License applications are available on the websiteLouisiana Nurse Portal.
You can also update your email or postal address and request a name change through the care portal.
A clinical nursing student at the RN
Accredited Nursing Schools
Instructions for applying for enrollment in clinical nursing courses
3331. Policies for Refusing or Delaying Licensing, Reinstatement, or Practice as a Nursing Student
Fingerprint Instructions and Criminal Background Check Authorization Form
RN license according to exam applicant
Fingerprint Instructions and Criminal Background Check Authorization Form
Instructions for pre-licensing per exam
Request special testing accommodations for NCLEX
Out of state NCLEX verification form
RN refresher courses recognized by the LSBN
NCLEX Recovery Request
3331. Policies for Refusing or Delaying Licensing, Reinstatement, or Practice as a Nursing Student
Diploma from a foreign country
verification certificate
related links
Louisiana State Board of Nurses Examiners License Verification
examiner no. 12012
American Nurses Association - website for nursing students
Brief NCSBN Guideline – Clinical Experiences for Unvaccinated Nursing Students
I was an LPN (or other licensed/certified healthcare provider) in another state, but my license is no longer active. Do I still have to submit a power of attorney?
Yes, even if your license/certificate is no longer active, you must provide a letter from that licensing/certification authority stating whether that license/certificate was not encumbered when it became inactive and whether there was any infringement of that license/ Your certificate has ever been subject to disciplinary action.
If I am convicted of a misdemeanor or misdemeanor, can I still be a registered nurse?
Applications submitted to the LSBN are assessed individually. In assessing past crimes, the LSBN takes many factors into account, including but not limited to the number of crimes, the type and/or seriousness of the crimes, the age of the crime and the age of the applicant, the time of the crime, and rehabilitation and other factors. Without a completed application and supporting documentation, the LSBN cannot make a decision on an individual's ability to enroll in clinical nursing courses and/or qualify for admission. For more information, see the following link:https://www.doa.la.gov/media/gybngco4/46v47.pdf
Do I need to report an incident if I've never been convicted of a crime?
Yes, regardless of the outcome: If you have ever been subpoenaed or arrested for a criminal offense (other than traffic violations), you must report the incident and provide the required documentation. This includes fees that have been denied for any reason, including successfully completing the referral program, or fees that have been removed. All documents submitted must be certified as truthful by the issuing body.
If I already have a criminal record but the data was deleted, do I still have to report this to the board?
No person whose arrest or conviction records have been erased (who have been ordered to be sealed, kept secret and/or pardoned by a court in the applicant's state or jurisdiction) is under no obligation to notify any other person that they have been convicted . has been arrested or convicted of the crime in question, or that the arrest or conviction files have been deleted.La C Cr. Art. 973 (C). If the applicant is unfamiliar with the meaning of the above terms and/or has questions as to the meaning of the terms, it is the applicant's responsibility to seek legal advice.
What documents should I include with my application if I have a criminal record?
You must provide a detailed description of the incident, including the dates of all incidents, the name of the city/county where the incident occurred, the name of the arresting/prisoning agency, a list of all violations, etc. The final decision or current status of the case . Also, enclose certified copies of all arrest records, court records and court orders/warrants, probation/prosecution transfers, or pre-trial intervention program agreements and/or certificates of completion. In cases where charges have been dropped by the prosecutor, a letter from the prosecutor is required.
I have answered YES to one of the questions on the clinical application, submitted all required documentation, and received board approval. Do I need to resubmit the same information with my license application for the exam?
If approved by the board, you do not need to provide the same information in your license application.
What information is required to obtain special arrangements for taking the NCLEX exam?
In order to receive test opportunities, the following requirements are necessary:
It must be declaredSoto the next question about the applicationLicense per exam:
- Do you need special test equipment?
Submit the complete documentsRequest Special Test Accommodations for NCLEX (state.la.us)
- Candidates section.
- The main part of the program
- health department
Does Louisiana accept graduates from online programs?
License applicants must successfully complete a nursing program that meets or exceeds Louisiana standards.
**Non-traditional nursing programs, including online programs, that offer instructor-led clinical experiences without significant department oversight or specific clinical experience requirements are not eligible for licensing by exam as of July 1, 2018.
**Excelsior College students who graduated before May 10, 2021 may apply for one license per exam.
Does the Board accept candidates who are graduates of The College Network, Rue Educational Publishers or Moore Educational Publishers?
None of these awards confer a nursing degree or are associated with an accredited nursing school. These are non-profit organizations that provide support and learning materials to students at Excelsior College, External Degree Program. Excelsior provides its students with their own learning materials.
Excelsior College students who graduated before May 10, 2021 may apply for one permit per exam.
If you have any questions about these organizations, please contact Excelsior atwww.excelsior.eduat 1-866-647-2388.
Can the LPN challenge the NCLEX-RN?
NO. All NCLEX RN applicants must be graduates of recognized RN programs.
When do I need to register with PearsonVue to use NCLEX?
You must register with Pearson VUE immediately after applying for a license.
If you enroll with Pearson VUE before applying for a license, or if you delay your enrollment with Pearson VUE, there will be delays in processing your application.
*If you delay registering with Pearson VUE, it is your responsibility to notify the LSBN staff by sending a message in the Message Center of your Care Portal account letting them know that you are registered and ready to to obtain the study permit.
You do not need a temporary registration permit. Waiting to receive approval will result in a delay in obtaining a Study Authorization (ATT).
How do I register with NCLEX?
Contact PearsonVue to register with NCLEX. There are two ways to register with PearsonVue:
- Online - Visithttp://www.pearsonvue.com/nclexand select payment options.
- Phone – Call Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services at 866-496-2539 and pay $200 by credit card.
How long after completion are permits issued?
Wait up to three weeks after your graduation date to review your provisional approval on the LSBN website.
The board must receive proof of completed nursing training.
- For government programs, this proof must be provided by the school through the affidavit or graduation portal, available only for the educational program, showing that the program was successfully completed and a degree was awarded;
- For out-of-state programs, the school must provide this proof by completing the Affidavit of Graduation form and submitting an official transcript showing that the degree was awarded.
License/verification information is available on the board's website by selecting "License Verification".
Can a recent graduate student continue to work on the permit until the expiration date stated on the permit if he/she fails the exam?
NO. Approvals expire upon receipt of test results or on the expiration date specified on the License Verification Portal, whichever comes first.
Can the license for RN applicants be renewed?
No, the validity period of the permit cannot be extended.
Do the name on ATT and ID have to be exactly the same?
NAME and NAME on the identity card must match the information in the CAC.
Note: If the person is married, a maiden name is usually given on ID documents. However, Pearson typically lists the given middle name in the ATT.
Can a candidate from another jurisdiction and Louisiana get results?
Yes. Candidates may use any NCLEX operated Pearson Testing Center and the results are available to the Board for qualification.
When and how can candidates receive their test results?
The official exam results will be made available to the candidate within three weeks of the exam.
It is the candidate's responsibility to keep the contact details in the care portal (email and postal address) up to date.
**NCLEX RN results are not available by phone.
**License results cannot be shared.
The Quick Results Service is available for a fee on the Pearson VUE website (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). These are unofficial results and cannot be used to authorize an exercise. Wait two business days after the test before requesting these unofficial results. After you log in to the site, follow the Quick Results Service instructions to order and pay for those services.
Employers and applicants can check their license status on the LSBN website.www.lsbn.state.la.us.
** Applicants without an active license cannot work on credit – a license is required.
** If the status is inactive, a reasonable time must be allowed for the license to be processed even after candidates know they have passed.
If a candidate knows they failed a test, can they call and have the results faxed or emailed to them so they can see how they did?
The results will be sent to the registered email address via the Nurse Portal Message Center along with information on re-examination if the candidate is eligible to continue the examination.
If a candidate passes the NCLEX exam in December, will they receive a license that expires that month, or does it expire in December of the following year?
The Board will not issue new licenses to new graduates who have passed the NCLEX on or after December 15, unless the applicant applies for a current year license.
For applicants who do not have a temporary work permit and pass the NCLEX exam after December 15, the license will remain in place until the following year unless the applicant calls and applies for a license.
Note: Licenses issued in any calendar year MUST be renewed before December 31st, regardless of date of issue.
FAQs
How much is the registered nurse examination application fee in Louisiana? ›
All eligible applicants for licensure will be required to register with Pearson VUE and submit a $200 payment using a credit card, debit card or prepaid card to Pearson VUE.
How many times can you take the NCLEX in Louisiana? ›Louisiana: Nursing students can take the NCLEX exam up to four times within two years of graduating from nursing school. After this time, they'll need to re-enroll in a nursing program before testing again. Colorado: test-takers are given three testing attempts within three years from the first test date.
How do I get my nursing license in Louisiana? ›If you wish to apply for licensure in Louisiana, you will need to complete the endorsement application through the Nurse Portal. Results of a state and federal background check are required to complete the process. The fee for applying for endorsement is $185 plus 1.8% state charge.
How many CE hours are required for RN in Louisiana? ›A minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board. There are additional options/exceptions listed in LSBN's CE brochure.
How long is the RN exam? ›The NCLEX-RN has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 145, and you have five hours to complete the exam. If the maximum amount of time has elapsed and you have not answered the minimum number of questions, this indicates you failed the NCLEX in 2023.
How many questions are on the NCLEX Louisiana? ›A minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions are administered. At minimum, 60 questions will be scored and 15 questions will be practice questions. The test taker will not know which are scored and which are not. You will have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the exam.
Can you fail at 75 questions on NCLEX? ›To pass the NCLEX RN or PN, test takers must correctly answer at least 75 questions (the minimum amount). Unfortunately, that means you can also fail the exam within those 75 questions or items.
How hard is the NCLEX exam? ›NCLEX Pass Rates
The second-attempt pass rate for domestically-educated students taking the test was 45.56%. These results demonstrate that it is a pretty difficult test. The questions are designed to test your critical thinking, knowledge of the nursing process, and assessment skills.
If you have not passed the NCLEX by the three-year anniversary of your graduation, you will have to attend a nursing education program before you may take the exam again.
What is the easiest nursing license to get? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
What is the fastest nursing license to get? ›
The fastest way to become an RN is through an RN diploma program, which can be completed in as little as a year. While completing this program does not lead to a degree, it does make the individual eligible to take the NCLEX and earn their RN license.
How long does it take to get a Louisiana RN license? ›| State | Com pact? | Time Frame for Permanent Licensure |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | | 4 - 6 weeks |
| Maine | | 8 - 10 weeks |
| Maryland | | 10 weeks |
| Massachusetts | *** | 4 - 5 weeks |
In most cases, hospitals will not allow nurses to work more than 16 hours in a row. Clinic nurses (private practice) typically will not work more than 8 hours per day.
How many hours can a nurse work in 24 hours in Louisiana? ›2). 1) The Association of Operating Room Nurses (2014) opines that nurses “should not be required to work in direct patient care for more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period and not more than 60 hours in a seven-day work week.
How much does it cost to renew RN license in Louisiana? ›Renewal: Renewal period is from October 1 to December 31 of each calendar year. It costs $100 to renew a license. 1600 nursing hours and 5 contact hours are required, or more contact hours if less nursing hours have been met.
What is the hardest exam for nurses? ›The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a critical exam that every nursing student must take to become a licensed nurse. Passing the NCLEX is essential to begin your nursing career, but it is also one of the most challenging exams you will ever take.
Is passing nursing exam hard? ›Rather than using memorization skills, logic and critical thinking skills are required to succeed on this exam, making it more comprehensive and challenging. So, if you find yourself asking, "How hard is the NCLEX-RN? - The short answer is, it's very hard.
What is the passing score for RN? ›While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 135, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 70 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
Has anyone passed NCLEX with 145 questions? ›While you can fail the NCLEX PN or NCLEX RN exam in 145 questions, it's unlikely. Most students are more prepared than they think, hence why most students pass the NCLEX exams.
Can you pass NCLEX with all 145 questions? ›Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.
How many times can I take NCLEX? ›
If you happen not to pass the exam, you can retake it after 45 days. And if you are wondering how often you can take the NCLEX, the NCSBN retake policy allows for a retake eight times a year, ensuring 45 exam-free days between each test.
How many questions do you need to get right to pass the NCLEX? ›A test-taker must have answered the minimum number of required test questions to be eligible to pass. For examinees taking the NCLEX-RN, at least 75 questions must be answered.
What are considered hard questions on NCLEX? ›Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.
Does the last question on NCLEX matter? ›If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.
What is the passing rate of the NCLEX first time? ›Find out the reasons and what you can do as a student or nurse educator. For first-time test-takers, the pass rate fell to 79.9% and for all test-takers to 63.4%.
How many people never pass the NCLEX? ›According to the NCSBN, the national first time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US educated nurses in 2020 was 86.5% and the PN pass rate for the same period of time was 83%. The pass rate for repeat RN test-takers was only 42.9% and for PN 35.6%.
How hard is it to pass the NCLEX the first time? ›But nationally, the percentage of candidates taking the NCLEX-RN exam for the first time and passing fell from 88.2% in 2019 to 80.9% last year, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Which state has the hardest NCLEX exam? ›None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.
Is 3 months enough to study for NCLEX? ›Recommended study times may vary depending upon the level of preparation needed and can range anywhere from four to twelve weeks or more. Although this article provides a guide to studying NCLEX in one month, it is highly recommended you allocate more than just four weeks to prepare for your exam.
Can I take NCLEX if I graduated 10 years ago? ›Luckily, there doesn't seem to be a limit to how many years after nursing school you're ineligible to take the NCLEX. Still, if you've been out of nursing school for 20 years, you'll need to do some extra preparation to bring your knowledge and skills up to date to pass the NCLEX exam.
What state is the hardest to get a nursing license? ›
- OHIO. Surprised California doesn't top the list? ...
- CALIFORNIA. Ah, California—a bucket-list destination for many travel nurses. ...
- MARYLAND. ...
- MAINE. ...
- ALASKA.
In general, nurses fall into three categories: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. Non-degree nurses include certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs), who complete nursing education programs that don't culminate in a degree.
What states have unlimited Nclex attempts? ›- Alabama.
- Arizona.
- Arkansas.
- California.
- Connecticut.
- Idaho.
- Iowa.
- Kansas.
Nursing schools are highly selective, and their admissions process is just as rigorous as any medical school. Nursing is a rewarding, well-paying and coveted career, with plenty of opportunities for growth and continuing education, so the competition for applicants is high.
What's a LPN vs RN? ›LPNs usually provide more basic nursing care and are responsible for the comfort of the patient. RNs on the other hand, primarily administer medication, treatments, and offer educational advice to patients and the public. LPNs earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs.
Can I work in Louisiana with a Texas nursing license? ›Nurses are eligible to work in Louisiana when they hold a valid multistate license from another Compact State. If you are a nurse practicing in Louisiana under the privilege of a different party state license, you are not required to pay any fees or complete continuing education requirements for the State of Louisiana.
Is Louisiana RN license a compact license? ›Our state is now a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
How many hours do you have to work to keep LPN license in Louisiana? ›Louisiana Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Practiced nursing at least 160 hours, but less than 1600 hours within the calendar year. Obtain a minimum of 10 contact hours of ANCC or State BON accredited nursing CE annually for license renewal. Practiced nursing less than 160 hours during the calendar year.
Louisiana break laws
Employers in the state of Louisiana are not obligated to provide breaks during an 8-hour shift for adult employees. If they do so, any period described as a “break” must be paid — provided that it lasts 20 minutes or less.
Even when a nurse voluntarily works overtime, the maximum shift is 14 consecutive hours. Furthermore, after a nurse's shift, the employer must provide at least 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time. This is with or without overtime. The law doesn't prohibit nurses from voluntarily working overtime.
What is the longest shift for a nurse? ›
The max number of hours a nurse can work in a row is usually 16 hours. Though many facilities will limit nurses to working no more than 12 hours straight.
Is it legal in Louisiana to not pay overtime? ›Paying Overtime: No overtime laws exist in Louisiana, so employers are subject to the federal laws. This specifies that workers must be paid 1 1/2 times their regular rate of pay for each hour over 40 hours they work in a week. Federal overtime regulations cover most employers, but there are a number of exemptions.
Can nurses work 4 days in a row? ›Some pros of working a nurse's schedule include: Flexible workdays: One of the biggest benefits of working a nurse's schedule is the amount of days off in a row a nurse can take. Though some nurses choose to work two days on and one off, others opt for three days in a row, so they have four non-working days in a row.
Does your employer have to pay you for unused vacation time in Louisiana? ›While Louisiana employers are not required to provide paid vacation to employees, employers with oral or written policies providing for paid vacation must pay employees all accrued, unused vacation pay upon termination of employment.
How many times can you take Nclex in Louisiana? ›Louisiana: Nursing students can take the NCLEX exam up to four times within two years of graduating from nursing school. After this time, they'll need to re-enroll in a nursing program before testing again. Colorado: test-takers are given three testing attempts within three years from the first test date.
What happens if you let your nursing license expire in Louisiana? ›If your license has been expired longer than 1 year, you must submit a reinstatment or a relicensure application. Please contact the licensing department at licensing@lsbme.la.gov to verify what application is needed. Less than 1 year you can use the renewal application(s) below.
How much does it cost to take the Nclex-RN exam USA? ›The registration fee to take the NCLEX-PN or the NCLEX-RN exam in the United States is $200. For candidates registering for the NCLEX-RN in Canada, the fee is $360 (Canadian). If a test-taker changes his or her nursing regulatory body after registering for the NCLEX, there is a $50 fee (United States and Canada).
How to apply for NCLEX in Louisiana? ›To register for the NCLEX you will need to contact PearsonVue. There are two ways to register with PearsonVue: Online – Visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex and choose a payment options. Phone – Call Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services at 866-496-2539 pay the $200 by credit card.
What is the examination for registered nurse? ›The NCLEX-RN Exam
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam) has one purpose: To determine if it's safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse.
The total cost to renew a current license is $61.08 and is payable by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover ONLY. After midnight January 31st, if you have not renewed your license for the current year, your license will become Inactive - Lapsed.
How many times can you take the nursing NCLEX? ›
Frequently Asked Questions About the NCLEX
According to NCSBN rules, you can take the NCLEX eight times a year with 45 days in between attempts.
The NCLEX is a hard exam, but it's not impossible to pass. Statistically, over 80% of students who take the NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN exam will pass. Most likely, a student will pass if they went to a good nursing program, bought a good NCLEX prep course, and has a good NCLEX study plan in place.
Is the NCLEX-RN exam multiple choice? ›The NCLEX-RN® is composed of primarily multiple-choice, four-option, text-based questions written at the application/analysis level of difficulty. These questions may include charts, tables, or graphic images. There are three components of an NCLEX-RN® exam multiple-choice question.
Can I take the NCLEX exam online? ›You can not take the NCLEX at your home. The NCLEX is administered by Pearson VUE and can only be taken at Pearson Vue testing centers.
How much is the Louisiana NCLEX? ›Louisiana accepts one online program for initial licensure as an RN: Excelsior College. There are additional requirements for Excelsior graduates. There is a $100 application fee and a $42.50 fingerprinting fee, as per the current application. The NCLEX fee is $200.
What documents do I need for my NCLEX? ›- Passport books and cards.
- Driver's license.
- Provincial/territorial or state identification card.
- Permanent residence card.
- Military identification card.
While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 135, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 70 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
What is the highest paid RN? ›What is the highest-paid nurse? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! Earning $195,610 annually, CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty.
Can anyone take the NCLEX exam? ›To take the NCLEX-RN, you'll need a four-year nursing degree from an accredited program. To take the NCLEX-PN, you'll need to complete a related diploma program or certificate course. Some of these course options are only one year long.
How long does it take to be an RN in Louisiana? ›You can become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by completing a one year diploma program. Or you can also become a Registered Nurse (RN), by completing either a two year associate's degree (ADN) or a four year bachelor's degree (BSN).