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NCLEX Forms for Louisiana

Note: In the state of Louisiana RNs and LPNs are managed by separate boards. RN practice is regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). LPN practice is regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE). Their rules and regulations are different.

Application for Licensure by Examination

RN: Create an account here to apply: Online Application for RN Nursing Licensure by Exam

LPN: Create an account here to apply: Online Application for LPN Nursing Licensure by Exam

Fees

RN: $100.00 (Payable to LSBN)
LPN: $100.00 (Payable to LSBPNE)
Fingerprint Processing: $39.25 (Payable to LSBN)

All fees are non-refundable.

Highlights:

Both RN and LPN licensure application forms for the state of Louisiana must be submitted on paper.

Fingerprints and criminal background checks are required for RN candidates. They are only required for LPN candidates who seeking endorsement, not for those seeking examination (this is because they are done when students enroll in LPN programs).

Applicants with criminal or disciplinary history must disclose that information and submit additional documentation to their respective Board.

LPN applicants for licensure with a diagnosis of HIV/HBV must report this in writing to the executive director of the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners by certified or registered mail marked "Personal and Confidential".

Submitting the application for licensure by examination does NOT register you for the exam. Applicants must register and pay separately for the exam by going to: www.pearsonvue.com.

As part of the application process RN applicants must:

Register to take the NCLEX. If you submit the application for licensure before registering for the exam, your application process may be delayed.

Request an official school transcript. The transcript should be sent by your nursing school directly to the Board.

Obtain a recent (less than six months old), passport-size photograph (2x2) and affix it to the application.

Request a fingerprint packet and make an appointment to have fingerprints taken. Only RN applicants who have NOT submitted fingerprints to the LSBN as part of their application to enroll in clinical courses need to be fingerprinted.

Complete the Authorization for Criminal Background Check (CBC) form.

Have the director of your nursing school complete, sign and seal the affidavit certifying your participation in the school program (page 6 of the application).

Have the application form notarized. Take the application form to a Notary Public. A Notary Public is someone who is licensed to verify the authenticity of a person's signature. DO NOT SIGN your application until you take it to be notarized. The Notary Public has to watch you sign the application.

The Notary Public may charge a fee for his or her services. To find a Notary Public try your bank or the post office. You can also search here: http://www.notaryrotary.com/agent/find_a_notary.asp

As part of the application process LPN applicants must:

Register to take the NCLEX. If you submit the application for licensure before registering for the exam, your application process may be delayed.

Complete the practical nurse First Time Writers application form.

Submit the application form to the LSBPNE, along with the appropriate fee.

Fingerprinting Process:
For more detailed fingerprinting instructions and forms go here: Fingerprinting Instructions Form

Licensing Process
Once you are registered for the exam and the application, fee, and supporting documentation have been received, the Board will determine your eligibility to test.

Applicants who are deemed eligible to test will receive an Authorization To Test (ATT) notification directly from the testing service. The ATT letter will include information regarding scheduling the examination.

When passing examination results are received by the Board a license will be issued.

About Temporary Permits

The Louisiana State Board of Nursing may issue a Temporary Permit allowing graduates applying for RN licensure to practice nursing until examination results are available. The permit is valid for ninety (90) days from the date of graduation or until the results of the first NCLEX-RN are received. The permit becomes void if the candidate fails the NCLEX-RN.

Candidates with Disabilities:
RN and LPN applicants who require special exam accommodations, due to disability, must indicate this on the application. Other required documentation includes: a letter from, the applicant explaining the disability and required accommodations, a letter from the head of your nursing school detailing any accommodations provided by the school, and a letter from the healthcare provider treating the condition that is causing the disability. For more detailed instructions go here: Special Accommodation Request Form:

Need More Information?

Access the site for the Louisiana Board of Nursing and the Louisiana Board of Practical Nurse Examiners.