Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for a Licensed Practical Nurse & Registered Nurse by Examination.
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Requirements
The requirements for licensure by examination can be found in Section 464.008, F.S, and include:
- Graduation from a Florida approved or accredited nursing education program as defined in Section 464.003, F.S.
- Graduation froman Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited nursing program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
- Graduation from a nursing education program that is approved or recognized by the jurisdiction in which it is based and that has been issued an NCLEX code by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
- Graduation from a military nursing education program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
- Graduation from a generic Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher program that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
- Graduation from a non-NCSBN jurisdiction, i.e. Puerto Rico, or international nursing education program that the board determines to be equivalent to an approved program(NON-NCSBN/International Grads)
- Canadian Registered Nurses who took the Canadian Nurses Association Testing Service (CNATS) Examination after August 8, 1995, must take the NCLEX Examination unless licensed in another state or territory. If test scores are in an acceptable range, Canadian Registered Nurse applicants who took the CNATS prior to August 8, 1995, may be eligible for endorsement. Unless licensed in another U.S. state or territory, or have taken the NCLEX, Canadian Licensed Practical Nurses are required to apply by examination.
Successful completion of courses in a registered nursing education program that are equivalent to a practical nursing education program – Practical Nurse examination based on practical nursing equivalency (PNEQ)
See the Examination application for more information.
Electronic Fingerprinting
Applicants for initial licensure must use a Livescan service provider to have their fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for conducting a search for any Florida and national criminal history records that may pertain to the applicant. The results will be returned to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) and made available to the board office for consideration during the licensure process. The Livescan fingerprints submitted by the applicant will be retained by FDLE and the Clearinghouse. All costs for conducting a criminal history background screening are borne by the applicant.The Board of Nursing is no longer authorized by law to accept hard fingerprint cards or results from the applicant.All results must be submitted electronically from a Livescan service provider.
It is important to use the correct Originating Agency Identification (ORI) when submitting fingerprints. If you do not provide an ORI number or if you provide an incorrect ORI number to the service provider, the board officewill notreceive your fingerprint results.
Applicants who reside outside of the State of Florida must have their prints taken on a hard fingerprint card and contact an approved Livescan service provider who converts cards.
Applicants can use any FDLE approved Livescan service provider to submit their fingerprints. The applicant is fully responsible for selecting the service provider and ensuring the results are reported to the board office. For more information, FAQs, and a list of all approved Livescan service providers please visit theBackground Screening websiteand click on the Livescan Service Providers tab. Please take theNursing Electronic Fingerprint Formwith you to the Livescan provider. Please check the service provider’s requirements to see if you need to bring any additional items. Please verify the ORI number submitted by the Livescan service provider matches the information provided by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Applicants with Health History
If a “Yes” response was provided to any of the questions in this section, provide the following documents directly to the board office:
A letter from a licensed health care practitioner, who is qualified by skill and training to address the condition identified, which explains the impact the condition may have on the ability to practice the profession with reasonable skill and safety. The letter must specify that the applicant is safe to practice the profession without restrictions or specifically indicate the restrictions that are necessary. Documentation provided must be dated within one year of the application date.
A written self-explanation,identifying the medical condition(s) or occurrence(s); and current status.
Applicants with Criminal History
Any applicant who has ever been found guilty of or pled guilty or no contest/nolo contendere to any charge other than a minor traffic offense must list each offense on the application. Failure to disclose criminal history may result in denial of your application. Each application is reviewed on its own merits.
Staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Nursing for review. Evidence of rehabilitation is important to the board members when making licensure decisions.
Applicants with prior criminal convictions are required to submit the following documentation to the board:
Self-Explanation– Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the offense.
Final Dispositions/Arrest Records– Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.
Completion of Probation/Parole/Sanctions– Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on court letterhead sent from the clerk of the court attesting to their unavailability.
Letters of Recommendation– Applicants who have listed offenses on the application must submit 3-5 professional letters of recommendation from people you have worked for or with.
Applicants with Disciplinary History
Applicants who have ever been denied licensure, had disciplinary action taken against their license, or have action pending against their license to practice any health care related profession by a licensing authority are required to submit the following documentation to the board:
Self-Explanation – Applicants who have listed disciplinary action on the application must submit a letter in your own words describing the circumstances of the action.
Agency Records – All relevant documentation regarding the action should be sent to the board office by the licensing agency. If the records are not available, you must have a letter on agency letterhead sent from the licensing agency attesting to their unavailability.
Health Care Fraud; Disqualification for License, Certificate, or Registration
Effective July 1, 2012, Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes (F.S.), provides that health care boards or the department shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant:
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under Chapter 409, F.S., (relating to social and economic assistance), Chapter 817, F.S., (relating to fraudulent practices), Chapter 893, F.S., (relating to drug abuse prevention and control) or a similar felony offense(s) in another state or jurisdiction unless the candidate or applicant has successfully completed a drug court program for that felony and provides proof that the plea has been withdrawn or the charges have been dismissed. Any such conviction or plea shall exclude the applicant or candidate from licensure, examination, certification, or registration, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or plea ended:
- For the felonies of the first or second degree, more than 15 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
- For the felonies of the third degree, more than 10 years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
- For the felonies of the third degree under section 893.13(6)(a), F.S., more than five years from the date of the plea, sentence and completion of any subsequent probation;
- Has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony under 21 U.S.C. ss. 801-970 (relating to controlled substances) or 42 U.S.C. ss. 1395-1396 (relating to public health, welfare, Medicare and Medicaid issues), unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application;
- Has been terminated for cause from the Florida Medicaid program pursuant to section 409.913, F.S., unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with the Florida Medicaid program for the most recent five years;
- Has been terminated for cause, pursuant to the appeals procedures established by the state or Federal Government, from any other state Medicaid program, unless the candidate or applicant has been in good standing with a state Medicaid program for the most recent five years and the termination occurred at least 20 years before the date of the application;
- Is currently listed on the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s List of Excluded Individuals and Entities.
Special Testing
Process
a. Applicant must submit application with the appropriate fees to the Board of Nursing and begin registration with Pearson VUE, the testing vendor.
b. Applicant schedules an electronic fingerprint appointment with a Livescan service provider and is fingerprinted.
c. Once all materials are submitted, an application specialist will review them. It may be necessary for the application specialist to request additional information.
d. If eligibility requirements are met applicant will receive Eligibility letter with instructions regarding registration with Pearson VUE. Approval is transferred to Pearson VUE.
e. Upon passing the licensure examination the initial license is issued within 7-10 days.
Top 10 Tips for Examination applicants
Applicants who do not successfully pass their examination will have to submit are-examination application.
After three failures of the same level of examination (RN, LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial training program. The program includes classroom and clinical components and proof of completion must be submitted at the time of application for the fourth attempt.
Registration for testingand candidate information bulletins are available through the state’s contracted test administrator, Pearson Vue.
Website:https://portal.ncsbn.org
Email:pvamericascustomerservice@pearson.com
Phone:United States— Call toll-free at 1.86649NCLEX (1.866.496.2539),
Monday – Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, U.S. Central Time.
Address:
NCLEX Examination Program
Pearson Professional Testing
5601 Green Valley Drive
Bloomington, MN 55437-1099
DO NOT SEND Third Party Payments to Pearson Vue.
Fees
$110.00 Application and Licensing Fee to Board of Nursing
$200.00 to Pearson VUE, Testing Vendor
Fee varies for Livescan Service Provider
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
Chapter 464, Part I: Nursing
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Florida Administrative Codes
Chapter 64B9: Board of Nursing
FAQs
What is the hardest nursing test? ›
Preparing to take the NCLEX is enough to make just about anyone nervous. It's a difficult exam, and a major stepping stone in your career as a registered nurse. Remember that most people pass the NCLEX on the first try. However, preparation and confidence are key to passing.
How many times can you take the nursing board exam in Florida? ›Is there a limit on how many times I can take the NCLEX? Yes. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
What is the passing rate for NCLEX in Florida? ›9, 2022. Last year, 63.88 percent of registered nursing students passed the NCLEX, down from 64.79 percent in 2021 and 68.92 percent in 2020.
Can you challenge the LPN NCLEX exam? ›Challenging the Board
Taking the NCLEX-PN is unavoidable but if you have professional experience, you may be able to waive the LPN certification coursework. This is what's called "challenging the board," presenting them with evidence that you're qualified to take the test without a certification.
Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
How many nursing students fail the NCLEX? ›What Are Your Chances Of Failing NCLEX-RN On The First Attempt? The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports 13.43% of NCLEX-RN candidates fail the exam on their first attempt.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 3 times in Florida? ›After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
Is the NCLEX easier in Florida? ›There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in. Check out the comprehensive NCLEX prep review that I recommend.
What happens if you fail NCLEX 6 times in Florida? ›Florida: Test-takers have three attempts to pass the NCLEX. After that, they must complete a Florida Board of Nursing-approved remedial course to reinstate testing eligibility for a fourth examination. New York: Nursing test-takers can retest unlimited times and only pay the Pearson VUE NCLEX retake fee.
Is 90% chance of passing NCLEX good? ›Specifically, nurse educators viewed students with predicted probabilities of passing the NCLEX-RN/NCLEX-PN greater than 90% as “on track” and therefore “low risk.” Nurse educators further categorized students with predicted probabilities of passing NCLEX-RN/NCLEX-PN between 80% and 89.9% as having “moderate need of ...
What nursing school has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Florida? ›
HCI College, a private post-secondary nursing school, announced this week that it achieved an 89.1 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate at its West Palm Beach campus in 2022 – one of the highest first-time pass rates of all AD-RN programs in South Florida.
Is 145 questions on NCLEX bad? ›Nope! And it does not mean you failed. Even at 75 questions can have a failed result.
How many questions can you get wrong on NCLEX and still pass? ›Failing the test can result in not answering the minimum amount of 70 questions within the allotted time. You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70.
What is the max questions on the NCLEX LPN? ›How many questions are on the NCLEX? A test-taker will see a minimum of 60 questions and a maximum of 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN and PN. Each of the tests will also include 15 experimental questions that do not count in scoring.
How do I know if I passed LPN NCLEX? ›The nursing regulatory body (NRB) will send the official results to candidates. Official results are ONLY available through the NRB and will be sent to candidates within six weeks after taking the exam.
Is it rare to fail NCLEX in 75 questions? ›While it is certainly possible to fail the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN evaluation in only 75 questions, this rarely happens because most nursing students are far more prepared than they believe they are.
How many times can you take the Nclex exam? ›Frequently Asked Questions About the NCLEX
According to NCSBN rules, you can take the NCLEX eight times a year with 45 days in between attempts.
The test goes beyond the minimum of 75 questions.
Answering more than 75 questions can also be one of the good signs you passed the NCLEX-RN.
Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.
What is the pass rate for the NCLEX first time? ›Falling Pass Rates
Pass rates continued to decline in 2022, with an average pass rate of 80.9% opens in a new tab or windowfor all first-time U.S.-educated candidates, and a rate of 66.6% for all candidates, based on a dataset that excludes the fourth quarter of the year.
What happens if you fail the NCLEX twice? ›
Though the vast majority of candidates pass the exam the first time, those who fail are permitted to retake it after 45 days from their original test date. Candidates may retest as many as 8 times in a year. Candidates must pass NCLEX within three years from when they graduated nursing school.
What are the three pass fail rules for NCLEX? ›There are three pass/fail rules for the NCLEX examinations: the Run-Out-Of-Time rule, the Maximum-Length Exam Rule and the 95-Percent Confidence Interval Rule.
Can I take NCLEX after 10 years? ›Luckily, there doesn't seem to be a limit to how many years after nursing school you're ineligible to take the NCLEX. Still, if you've been out of nursing school for 20 years, you'll need to do some extra preparation to bring your knowledge and skills up to date to pass the NCLEX exam.
Does everyone get the same NCLEX questions? ›Unlike your math exams where everyone had to answer the same questions, the NCLEX is dynamic. It's a test that watches you, reacts to you, and tailors itself to you, which means it's very unlikely any two test takers will have the same NCLEX experience.
What state has the highest NCLEX pass rate? ›1. New Hampshire. New Hampshire boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., over 14% higher than the national average. In 2022, five of the state's eight bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs reported first-time pass rates above 90%, including a 100% rate for Plymouth State University.
Which state is easiest to get RN license? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
The test will produce a minimum of 75 questions, and a maximum of 265 questions. A candidate passes the test when the tester has answered enough questions correctly to stay above the pass line with 95% confidence interval. The candidate will fail the test when they do not rise about the pass line with 95% confidence.
What are considered hard questions on NCLEX? ›Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.
How many questions out of 75 do you need to pass the NCLEX? ›Run-Out-Of-Time Rule
A test-taker must have answered the minimum number of required test questions to be eligible to pass. For examinees taking the NCLEX-RN, at least 75 questions must be answered. A minimum of 85 questions must be completed on the NCLEX-PN exam.
Generally, a bad pop-up happens when you try to process a new NCLEX registration, and the payment goes through. This indicates that the first NCLEX attempt resulted in a failing grade and that a retest is necessary.
Is 50% passing on the NCLEX? ›
The NCLEX is scored using dichotomous scoring, so you can either pass or fail the exam. Currently, to pass the NCLEX-RN, the standard is 0.00 logits–or answer questions correctly at least 50% of the time. The NCLEX-PN standard is -0.18 logits.
Has anyone failed the NCLEX in 75? ›Can I Fail the NCLEX at 75 Questions? To pass the NCLEX RN or PN, test takers must correctly answer at least 75 questions (the minimum amount). Unfortunately, that means you can also fail the exam within those 75 questions or items.
Is an 85% chance of passing the NCLEX good? ›Generally, the minimum score to pass the NCLEX-RN is around 75 and the minimum score to pass the NCLEX-PN is around 85. As long as you reach or exceed your jurisdiction's required minimum score, you will pass the NCLEX.
What city in Florida pays nurses the most? ›Florida nursing salaries vary from region to region across the state. The area where registered nurses are paid the highest is West Palm Beach, where the average RNs salary is $74,220 and 53,110 registered nurses are currently employed.
Which state is easiest to take NCLEX for foreign nurses? ›- #1 Connecticut. ...
- #2 Montana. ...
- #3 New York. ...
- #4 Northern Mariana Islands. ...
- #5 South Dakota.
Easiest nursing degree program to get into in Florida
Florida Southern College has an acceptance rate of 50%, making it the least exclusive college with nursing program on our list.
If a student got all 265 questions, that would mean they are really straddling the competency line. The NCLEX algorithm is complicated, but it's a very smart, adaptive test. After you get past 75 questions, once it determines whether you're above passing or below passing, it will shut off.
How is the NCLEX changing in 2023? ›The Next Gen NCLEX will also have a new scoring method. Currently, the NCLEX items are scored as either all incorrect or all correct. Using a scoring model that accounts for multiple answers will allow for partial credit. It will go into effect in April 2023.
Does the last question on NCLEX matter? ›If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.
What happens if you get 75 questions on NCLEX? ›When the NCLEX-RN shuts off at 75 questions, it means you either did very well or very poorly—enough so that the CAT model is 95% confident in your success or failure after only one-third of the possible 265 exam questions. Further, in a 75-question test only 60 questions are counted toward your passing score.
What if the last question on the NCLEX was easy? ›
If the last question on the NCLEX was easy, it means you got a question that was easy or a topic you knew very well. While that could be a sign you passed, you won't know for sure until the official results are available.
How many questions do you need to pass the LPN NCLEX? ›The better you perform, the fewer the questions you'll be required to complete to pass the exam. The minimum number of questions you could answer to pass the NCLEX-PN is 85 questions. The average number of questions given is 112.
How many times can I take NCLEX in Florida? ›Is there a limit on how many times I can take the NCLEX? Yes. After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
Can you pass NCLEX with 150 questions? ›The number of questions do not matter.. You can pass or fail with any number of questions ranging from 75- 265 questions..
How hard is the NCLEX LPN exam? ›NCLEX test questions are tricky; the NCLEX is not your average test. Because nurses must be knowledgeable and safe to practice, the NCSBN focuses on high level thinking. Instead of rote memorization or fill in the blank answers, the test is based on application and analysis questions.
How to pass the LPN entrance exam? ›- Know what to expect on the exam. ...
- Start studying early and plan. ...
- Study by your learning style. ...
- Study practice questions. ...
- Use the best exam resources.
How difficult is the NCLEX-PN? The NCLEX-PN is challenging—it's supposed to be. The purpose is to determine if you're capable of providing safe and effective care for clients who are trusting you with their lives.
Which state NCLEX is the hardest? ›None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.
How hard is it to pass the RN exam? ›Rather than using memorization skills, logic and critical thinking skills are required to succeed on this exam, making it more comprehensive and challenging. So, if you find yourself asking, "How hard is the NCLEX-RN? - The short answer is, it's very hard.
What is hardest field of nursing to get into? ›- Oncology. There's no surprise that this specialty is near the top of the list. ...
- Hospice. ...
- Medical-Surgical. ...
- Geriatric Care. ...
- Emergency Room. ...
- Psychiatry. ...
- Correctional Nursing.
Is the NCLEX harder than the bar exam? ›
Law school was much easier than nursing school, However, the NCLEX was easier than the State Bar.
What is the lowest score to pass the NCLEX? ›While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 135, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 70 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
How many times can you fail the nurse exam? ›Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX after three times must complete a board-approved remedial training before their fourth attempt.
How many times can you fail RN boards? ›If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.
Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate? ›1. New Hampshire. New Hampshire boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., over 14% higher than the national average. In 2022, five of the state's eight bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs reported first-time pass rates above 90%, including a 100% rate for Plymouth State University.
Which nurses have the most burnout? ›Critical care nurses suffer the highest rates of burnout.
This is mainly due to the nature of the job, as critical care nurses work specialize in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). As such, their work environment is constantly fast-paced, meticulous, and demanding.
- Nurse Educator. Average Annual Salary: $62,000. ...
- Nurse Blogger. Average Annual Salary: N/A. ...
- Clinic Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $65,000. ...
- Traveling Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $70,000. ...
- School Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $50,000. ...
- Summer Camp Nurse. ...
- Nurse Administrator. ...
- Public Health Nurse.
$150 Million + Won!
Which US state has the easiest bar exam? ›Easiest Bar Exams
The following are simply considered to be less challenging than others in the US: South Dakota (Pass rate: 68%) Wisconsin (Pass rate: 59%) Nebraska (Pass rate: 80%)*
There is one law school in Nevada, and it offers two and half-day bar exams alongside one of the lowest pass rates in the U.S. This is due to the combination of unique laws and higher required aggregates to pass. Here are the 10 states with the hardest bar exams: Vermont - 50% Florida - 51%