RN Licensure Instructions and NCLEX Information
Obtaining a registered nursing (RN) license involves completing two separate steps. First, you must apply for RN licensure in the state where you plan to practice—for example, through the Ohio Board of Nursing if you intend to become licensed in Ohio. Each state has its own application process, fees, and required documentation, so the steps may look slightly different depending on where you apply.
Second, you must complete NCLEX pre-registration, which is the process of creating an account, submitting required information and payment and becoming eligible to schedule your exam. Both steps must be completed before you can sit for the NCLEX and ultimately receive your RN license.
Applying for your RN license and registering to take the NCLEX differs for BSN and Graduate Entry students. Be sure to follow the correct instructions identified below, by academic degree program. The BSN program is at the top and the Graduate Entry is lower on the page.
Instructions for BSN Students
Applying for RN licensure in Ohio
- Begin this process six to eight months prior to graduation. The results must be sent electronically from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Follow these instructions.
- The "reason for fingerprinting" code may differ based on the agency completing the finger printing. The Ohio Board of Nursing will accept the ORC 4723.09 or the ORC 4723.091 code.
Complete through the state of Ohio eLicense.
- When completing the "Nursing Licensure by Examination" application, enter the following:
- The College of Nursing Education program code: US20508200
- Date of Entrance: Date you entered the nursing program
- Date of Completion/Anticipated Completion: Enter the date that is the Friday prior to commencement
Applying for RN licensure outside of Ohio
Once on the website, select your state and click "visit member website".
This information pertains to to “Apply for License/Licensure” or “Licensure by Examination." Follow the instructions provided.
Completing NCLEX pre-registration
Register on the NCLEX website and you must pre-pay for the exam four to six months prior to graduation.
Once the Nursing Regulatory Board declares you are eligible, you will receive by email the "Authorization To Test" (ATT) which allows you to schedule the test itself. Review the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for more information. The College of Nursing Education program code is US20508200.
The Certification of Program Completion Letter*
The College of Nursing will electronically send the “Certification of Program Completion” letter to the Ohio Board of Nursing on the Friday prior to Spring commencement. This letter will confirm your successful completion of the nursing program; you do not need to provide a transcript for Ohio licensure. The Ohio Board of Nursing will then verify that the following documents and fees have been received by the appropriate agencies and will notify NCLEX Candidate Services that you are eligible to take the licensure examination.
- Application for RN licensure
- NCLEX registration and pre-payment
- FBI/BCI fingerprint results
- Program Completion Letter
*Every state is different. Many states do not require the "Certificate of Program Completion" letter. Check with your state’s board of nursing to find out their requirements. If the state you are applying for licensure requires something other than the "Certificate of Program Completion" letter, reach out to our office at 614-292-4041. Learn more about the licensing process in the state of Ohio.
Instructions for Graduate Entry Students
Applying for RN licensure in Ohio
Complete this requirement for the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) as soon as possible. The results must be sent electronically from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Follow these instructions.
- The "reason for fingerprinting" code may differ based on the agency completing the fingerprinting. The Ohio Board of Nursing will accept the ORC 4723.09 or the ORC 4723.091 code.
A document will be provided on Beacon. These must all match what you enter on the pages of the Ohio Board of Nursing Licensure Application.
Complete through the state of Ohio eLicense.
Upon submitting your application for RN licensure, report your OBN application number through this survey.
- Educational Institution: The Ohio State University - Grad Entry - US20511400
- Educational Program/Program Code: US20511400
- Degree Type: Other
- Degree Received: Masters
Completing the pre-NCLEX registration
Register on the NCLEX website and you must pre-pay for the exam one to two months prior to completing pre-licensure coursework.
Once the Nursing Regulatory Board declares you are eligible, you will receive an email from the Authorization To Test (ATT), which allows you to schedule the exam. Review the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for more information.
The College of Nursing Education program code is US20511400.
The Certification of Program Completion Letter
The College of Nursing will electronically send the “Certification of Program Completion” letter to the Ohio Board of Nursing on the Friday of finals week of the semester you complete the pre-licensure coursework. This letter will confirm your successful completion of the nursing program; you do not need to provide a transcript for Ohio licensure. The Ohio Board of Nursing will then verify that the following documents and fees have been received by the appropriate agencies and will notify NCLEX Candidate Services that you are eligible to take the licensure examination:
- Application for RN licensure
- NCLEX registration and pre-payment
- FBI/BCI fingerprint results
- Program Completion Letter
FAQ
No. The College of Nursing cannot verify whether or not the OBN received your fingerprints, other required documents, or provide an update on your application since we are separate entities.
The OBN website provides instructions. Click on your name; it will display as “pending” until your license is issued. If it has been more than 35 business days since you submitted your application and your name does not appear, contact the Licensure Unit at 614-995-7675 or by e-mail at licensure@nursing.ohio.gov.
Complete the FBI and BCI background check.
- Complete and submit the "Nursing Licensure by Examination" through the state of Ohio eLicense application and the appropriate fee.
- Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam.
- After grades are posted (usually Friday unless an "Incomplete" is received), the College of Nursing will submit all completion notifications directly to the OBN.
Your name should match on all documents. Please note that your driver’s license will show only your middle initial. This is not an issue and does not preclude using your full middle name on the licensure materials
You are not “authorized” until the OBN receives and processes all materials including the "Certification of Program Completion" letter. The "Certification of Program Completion" letter will be sent to the OBN from the College of Nursing during finals week of the term you complete your pre-licensure coursework.
Contact the Testing Service at 1-866-496-2539, if you do not receive the ATT within a reasonable amount of time.
You can schedule to complete the NCLEX upon receiving the Authorization to Test (ATT). It’s recommended that you schedule the NCLEX immediately upon receiving the ATT.