Can You Take the NCLEX in One State and Get Licensed in Another?

If you’re an international nurse, new grad, or U.S. student trying to figure out where and how to take the NCLEX, the rules can feel like alphabet soup. 

Compact states, ATT, BONs, endorsements… what does it all mean?

Let’s break it down, — just what you actually need to know.

Yes, You Can Take the NCLEX in Any U.S. State — It’s a National Exam

According to the NCSBN, the NCLEX-RN (and NCLEX-PN) is a national exam. That means you can physically take the test in any U.S. state or territory, regardless of where you’re applying for licensure.

Your test location doesn’t matter. What does matter is which state’s Board of Nursing (BON) you applied to for your Authorization to Test (ATT) and nursing license.

So if you apply for licensure in New York, but live in Texas? You can take the NCLEX in Texas, and your results will go to the New York BON.

What Actually Determines Where You’re Licensed?

Your license will come from the state where you submit your licensure application — not the state where you sit for the exam. That means:

• Apply to the state where you want to live/work as a nurse.
• You’ll register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, select any test center, and your scores get sent to the BON you applied to.
• Once you pass, that BON issues your license.

What If You Want to Switch States Later?

No worries — nurses do this all the time. You’ll go through a process called licensure by endorsement to get licensed in a different state.

Some notes:

• Non-compact states like California and New York require a full endorsement process (application + fees).
• Compact states (NLC) let you practice in multiple states with one license, if you legally reside in an NLC state.

State-Specific Limits and Rules: Be Careful

Here’s where it gets tricky. States vary on how many times you can take the NCLEX, how long you can wait between attempts, and what happens if you fail.

Examples:

• Florida: Limits you to 3 attempts before you need to take a remedial course.
• Nevada: Allows more attempts, but requires TOEFL for international grads.
• California: Very strict on clinical hour requirements, especially for foreign-educated nurses.
• New York: Reportedly has no NCLEX attempt limit.
  

This means if you max out your attempts in one state, you might still be able to apply in another — but you’ll need to meet that new state’s licensure criteria (like TOEFL scores, CES reports, or additional coursework).

Real Talk from AllNurses: Many test-takers plan to apply for licensure in one state with easier requirements (e.g., Florida), take the NCLEX there, and later endorse to their desired state (e.g., California). 

Just be aware that some states have stricter endorsement rules, especially for IMGs.

Pro Tip for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) or Nurses Trained Abroad

If you’re foreign-trained, here’s your checklist:

• Apply to a state BON that recognizes your education and offers a clear path to ATT.
• Make sure that state doesn’t require excess clinical hours or obscure courses.
• Once you pass NCLEX, consider endorsement to your final destination state (e.g., California, Texas, or New York).
• Budget for multiple credential evaluation reports (like CES) — some states won’t share or accept previous ones.
  

Can You Take The NCLEX in any State? Summary

• Yes, you can take the NCLEX in any state — it’s a national exam.
• You’ll be licensed by the state BON where you applied, not where you test.
• If you move, endorse your license to a new state.
• States have different rules on number of attempts, clinical hour requirements, and language exams — do your homework before applying.
• For international nurses: Start with a “friendlier” state, pass the NCLEX, and then endorse elsewhere.

Still Not Sure Which State to Apply To?

MedCognito’s NCLEX-RN prep course helps international nurses and new grads navigate more than just test content — we give strategic guidance on how to choose the right BON, avoid repeat testing, and maximize your licensure options.