When am I made “Eligible for Licensure by Examination”?
In order to be made eligible to test AND be issued a work authorization to practice as a graduate nurse, the following must be received in the board office:
What do I do if I have a name or address change?
Address and name changes can be made on this website in the Demographic Change section.
What are the payment options and what do I do if I do not have a credit card or debit card?
You may use a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit or debit cards, checking account information, or a Paypal account. If you do not have any credit cards or a bank account, you can purchase a Visa, MasterCard or Discover gift card at many banks or credit unions or at discount stores such as WalMart and CVS Pharmacy for the purpose of paying for the on-line application.
What if I am claiming another compact state as my primary state of residence?
If you claim another compact state as your primary state of residence, you will need to apply for license by examination in your primary state of residence. If you change your primary state of residence at a later date, you can apply for license by endorsement in ND. See http://www.ncsbn.org/ for a current list of compact states.
When can I schedule my appointment?
An Authorization to Test (ATT) is required to schedule your appointment. Once you’ve been made eligible for licensure by examination by the Board of Nursing, your ATT will be e-mailed to you by Pearson Vue.
How long is the ATT valid?
The authorization to test is valid for ninety (90) days.
How soon will I be able to test?
You are guaranteed to be offered a testing date within thirty (30) days of the time you call the Pearson Test Center. If the test center offers a date within the 30 days and you decline that date, the test center has met their contractual obligation. Please contact the board office if you have any problems scheduling your test.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
If you need to change your appointment, you must contact NCLEX Candidate Services one full business day (24 hours) prior to your scheduled appointment.
Is there a practice test?
Yes, there is a tutorial available on the test vendor website at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
When do I get my Work authorization to practice as a graduate nurse?
When the ND Board of Nursing has made you eligible for licensure by examination, your work authorization will be issued. A paper work authorization will not be mailed. Your work authorization number, issue date and expiration date will be posted on the Verify link.
When can I start working as a graduate nurse?
Your work authorization must be issued before you start practicing as a graduate nurse or attend any orientation sessions.
How long is a work authorization valid?
The work authorization is valid for 90 days, or until you are notified of the test results, whichever occurs first.
Can anyone get a work authorization?
You must complete the application for licensure process within sixty (60) days of graduation in order to be eligible to receive a graduate nurse work authorization.
Will I receive a work authorization by mail?
No. Work authorizations will be posted on our website for applicants and employers to access.
How do I apply for a criminal history record check (CHRC)?
After you complete your application for licensure by examination, choose the Criminal History Record Check link . Print and complete the CHRC Form provided on the link and CAREFULLY follow the instructions for fingerprinting as listed under Option #1 or Option #2.
How long does the fingerprinting process take?
Both federal and state checks will be performed. If fingerprints are not adequate for identification purposes for BCI, new cards will be required for a second set of prints. If the second set of prints are not adequate for identification purposes, a name search will be requested. Processing time averages ten days if first set of fingerprints are adequate.
How soon will my results be available?
Your unofficial examination results are available through NCLEX Quick Results Service offered by the test service. You can access your unofficial results via the internet at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex and sign in with a user name and password. Choose “Current Activity”, then “Recent Appointments”, and then “Status”. After entering a credit card number the unofficial results will be displayed. The fee for this service will be listed on the website. Your credit card will only be charged if your results are available.
The examination results are mailed to you from the board office within 7 days of your testing. The board office makes every effort to mail the results within 48 hours of your testing. DO NOT CALL the board office for your test results, as we are unable to release them over the phone or to your employer. If you pass, you will receive a license to practice as a nurse.
Your Criminal History Record Check must be completed prior to your license being issued.
Can I find out if I passed or failed using the board’s website?
You can access the board’s website to see if a license has been issued. If a license is not showing for you, it does not necessarily mean that you’ve failed. It is possible that a license has not yet been issued for you. After the results have been processed, the license verification will show a license number if you passed, or the work authorization will be expired if you failed. DO NOT CALL the board office for confirmation, we cannot release pass/fail results by phone.
Can I start practicing as a nurse once I received my unofficial results that I passed?
No. You cannot start practicing as a nurse until you have been issued a license by the board of nursing. Licenses can be viewed in the "Verify” section.
When will my license expire?
Effective 04/01/2014, applicants for initial license by examination shall receive a license expiring 12/31 of the following year as part of the application fee.
What if I fail?
If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic profile of your areas of weakness, and the required documents to submit for retesting. You are able to retest 45 days after your original test date. The retesting application can be submitted online prior to that date for processing.
Can I continue to work as a graduate nurse if I fail the NCLEX?
No. Your Graduate Work Authorization becomes invalid when you receive the examination results. A candidate who fails the licensing examination may not be employed in a position with functions that are usually assigned to licensed nurses. You are NOT able to continue to practice as a graduate nurse.
Approved 07/07
Reviewed/Revised 03/16
