District of Columbia should be submitted on paper.
All applicants must have a Social Security Number or fill out a Social Security Number Affidavit.
Fingerprints and criminal background checks are mandatory.
Applicants who have committed any acts that are grounds for disciplinary action may be required to provide additional information to the Board.
Submitting the application for licensure by examination does NOT register you for the NCLEX. Applicants must register and pay separately for the exam by going to: www.pearsonvue.com.
As part of the application process, you must:
Register with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX exam. You must do this before sending in the licensure application.
Request an official transcript showing the graduation date and the degree obtained. The official transcript must accompany the application in a sealed envelope. Instead of transcripts, applicants may submit an official notification of course completion signed by the Nurse Administrator of the nursing program. The notification must be in a school-sealed envelope.
Make an appointment to have your fingerprints taken by going to: Identogo. Fingerprinting will initiate the criminal background check process.
Obtain two (2) original, recent, identical, 2x2 photographs (passport style) of the applicant's face. The applicants name must be printed on the back.
Submit the application form along with the fee, photographs, and additional supporting documents.
Licensing Process
Once the application, fee, fingerprints, and supporting documents have been reviewed, the Board will determine if you are eligible to test.
If you are eligible to take the NCLEX, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) and instructions on scheduling the test. You will have 90 days to take the exam.
When passing NCLEX results are received by the board, a license will be issued within five (5) business days.
About Temporary Permits
The DC Board of Nursing issues temporary permits. These allow you to practice for up to 90 days while your criminal background check is pending. Temporary license status is issued after you have submitted the application for licensure along with the fee, and evidence that you have had your fingerprinting done.
Accommodations
If you are requesting special accommodations to sit for the NCLEX, due to disability, you must provide the following information:
Statement identifying the needed accommodations.
A letter from the appropriate health professional confirming the disability, and accommodations required
A letter from your nursing program, indicating modifications granted by the school