California Board of Nursing: Licensing Guide
With over 400,000 registered nurses in the state, the California Board of Nursing plays a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of nursing practice and patient care. If you’re planning to pursue a nursing career in California, it’s essential to understand the licensing process and requirements set by the California Board of Nursing, also known as the California BON or California BRN.
Licensure by Examination
To obtain a nursing license through licensure by examination in California, applicants must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and meet the educational requirements set by the California Board of Nursing. It is a crucial step towards becoming a registered nurse in California.
The California nursing license exam, also known as the NCLEX-RN, is a comprehensive test designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective nursing practice. It covers various areas of nursing, including medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, and obstetric nursing.
The first step in obtaining a California nursing license through licensure by examination is to submit an RN Initial Exam Application to the California Board of Nursing. The Board highly recommends applying online through the BreEZe account portal, as it ensures a faster and more efficient process.
Applicants need to register for a BreEZe account, which provides access to the online application form. The application instructions are clearly outlined on the website, guiding applicants through the entire process. It is important to carefully follow these instructions to avoid any delays or mistakes.
During the application process, applicants are required to attach certain documents, including their transcripts and any request forms for accommodations or disclosures of previous disciplinary actions. It is essential to ensure that all the required documents are accurately uploaded to the application.
In addition to the application form and supporting documents, applicants must pay the required application fees. The fee amount and payment instructions can be found on the California Board of Nursing’s website. It is important to submit the correct fee amount and follow the specified payment method.
For graduating nursing students from California, their transcripts may be submitted electronically by their nursing programs. However, out-of-state and international nursing program graduates must arrange for the submission of official transcripts by mail or through certified third-party electronic transcripts vendors.
Once the application, documents, and fees are submitted, the California Board of Nursing will review the application for completeness and eligibility. It is important to ensure that all the required information is provided accurately to avoid any unnecessary delays in the application process.
Application Requirements for Licensure by Examination
| Application Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| RN Initial Exam Application | Complete the application form online through the BreEZe account portal. |
| Transcripts | Attach official transcripts to the application, electronically or by mail. |
| Request Forms | Include any request forms for accommodations or disclosures of previous disciplinary actions. |
| Application Fees | Pay the required application fees according to the specified amount and payment method. |
Preparing for the California nursing license exam is essential to ensure success. Applicants should dedicate sufficient time and resources to study and review the necessary nursing concepts and clinical skills. There are various resources available, such as review books, online courses, and practice exams, to help applicants prepare for the exam.
Once the application is processed and deemed complete, the California Board of Nursing will determine the applicant’s eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN. If eligible, the applicant will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, which allows them to schedule an exam date with the designated testing center.
It is important to note that passing the NCLEX-RN is not the final step in obtaining a California nursing license. After passing the exam, applicants must go through additional steps to receive their license, including providing proof of identity, completing a background check, and submitting any required additional documents.
By following the licensure by examination process and meeting all the necessary requirements, applicants can achieve their goal of obtaining a nursing license in California and begin their rewarding career as a registered nurse.
Permanent License
Nurses who have completed the licensure by examination process or are licensed in another state can apply for a permanent nursing license in California. The application can be submitted online through the BreEZe account portal or via mail.
Applicants need to undergo a background check with fingerprints, which can be done through the LiveScan method at approved locations in California or through manual fingerprinting using the FD-258 card. Verification of licensure from the original state of licensure and the current employment state is also required.
RNs may need to submit transcripts, while LPNs must provide proof of 12th-grade education. If there are any prior convictions or disciplinary actions, applicants must provide supporting documents or letters explaining the circumstances and attesting to their rehabilitation.
Licensure Application Process:
- Complete the online application form through the BreEZe account portal
- Submit required documents, including transcripts and proof of education
- Undergo a background check with fingerprints using the LiveScan method or FD-258 card
- Provide verification of licensure from the original state of licensure and current employment state
- Include supporting documents or letters if there are prior convictions or disciplinary actions
Once all the necessary documentation and information have been submitted, the California Board of Nursing will review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of a permanent nursing license.
Sample Table – Permanent License Requirements
Below is a table outlining the requirements for obtaining a permanent nursing license in California:
| Requirement | RN Applicants | LPN Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of licensure by examination process or licensed in another state | ✓ | ✓ |
| Online application submission or mail | ✓ | ✓ |
| Background check with fingerprints | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verification of licensure from original and current state | ✓ | ✓ |
| Submission of transcripts | ✓ | – |
| Proof of 12th-grade education | – | ✓ |
| Prior convictions or disciplinary actions | ✓ | ✓ |
Obtaining a permanent nursing license in California requires meeting these requirements and successfully completing the application process. By fulfilling these obligations, nurses can gain the necessary authorization to practice nursing in the state.
Temporary License
If you need immediate licensure while waiting for your permanent nursing license, you can apply for a temporary license in California. This temporary license allows you to start working as a nurse while you complete the requirements for a permanent license.
In order to obtain a temporary license, the California Board of Nursing requires the submission and processing of fingerprint results from both the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is important to note that the processing time may be delayed if there are any prior convictions or grounds for denial identified during the application or fingerprinting process.
Applying for a temporary license can be done simultaneously with the application for licensure by endorsement or before the issuance of a permanent license. This option provides nurses the opportunity to start their nursing career in California without having to wait for the permanent license requirements to be completed.
Source Links
- https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml
- https://www.trustedhealth.com/nurse-licensure-guide/california
- https://www.carerev.com/blog/california-nursing-license-guide
