If you have not taken an RN/LPN licensing examination and wish to have North Dakota as your original state of licensure complete the following:

1. Official Transcripts

• Upon completion of your nursing program, you must request your college to send the official transcript of your grades with the degree posted directly to the Board of Nursing office. Copies of transcripts sent by applicants or faxed transcripts will not be accepted. 
  • Preferred Method - Transcripts may be sent electronically through one of the following or another secure transcript service:
    • National Student Clearing House -  Instructions for ordering transcripts from the National Student Clearing House
    • e-script
    • Parchment
      • If prompted by a secure transcript service to enter an email address for ND Board of Nursing use transcripts@ndbon.org
  • You may use the Request for Release of Transcript form if you are requesting a paper copy from the college.

2. Register with NCLEX Candidate Services for testing

• Register at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex or phone 1-866-496-2539 ($200 fee required). 
• NCLEX Candidate Services will notify the Board when you have registered with them.
• If you need to change your appointment, you must contact NCLEX Candidate Services one full business day (24 hours) prior to your scheduled appointment.

3. Complete the online Initial RN/LPN Exam Application below

• You will be prompted to pay at the end of this online application via credit or debit card.  The non-refundable initial exam/processing fee is $145.  A receipt will display when your application has been submitted.    
• INITIAL RN/LPN EXAM APPLICATION

• Log in here if you previously started your Exam Application and chose "Save for Later"

4. Complete a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) for the ND Board of Nursing. 

• Criminal History Record Check Instructions      

NCLEX Candidate Services will e-mail you an Authorization to Test (ATT) when:

• You have registered with NCLEX Candidate Services and
• The Board office deems you eligible for licensure (the board office will deem you eligible when you have registered with NCLEX Candidate Services and they have received your online exam application and transcripts).
• Understanding the Importance of the Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter

Track the progress of your application in the  "Application Status" section of this site. 

• Items without dates next to them have not been received in the Board office yet.

A Work Authorization will be issued when you have completed the items listed under Authorization to Test above. 

• Work Authorizations are only posted online in the Verify section of this site.  There will be no paper Work Authorizations issued.
• The candidate who has applied to write the licensing examination must have a "Work Authorization" from the Board of Nursing to attend orientation or practice as a graduate nurse. The board considers orientation to be nursing practice.
• The Work Authorization is valid for 90 days after the date of issue or upon notification of the NCLEX test results, whichever occurs first.
• A Work Authorization for license by examination will remain effective if the applicant has passed the NCLEX, but the criminal history record check results are still pending.
• A Work Authorization is valid only for North Dakota employment, is nonrenewable and available only to graduates who complete application for licensure within 60 days of graduation.

View Guidelines for Employment of Graduate Nurses before Licensure here

To receive a full license the following must be received and approved in the Board Office:  

• The online Initial RN/LPN Exam Application and fee
• Official transcripts
• Passing Results from NCLEX
• Clear or approved criminal history record check 

Once all of the above are received in our office and approved, allow up to three (3) business days for full licensure to be issued.  Applicants for initial licensure by examination shall receive a license expiring December 31 of the following year as part of the application fee.  All licenses are posted online in the Verify section of this site.