NCLEX-RN (National Council of State Board of Nursing Exam)
The NCLEX-RN exam is the most important qualification to get if you want to work in the USA. You will not be able to practice as a nurse without first getting this qualification.

Applicants for this exam, which can only be taken in the United States, should contact the board in the state where they want to practice for information on how to register for the test.

State Boards of Nursing
"www.ncsbn.org" National Council of State Boards of Nursing: NCLEX Examination Information

CGFNS Certificate holders consistently have a higher rate of success on the NCLEX-RN examination than internationally-educated nurses who do not hold a CGFNS Certificate. Passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam can help applicants to feel reasonably assured of success on the NCLEX-RN examination.

If you want to take this examination you must travel to the chosen state you wish to work in, take the exam then leave the USA to wait on your results. Some recruitment agencies will sponsor you to do this. You cannot take the NCLEX-RN exam in the UK.

You can sit for the NCLEX examination an unlimited amount of times however if you do not pass it you must wait 90 days before retaking and pay new fees. If you fail the NCLEX this can have some bearing on an interim license in some states.

NCLEX-RN examinations are completely computerised and you can arrange to sit them all year round. You can arrange to take the exam at a test centre in one state but have the results sent to another state so that your license can be issued in that state. But check with the individual state boards about application deadlines.

There is no blanket reciprocity from state to state regarding the NCLEX; each state has different licensing requirements.

if you pass the NCLEX-RN exam the agency (or prospective employer) may then apply for a visa to enable you to return to the USA to work. Note: Only a US employer can apply for an employment visa on your behalf.

For further NCLEX-RN exam information, state nursing boards, and application procedures visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website @ www.ncsbn.org .