Obtaining registered nursing (RN) licensure | Graduate Entry (GE) students

Obtaining a registered nursing (RN) licensure requires students to complete two processes:

1. An application for an Ohio RN licensure

• The application process differs by state

2. NCLEX pre-registration

Steps to apply for RN licensure in Ohio

• Complete the BCI and FBI fingerprint 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 finger printing. The Ohio Board of Nursing will accept the ORC 4723.09 or the ORC 4723.091 code.
• Verify your full name, completion date, and entrance date as recorded by the College of Nursing. 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 the Pre-Licensure Coursework Checklist and submit it as indicated on the form
• Complete and submit your application for "Nursing Licensure by Examination" through the state of Ohio eLicense
• Upon submitting your application for RN licensure, report your Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) Application number through this Qualtrics survey
• When completing the Nursing Licensure by Examination application, enter the following:
  • Educational Institution: The Ohio State University - BS - US20508200
  • Educational Program/Program Code: US20508200
  • Degree Type: Other
  • Degree Received: BSN
    • Although you will not receive a BSN degree, completion of the prelicensure coursework is considered equivalent for the Ohio Board of Nursing. Please note that other state boards may not do so.

Steps to complete the pre-NCLEX registration

The NCLEX is a national exam and students should follow these steps to complete the NCLEX registration process:

• Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam
• Register and pre-pay for exam one to two months prior to completing pre-licensure coursework   
• 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:
    • Program Code: 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 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 / 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the College of Nursing track my RN Licensure application to the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN)?

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. You may track your application status by following these instructions.

How can I track my OBN application status?

Go to the OBN website for 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, please contact the Licensure Unit at 614-995-7675 or by e-mail at licensure@nursing.ohio.gov.

What do I need to do to be eligible to take the NCLEX® Examination?

• 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. 
• Complete the Pre-Licensure Coursework Checklist and submit it as indicated on the form.
• Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam.
• Successfully complete all pre-licensure coursework.   
• At the end of the term during which the last pre-licensure course is completed and after grades are posted (usually Friday unless an "Incomplete" is received), the College of Nursing will submit all completion notifications directly to the OBN.

What name should I use on the application and other materials?

• 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 .

How do I actually register for the NCLEX examination itself?

Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam.

When do I complete the Qualtrics survey? 

Complete this survey upon applying to the OBN.

When will my Authorization to Test (ATT) number be sent?

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.

When can I schedule the NCLEX?

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.