NCLEX Application Guidelines
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) Application Process for an NCLEX-RN Test and RN Licensure in California
Please submit the application and specific questions about the application directly to the BRN.
- Complete the CA BRN Application for Licensure by Examination application online and pay all the required fees. Apply starting 2 weeks before you complete Level 4.
- The application does not require you to submit a photo or your transcripts.
- Complete and pay for your Pearson Vue account
- The SoN director will confirm your eligibility to take the NLCEX after the Registrar's office has awarded your degree (usually 2 weeks after the end of the semester). Pearson VUE obtains confirmations each day at midnight. You will receive your Authorization To Test (ATT) within 72 hours.
- A completed application requires fingerprinting. As indicated in the Application for Licensure by Examination instructions, there are two acceptable methods for completing the fingerprint requirement.
- “Live Scan” (recommended). Only the LiveScan form can be attached to the online application. Livescan will not hold you up from taking the NCLEX itself. If it is not submitted by the time you take the NCLEX, it might delay when you receive your license. If you have concerns about certain records within the last seven years, please email emusselm@sfsu.edu. If it's beyond seven years, you don't need to worry about it.
- “Fingerprint Card (Hard Card)”. This method requires an additional $49 fee to BRN.
- An overview of the entire NCLEX-RN application process (Before the Exam, Exam Day, and After the Exam) is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
- Please read the application instructions thoroughly as it will be your primary source of information regarding this portion of the process. This portion of the NCLEX-RN process is between you, California RN, and the Board of Registered Nursing-- the state agency which will issue your RN license. Questions about fees, fingerprinting requirements, etc. must be directed to that office.
Tip 1: The SF State Police Department offers the “LiveScan” and the “Fingerprint Card (Hard Card. Contact that office at 415-338-6043 to make an appointment. For additional information, please visit their website.
Tip 2: Any place which offers the Live Scan service will request a Live Scan Service form. Please visit BRN Fingerprint Information page for more information.
