
DH‐MQA1094,Revised 6/2020,Rule64B9‐3.002,F.A.C. Page3of22
Nurse Licensure Compact State Information
Florida is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows a registered nurse or licensed
practical nurse licensed in a Compact State to practice across state lines in another Compact State without
having to obtain a license in the other state unless the nurse moves and declares the new Compact State as
their new primary state of residence. It is important to understand that the NLC requires nurses to adhere to
the nursing practice laws and rules of the state in which they practice under their Compact license. The
Compact does not include Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. If a nurse moves from one state to another
and establishes residency, the nurse must apply for licensure in that state. Visit the National Council of State
Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm for a list of states
that have implemented the Compact.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Licensure by Examination?
Graduates from:
Florida approved nursin
g education programs as defined in section (s.) 464.003, Florida Statutes (F.S.).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE) accredited nursing programs that have been issued a National Council Licensure
Examination (NCLEX) code by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Nursing education programs that have been approved or recognized by the jurisdiction in which it is
based and that has been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
Military nursing programs* that have been issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN.
Generic Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher programs that have been issued an NCLEX
code by NCSBN.
A non-NCSBN jurisdiction or international education program that the Board of Nursing determines is
equivalent to an approved program.
Practical Nurse examination based on practical nurse equivalency (PNEQ)- Applicants who have
successfully completed courses equivalent to practical nursing education in a registered nursing
program (See Nursing Education History, Section 7 in the application for more information).
Canadian Registered Nurses who took the Canadian Nurse Association Testing Service (CNATS)
Examination after August 8, 1995 must take the NCLEX unless licensed in another U.S. state or
territory. If test scores are in an acceptable range approved by the Board of Nursing, Canadian
Registered Nurse applicants who took the CNATS prior to August 8, 1995 may be eligible for
endorsement. Unless licensed in another U.S. state or territory, or have taken the NCLEX, Canadian
Licensed Practical Nurses are required to apply by examination.
*Other military health related programs (not issued an NCLEX code by NCSBN) ar
e not equivalent to
professional nursing programs in Florida. Programs completed to qualify as a hospital corpsman, technician,
physician or a physician’s assistant are not classified as registered or practical nursing programs and are not
equivalent.
Important Information: In addition to applying f
or licensure with the board, all applicants must register with
Pearson VUE and pay the fee. All fees paid to Pearson VUE are nonrefundable. You may view the NCLEX
Candidate Bulletin and register with Pearson VUE online at www.vue.com/nclex or by telephone at
1-866-496-2539. Failure to register for the examination with Pearson VUE will delay the approval of your
Authorization to Test (ATT). Applicants should register with Pearson VUE prior to approval by the board,
except for applicants educated outside the United States, who should wait for board approval.