21 NCAC 36 .0211 eligibility and application for LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION

(a) An applicant seeking nurse licensure shall meet the educational requirements of a prelicensure nursing program that is equivalent or greater to the requirements for NC nursing prelicensure programs as required in Section .0300 of this Chapter and apply to take the NCLEX™. The Board shall review the application and applicant's educational requirements. Once the applicant has passed the NCLEX™, the Board shall consider the applicant's qualifications for licensure as outlined in Paragraph (e) of this Rule.

(b) Applications for licensure by examination shall be posted on the Board's website at www.ncbon.com and shall contain the following information:

(1) The applicant's name, telephone number, and email address;

(2) The applicant's primary address of residence;

(3) The educational degrees obtained by the applicant with the program name and completion date; and

(4) Other professional or occupational licenses held by the applicant with the licensure number and jurisdiction in which the license was issued, if applicable.

(1) Complete a Board-approved nursing prelicensure program as outlined in Rule .0302 and .0303 of this Chapter. Evidence of completion of the program shall be an electronic verification submitted from the program director that the applicant has satisfied the educational requirements of the program pursuant to Section .0300 of this Chapter.

(2) Complete a National Council State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) member board approved nursing program that is equivalent or greater to the requirements for NC nursing prelicensure programs as required in Section .0300 of this Chapter. Evidence of completion shall be a transcript. Educational transcripts shall be submitted directly to the Board from the program, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment.

(3) Complete a nursing program outside the United States that provides graduates with comparable education that is equivalent or greater to the requirements for NC nursing prelicensure programs as required in Section .0300 of this Chapter. Foreign-educated applicants shall:

(A) provide electronic verification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or International Education Evaluation (IEE) demonstrating the applicant's education is equivalent or greater to the requirements for NC nursing prelicensure programs as required in Section .0300 of this Chapter;

(B) Demonstrate proficiency in the English Language. Proof of English proficiency is either an overall score of 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 on all modules on the exam administered by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or an overall score of 83 or higher on the exam administered by Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); and

(4) Complete one of the following military courses of study for practical nursing equivalent or greater to the requirements for NC prelicensure nursing programs as evidenced by a transcript: Army Practical Nursing; Army MOS 68C Practical Nursing; Air Force Practical Nursing Technology Associate Degree; or Medical Corpsman to Practical Nurse.

(d) To be eligible for approval to take the NCLEX™ examination, an applicant shall:

(1) Submit an Application for Licensure by Examination as outlined in Subparagraphs (b)(1)-(4) of this Rule to the Board, attesting under oath or affirmation that the information on the application is true and complete, and authorizing the release to the Board of all information pertaining to the application;

(2) Meet the educational requirements of a nursing prelicensure program as required in Paragraph (c) of this Rule;

(3) Provide electronic confirmation from Pearson VUE, the testing agency which administers the NCLEX™, as proof applicant is registered to take the NCLEX™.

(4) Pay the application fee as established in G.S. 90-171.27(b).

(e) To be eligible for nurse licensure by examination, an applicant shall:

(1) Submit an application for licensure as outlined in Subparagraphs (b)(1)-(4) of this Rule to the Board;

(2) Possess a valid social security number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration;

(3) Pass the NCLEX™ – examination results submitted electronically from Pearson VUE;

(4) Hold an unencumbered license in all jurisdictions in which a license is or has been held. If applicant has any disciplinary history on a license or has participated in a drug monitoring program, the applicant shall submit written explanation and all related documents to the Board;

(5) Complete a criminal background check in accordance with G.S. 90-171.48;

(6) Not be subject to probationary conditions or monitoring by the court as a result of any misdemeanor or felony convictions;

(7) Submit a written explanation and court documents regarding all criminal convictions, if applicable; and

(8) Submit a written explanation and all related documentation if the applicant has been listed as a nurse aide and there have been substantiated findings pursuant to G.S. 131E-255 and 10A NCAC 13O .0101(4). An applicant shall not be licensed while an investigation is pending.

(f) An application is valid for one year from the date the application is filed with the Board or when the Board is notified by Pearson VUE that the applicant has passed or failed the NCLEX™ whichever comes first.

(g) An applicant shall be required to appear in person for an interview with the Board if there is a discrepancy in the information submitted.

(h) A license issued pursuant to this Rule shall be for the remainder of the biennial period.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-171.23(15); 90‑171.29; 90‑171.30; 90-171.37(1); 90-171.48;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. December 1, 2004; April 1, 2003; January 1, 1996; July 1, 1994; February 1, 1994; August 3, 1992;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2019.

Amended Eff. March 1, 2025.