California Registered Nurse International education requirements

if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California. Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

However, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California. Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

Note: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.

**Note: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)** Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.

**Commission of** **Graduates of** **Foreign Nursing** **Schools (CGFNS)** The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California.

if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California. Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

However, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

2. CCR 1413: English comprehension requirement When the Board has reasonable doubt of an applicant's ability to comprehend the English language to a degree sufficient to permit him to discharge his duties as a Professional Nurse in this State with safety to the public, the Board shall require him to pass an examination to demonstrate such ability.

WRITTEN 5/2015 BOARD APPROVED 06/2015 Page | 2 of 4 EDP-I-35 CCR 1413 English Comprehension When the Board has reasonable doubt of an applicant's ability to comprehend the English language to a degree sufficient to permit him to discharge his duties as a Professional Nurse in this State with safety to the public, the Board shall require him to pass an examination to demonstrate such ability.

California Code of Regulations Section 1413 states that the Board may request the applicant to take the English comprehension examination (TOEFL) if there is reasonable doubt of an applicant’s ability to comprehend the English language.

The Board of Registered Nursing requires the following minimum passing scores for TOEFL in each of the following sections: TOEFL Section Minimum Score Reading 22 Listening 22 Speaking 26 Writing 22

The Board will also request TOEFL from the applicant if they completed their initial nursing program where the language of instruction was not in English.

Passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is acceptable.

California Code of Regulations Section 1413 states that the Board may request the applicant to take the English comprehension examination (TOEFL) if there is reasonable doubt of an applicant’s ability to comprehend the English language.

The Board of Registered Nursing requires the following minimum passing scores for TOEFL in each of the following sections: TOEFL Section Minimum Score Reading 22 Listening 22 Speaking 26 Writing 22

2. CCR 1413: English comprehension requirement When the Board has reasonable doubt of an applicant's ability to comprehend the English language to a degree sufficient to permit him to discharge his duties as a Professional Nurse in this State with safety to the public, the Board shall require him to pass an examination to demonstrate such ability.

The Board will also request TOEFL from the applicant if they completed their initial nursing program where the language of instruction was not in English.

Proof of passage of an English comprehension examination if you are from a non-English speaking country or did not take your country's licensing examination in English.

Passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is acceptable.

No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed equivalent by the Board.

Transcript(s) submission: The BRN must verify that all licensing requirements are met, including education that is deemed equal to or higher than what is required in California, prior to issuing a license to practice nursing (California Code of Regulations section 1426).

***No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful*** ***completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed*** ***equivalent by the Board.

***No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful*** ***completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed*** ***equivalent by the Board.***

In many cases, the Board may require additional information from the school in order to clarify course content and/or curriculum requirements.

We may also request clarification for the amount of theory and clinical training completed.

The Board may request that the applicant submit the school curriculum, catalog, and course materials to establish that the applicant meets CCR 1426 requirements.

No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed equivalent by the Board.

Transcript(s) submission: The BRN must verify that all licensing requirements are met, including education that is deemed equal to or higher than what is required in California, prior to issuing a license to practice nursing (California Code of Regulations section 1426).

Due to not meeting required or equivalent curriculum, per CCR 1426, applicants may be found not eligible for RN licensure.

(2) Have successfully completed the courses of instruction prescribed by the board for licensure, in a program in this state accredited by the board for training registered nurses, or have successfully completed courses of instruction in a school of nursing outside of this state which, in the opinion of the board at the time the application is filed with the Board of Registered Nursing, are equivalent to the minimum requirements of the board for licensure established for an

Board of Registered Nursing, are equivalent to the minimum requirements of the board for licensure established for an accredited program in this state.

Theory instruction and clinical practice for each of the content areas (Medical- Surgical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Psychiatric-Mental Health) must be completed concurrently, i.e., both classroom and clinical experience must occur during the same instructional period.

• Theory instruction and clinical practice for each of the content areas (Medical- Surgical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Psychiatric-Mental Health) must be completed concurrently, i.e., both classroom and clinical experience must occur during the same instructional period.

A. Prelicensure content: not less than 58 semester units (87 quarter units) • Nursing: Theory – 18 semester units (27 quarter units) Clinical – 18 semester units (27 quarter units)

Prelicensure content: not less than 58 semester units (87 quarter units) • Nursing: Theory – 18 semester units (27 quarter units) Clinical – 18 semester units (27 quarter units) • Communications: Oral, Written, and Group 6 semester units (9 quarter units) • Behavioral and Natural Sciences: 16 semester units (24 quarter units).

Prelicensure content: not less than **58 semester** units (87 quarter units) • Nursing: Theory – **18 semester** units (27 quarter units)

If transcript is received from the school only in a foreign language, it will require an English translation by a certified translator or translation service.

No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed equivalent by the Board.

Transcript(s) submission: The BRN must verify that all licensing requirements are met, including education that is deemed equal to or higher than what is required in California, prior to issuing a license to practice nursing (California Code of Regulations section 1426).

***No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful*** ***completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed*** ***equivalent by the Board.

***No license shall be issued without a complete transcript on file indicating successful*** ***completion of the courses prescribed by the Board for licensure or documentation deemed*** ***equivalent by the Board.***

Theory instruction and clinical practice for each of the content areas (Medical- Surgical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Psychiatric-Mental Health) must be completed concurrently, i.e., both classroom and clinical experience must occur during the same instructional period.

• Theory instruction and clinical practice for each of the content areas (Medical- Surgical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Geriatrics and Psychiatric-Mental Health) must be completed concurrently, i.e., both classroom and clinical experience must occur during the same instructional period.

A. Prelicensure content: not less than 58 semester units (87 quarter units) • Nursing: Theory – 18 semester units (27 quarter units) Clinical – 18 semester units (27 quarter units)

Prelicensure content: not less than 58 semester units (87 quarter units) • Nursing: Theory – 18 semester units (27 quarter units) Clinical – 18 semester units (27 quarter units) • Communications: Oral, Written, and Group 6 semester units (9 quarter units) • Behavioral and Natural Sciences: 16 semester units (24 quarter units).

Prelicensure content: not less than **58 semester** units (87 quarter units) • Nursing: Theory – **18 semester** units (27 quarter units)

In many cases, the Board may require additional information from the school in order to clarify course content and/or curriculum requirements.

We may also request clarification for the amount of theory and clinical training completed.

The Board may request that the applicant submit the school curriculum, catalog, and course materials to establish that the applicant meets CCR 1426 requirements.

Applicants must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) if they have never taken and passed the examination or been licensed as a registered nurse in another state or U.S. territory.

# Licensure by Examination Applicants must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) if they have never taken and passed the examination or been licensed as a registered nurse in another state or U.S. territory.

California Code of Regulations Section 1413 states that the Board may request the applicant to take the English comprehension examination (TOEFL) if there is reasonable doubt of an applicant’s ability to comprehend the English language.

The Board of Registered Nursing requires the following minimum passing scores for TOEFL in each of the following sections: TOEFL Section Minimum Score Reading 22 Listening 22 Speaking 26 Writing 22

Applicants must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) if they have never taken and passed the examination or been licensed as a registered nurse in another state or U.S. territory.

# Licensure by Examination Applicants must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) if they have never taken and passed the examination or been licensed as a registered nurse in another state or U.S. territory.

To qualify for endorsement (reciprocity) into California as an RN, you must hold a current and active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) or the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE).

The Canadian Comprehensive Examination is not acceptable

To qualify for endorsement into California as a registered nurse, you must hold a current and active license in another state or Canada, have completed an educational program meeting all California requirements, **and** have passed the national licensure examination or acceptable five-part Canadian examination.

3. One completed **Fingerprint Card** **(Hard** **Card)** ***or*** **Live** **Scan** **Service** **Applicant Submission** **form** **(BCII** **8016)**.

One completed **Fingerprint Card** **(Hard** **Card)** ***or*** **Live** **Scan** **Service** **Applicant Submission** **form** **(BCII** **8016)**.

Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is accepted in place of SSN effective April 1, 2015.

Social Security Number and Tax Information: Required • Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory.

• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is accepted in place of SSN effective April 1, 2015. c.

Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is accepted in place of SSN effective April 1, 2015.

Social Security Number and Tax Information: Required • Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory.

• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is accepted in place of SSN effective April 1, 2015. c.

Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

B) Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

For International Graduates, a copy of your **license** **or** **diploma** that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country **where you** **were educated.

3. One completed **Fingerprint Card** **(Hard** **Card)** ***or*** **Live** **Scan** **Service** **Applicant Submission** **form** **(BCII** **8016)**.

**FINGERPRINT CARD (IF OUT OF STATE):** **$49.00** **SUBMIT TOTAL APPLICABLE PAYMENT TO THE BOARD** **ONLINE VIA BREEZE.

** **For applicants submitting fingerprints by electronic Live Scan, you will pay the appropriate fingerprinting** **fees to the Live Scan operator where you have your fingerprints taken (do not submit the fingerprint card** **fee to the Board).

** **For applicants submitting fingerprints by electronic Live Scan, you will pay the appropriate fingerprinting** **fees to the Live Scan operator where you have your fingerprints taken (do not submit the fingerprint card** **fee to the Board).

You must use a Live Scan site located in California to use this method.

Link to Live Scan form: https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/livescan.pdf Link to Live Scan locations in California: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations Note: Applicants must pay the fee for Live Scan and any applicable rolling fees to the Live Scan vendor directly.

Method 3 is for applicants who completed a nursing program outside of the United States of America. **APPLICATION:** **$750.00**

**APPLICATION:** **$750.00**

** **Method** **3** **-** **INTERNATIONAL** **GRADUATE** Method 3 is for applicants who completed a nursing program outside of the United States of America.

**APPLICATION:** **$750.00** **TEMPORARY LICENSE (OPTIONAL):** **$100.00**

**APPLICATION:** **$350.00** **TEMPORARY LICENSE** **(OPTIONAL):** **$100.00**

**FINGERPRINT CARD (IF OUT OF STATE):** **$49.00** **SUBMIT TOTAL APPLICABLE PAYMENT TO THE BOARD** **ONLINE VIA BREEZE.

**INTERIM PERMIT (OPTIONAL):** **$100.00** **FINGERPRINT CARD (IF OUT OF STATE):** **$49.00** **SUBMIT TOTAL APPLICABLE PAYMENT TO THE BOARD** **ONLINE VIA BREEZE.

Method 3 is for applicants who completed a nursing program outside of the United States of America. **APPLICATION:** **$750.00**

**APPLICATION:** **$750.00**

** **Method** **3** **-** **INTERNATIONAL** **GRADUATE** Method 3 is for applicants who completed a nursing program outside of the United States of America.

Method 2 is for applicants who completed a nursing program outside of the United States of America or U.S. territory. **APPLICATION:** **$750.00**

** **Method** **2** **-** **INTERNATIONAL** **GRADUATE** Method 2 is for applicants who completed a nursing program outside of the United States of America or U.S. territory.

**FINGERPRINT CARD (IF OUT OF STATE):** **$49.00** **SUBMIT TOTAL APPLICABLE PAYMENT TO THE BOARD** **ONLINE VIA BREEZE.

** **For applicants submitting fingerprints by electronic Live Scan, you will pay the appropriate fingerprinting** **fees to the Live Scan operator where you have your fingerprints taken (do not submit the fingerprint card** **fee to the Board).

You must use a Live Scan site located in California to use this method.

Send the "Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs" to your school with the "Request for Transcript" form.

• Completed ***Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing*** ***Programs*** form and the ***Request for Transcript*** form by the nursing school.

• Completed Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs form and the Request for Transcript form by the nursing school.

### Licensure by Examination Instructions Additionally, for international applicants: - Send the "Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs" to your school with the "Request for Transcript" form.

If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

### Submission of Transcripts **International Nursing Programs:** If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

International Nursing Programs: If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

B) Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

For International Graduates, a copy of your **license** **or** **diploma** that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country **where you** **were educated.

B) Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

If your transcript is not in English, provide the "Certified English Translation" form to your certified translator.

Also, provide the Certified English Translation form to your certified translator if your transcript is not in English.

If your transcript is not in English, please provide the "Certified English Translation form" completed by your certified translator.

Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

B) Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

For International Graduates, a copy of your **license** **or** **diploma** that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country **where you** **were educated.

Also, provide copies of your certificates for midwifery and psychiatric nursing, if applicable.

Also, provide copies of your certificates for midwifery and/or psychiatric nursing, if applicable.

If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

### Submission of Transcripts **International Nursing Programs:** If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

International Nursing Programs: If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

Send the "Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs" to your school with the "Request for Transcript" form.

• Completed ***Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing*** ***Programs*** form and the ***Request for Transcript*** form by the nursing school.

• Completed Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs form and the Request for Transcript form by the nursing school.

### Licensure by Examination Instructions Additionally, for international applicants: - Send the "Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs" to your school with the "Request for Transcript" form.

If your transcript is not in English, provide the "Certified English Translation" form to your certified translator.

Also, provide the Certified English Translation form to your certified translator if your transcript is not in English.

8. Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

Submit a copy of your license or diploma that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country where you were educated.

4. For International Graduates, a copy of your **license** **or** **diploma** that allows you to practice professional nursing in the country **where you** **were educated.

BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING PO BOX 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

WRITTEN 5/2015 BOARD APPROVED 06/2015 P a g e | 1 of 4 EDP-I-35 BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY • GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING PO BOX 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100 P (916) 322-3350 | TTY (800) 326-2297 | www.rn.ca.gov Background: The BRN receives applications from persons seeking RN licensure per BPC 2736(b) who have completed their nursing education in a nursing program located in countries other than the United States.

This guideline provides information for graduates of international nursing programs seeking California RN licensure and addresses questions related to the most common applicant situations.

CCR 1410 Application (a) An application for a license as a registered nurse by examination shall be submitted on an application form provided by the Board, and filed with the Board at its office in Sacramento.

# Applicant Frequently Asked Questions ### Licensure by Examination The NCLEX-RN examination is administered at any Pearson Professional Center (PPC) located in the U.S. or its territories.

Additionally, international testing centers are located in Australia, Canada, England, Germany (temporarily not testing at this location), Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, and Taiwan.

The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California. Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

Note: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.

**Note: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)** Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.

**Commission of** **Graduates of** **Foreign Nursing** **Schools (CGFNS)** The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California.

BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING PO BOX 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

WRITTEN 5/2015 BOARD APPROVED 06/2015 P a g e | 1 of 4 EDP-I-35 BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY • GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING PO BOX 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100 P (916) 322-3350 | TTY (800) 326-2297 | www.rn.ca.gov Background: The BRN receives applications from persons seeking RN licensure per BPC 2736(b) who have completed their nursing education in a nursing program located in countries other than the United States.

This guideline provides information for graduates of international nursing programs seeking California RN licensure and addresses questions related to the most common applicant situations.

CCR 1410 Application (a) An application for a license as a registered nurse by examination shall be submitted on an application form provided by the Board, and filed with the Board at its office in Sacramento.

The applicant shall submit an additional application and fee for the examination to the Board or to its examination contractor, as directed by the Board.

The Board shall provide the contractor's application to the applicant.

The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California. Although, if you have been evaluated by CGFNS, the Board will accept official copies of your nursing transcripts (including the clinical portion of your training) from this organization.

Note: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.

**Note: Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)** Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is not required to be licensed in California.

**Commission of** **Graduates of** **Foreign Nursing** **Schools (CGFNS)** The Board does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California.