The NCLEX Application information is widely available on various online platforms, but how confident are you that it originated from a reliable source? In order to avoid deceiving international nurses who wish to follow their USRN Dream, we compiled a list of the most prevalent myths and misconceptions about the NCLEX Application.
Myth #1: International Nurses must have their local license before applying for NCLEX, regardless of the state.
Fact: An International Nurse can apply for NCLEX without passing the licensure exam in their country of education because there are State Boards of Nursing (SBON) in America that don’t require a local license if all other requirements are met.
Myth #2: International Nurses can only take the NCLEX once they have passed the English Exam.
Fact: An English exam is not required in some states in the US before taking the NCLEX. Therefore, they can take the NCLEX without the English Exam, as each State Board of Nursing (SBON) has different requirements, qualifications, fees, and processes.
Myth #3: The SBON will automatically issue the Candidate Report to all NCLEX passers.
Fact: While some SBON requires NCLEX passers to request the candidate reports from them, some states do not issue candidate reports at all.
Myth #4: All SBON require International Nurses to undergo a Criminal Background Check or Fingerprinting before taking the NCLEX.
Fact: The Criminal background check or fingerprinting is not required nor a prerequisite to some SBON before taking the NCLEX.
Myth #5: International Nurses can take the NCLEX multiple times as long as they want.
Fact: There is a limitation in most states in taking the Exam, while others have limitations in terms of the period in which the candidate must pass the NCLEX, some have both ends, and some have no such restrictions. Therefore, the number of times an International Nurse is permitted to take the NCLEX varies by state.
Myth #6: ATT is valid for 90 days regardless of the state in which you apply.
Fact: The ATT validity’s average length is 90 days. However, ATT validity dates vary by SBON. International nurses will receive a notification once they are eligible to take the NCLEX within the validity period indicated on their ATT.
Myth #7: All SBON are participating and members of Pearson Vue Quick Results Service.
Fact: There are SBONs who do not participate in the NCLEX Quick Results Service, and International Nurses will have to wait for the board to notify them about the result either through email or mail.
Myth #8: The NCLEX in other states is easier.
Fact: The NCLEX is a nationwide examination in the United States for the licensing of nurses. Whichever SBON or testing center you choose, you will take the same NCLEX.
Myth #9: SBON will automatically issue a license to the NCLEX passers.
Fact: There are SBONs that require you to process license applications before issuing the license number. It can be processed online or paper form applications.
Myth #10: A multistate license can be applied by all RN, LPN, or LVN
Fact: To be eligible for a multistate license in compact states, the candidate must meet the uniform licensure requirements. However, those candidates who will not meet the uniform requirements may qualify for a single state license.