How long after nclex to receive license number in california

How long after nclex to receive license number in california

California is a great place for travel nurses to be licensed. The state’s population is over 37 million and accounts for more than 10% of the nation’s total population. A large population means more hospitals and more potential travel nursing jobs. In addition, California has something for everyone. It’s got some of the greatest cities in the world, a swath of rural communities and quaint small towns, beaches, mountains, and even desserts. So, as a Registered Nurse, how do you obtain your California RN license by endorsement?

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[Update 2/15/2015: The California Board of Registered Nursing was experiencing some major problems with its licensing process beginning October, 2013. You can follow this link to read more about the problems. An audit was released and you can follow this link to read about it. The problems seem to be largely under control at present. However, the process may still take longer than normal during peak times.]

How Long Does it Take to Get a California RN License By Endorsement?

There are essentially 2 paths you can take to obtain your California RN license by endorsement. We’ll refer to them as the long path and the short path. Under normal circumstances, the long path typically takes six to eight weeks and the short path can take as little as 24 hours. As mentioned above, delays are currently obfuscating the entire process. However, current reports indicate the long path is taking 12-14 weeks. The short path is taking 4 to 6 weeks. Some people report they are receiving their license in 2 to 3 weeks on the short path.

Fingerprinting and Your California RN License by Endorsement

That said, the difference between the short path and the long path rests largely with the fingerprinting process. You see, California requires that they receive the results from a federal Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprint check before they will issue a temporary or permanent license. There are two ways to get your fingerprints checked.

The Long Path

The first, which is the long path, is to request a fingerprint card from the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN). They will send you a paper fingerprint card with all the applicable instructions. You will go somewhere that provides fingerprinting services, like a local police station, where you will be fingerprinted the old fashioned way.

You will then mail the fingerprint cards back to CBRN along with all the other required documentation (discussed below). The CBRN will then mail your fingerprint card to the Department of Justice who will run the fingerprints and report back to CBRN.

Alternative to Waiting for Fingerprint Card

It’s important to note that during the aforementioned crisis, many nurses have experienced major delays in receiving a fingerprint card from the CBRN. Some have commented on this blog that they are using the standard fingerprinting card that can be obtained at any fingerprinting location. Basically, the cards sent from California are the standard cards. However, they have all the required information pre-printed on them. If you use a blank standard card, then you should include the following information: (again, this comes from nurses who have commented on this blog so we cannot vouch for the efficacy):

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 The following is the information I put on my cards (and by the way, my license was just issued to me on Friday using these cards):

Board of Registered Nursing, DCA
PO Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
ORI# A0391
Reason: Nursing license

That goes in the address portion on the left of the card directly above where the fingerprints would go. There is also an ORI# for the CA DOJ. This information is closer to the right side of the card directly below where you would have your name:

CA0349400
CA DOJ-BUR OF IDENT
SACRAMENTO, CA

I typed labels to make sure it was clear enough to read because the areas are small to write in.

Why This Takes So Long

You can probably already see why this is the long path. Snail mail and bureaucracy are involved on multiple levels. This process is the reason that CBRN quotes 6-8 weeks from the time they receive your completed packet to issue your license.

To make matters worse, the old-fashioned ink-on-paper fingerprint method is imperfect. I’ve experienced several cases in which the nurse’s fingerprint was smudged and therefore unreadable by the DOJ’s fingerprinting system. Of course, you don’t find this out until the fingerprints have been run and the results have been sent back to CBRN. This can be a huge delay. So, if you choose this route, be very careful with your fingerprints. Allow them to dry before stacking them or inserting them in to any sort of packaging.

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CBRN currently charges a $49 fee for processing manual fingerprints. There may also be a fee charged by the service that completes your manual fingerprint.

If you choose to use go the manual fingerprint route, then you will undoubtedly be applying by mail. In addition to the fingerprint cards, you’ll need to include all the other required documentation described below in the section titled “Other Required Documentation”.

The Short Path

The second way to get your fingerprints done, which is the shorter path, is via LiveScan. This is the modern version of fingerprinting. Your fingerprints are read electronically and the results are received immediately. The catch is that you must be in California in order to get the Livescan completed. To be clear, you cannot perform the LiveScan outside California.

Because LiveScan fingerprinting results come back so quickly, you could have your license in less than a day under normal circumstances as long as the rest of your paperwork is in order. Current reports indicate that it is taking 4-6 weeks to get a California RN license by endorsement if you perform a LiveScan, the results are clean, and you turn in all required paperwork to the CBRN in person.

Obtaining LiveScan Forms For California RN License

You can obtain the LiveScan form here. You’ll notice that there are 3 copies of the LiveScan from. You need all three of them. The first copy stays with your LiveScan provider. The second copy must be submitted to the board with your application as proof of the LiveScan. The third copy is for your records.

Finding a LiveScan Location for California RN License

It’s a good idea to find a Livescan location as part of your planning process. They aren’t everywhere, so knowing where you’re getting it done prior to setting your plan in motion will be helpful. Please note, there is a Livescan location a few blocks from the CBRN. If you choose this location, then you could conveniently return all of your documentation together to the CBRN office. If you elect to do this, then you should get started early in the day to ensure there’s time to complete the process before CBRN closes for the day.

CBRN does not charge any fees for LiveScan. However, you will have to pay the LiveScan provider for the service. The charges vary from provider to provider, but estimate spending $75.

Regardless of which fingerprinting method you choose, it’s imperative that the name on your fingerprint cards or LiveScan form matches the name on your application for endorsement!

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Finally, if you choose the LiveScan route, then you may apply for your license by mail or in person. If you apply by mail, then you will include all the required documentation described below along with the results of your LiveScan in your packet. Applying in person is described below and is considered to be the quickest way to get your license.

Other Required Documentation

No matter which fingerprinting path you select you’ll need the following:

1) Application for Licensure by Endorsement

Complete the Application for Licensure by Endorsement. The application can be printed from CBRN’s website.

2) Passport Photos

You’ll also need a recent 2×2 passport style photograph. These can be quickly obtained at many places including most FedEx Office stores.

3) License Verification

You’ll also need a Verification of License. In the vast majority of cases, this will be accomplished on Nursys, which is the online license verification system used by most states. It’s important to note that Nursys license verification is available immediately, but they are only good for 90 days. So it’s smart to request the verification close to the time you’re ready to submit all the other paperwork.

If you’re only licensed in West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, or Pennsylvania, then you’ll need to check with your respective state’s BON regarding license verification because these states do not participate in Nursys as of the writing of this article.

4) Nursing School Transcripts

Finally, you’ll also need to request that all your nursing school transcripts be sent the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Again, all of the listed items must be completed regardless of the fingerprinting path you select. You’ll need to contact each school you attended that related to your nursing degree and request that they transmit official copies of your transcripts to CBRN. This happens promptly in most cases, typically within two weeks. However, snail mail and bureaucracy are involved so there can be hiccups.

Should you get a temporary license?

As you know, it is possible to obtain a temporary California RN license. The temporary license is good for 6 months from the date it is originally issued. The temporary license is offered to allow applicants to work pending the issuance of the permanent license. The current fee for a temporary license is $50, which is in addition to the application fee of $100.

In order to obtain a temporary license, the CBRN must receive and process all of the documentation described above except your college transcripts. So essentially, applying for a temporary license allows you to bypass the processing time for college transcripts. There are two related factors to consider when deciding whether or not this is advantageous.

Consider the Time For Transcripts

First, consider the length of time that it will take to get the transcripts processed. Second, decide whether or not you’re going to go with the LiveScan or manual fingerprint method. Transcripts are typically processed fairly quickly. That said, you still need to send the request to your school. And you may have to send multiple requests if you attended multiple schools which can increase the chances of delays. Also, if the CBRN needs additional information after they’ve received your transcripts, then they will need to contact your college and wait for their response. This is rare, but it happens nonetheless.

Next, you should consider the transcript processing time in light of the fingerprinting method you’re going to go with. Typically, transcripts will be processed by the time the manual fingerprinting process is complete. But, as mentioned above, there are significant delays with transcripts on rare occasions. However, your transcripts will most certainly take longer to process than LiveScan fingerprints. So you will definitely get your temporary license faster if you’re doing the LiveScan.

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Again, this is all assuming normal circumstances at the CBRN. And, as mentioned previously, they are currently not operating under normal circumstances. Please consider this when determining your approach.

LiveScan is the Key

In any case, if you are going to go with the Livescan in an effort to get your endorsement license quickly, then it’s worth it to file for the temporary license to avoid any mishaps with the transcripts. You’ll still need to send the transcripts in order to get your permanent license; you just won’t have to wait for them to be verified.

If you are going to go with the standard fingerprinting and the long path to licensure, then there’s probably no point in obtaining a temporary license first. This is because your college transcripts, and the rest of your documentation, should be logged well in advance of your fingerprints. It simply takes less time for the transcripts to be verified than the standard fingerprints to be returned from DOJ. However, I advise that you stay on top of both the schools and CBRN with respect to the transcripts. Call them weekly until they verify the transcripts have been sent or received.

Prior Convictions and Disciplinary Actions

The final consideration in obtaining your California RN license by endorsement pertains to prior convictions and disciplinary actions. There is no steadfast rule on these issues. They are reviewed on a case by case basis.

If you have prior convictions, then it may be a good idea to go with the long path to licensure unless you reside in California already. There’s no telling how long such issues can delay the process. If you are out of state, then paying extra for a temporary license and going through the hassle of being present for the Livescan will most likely not be worth it if you have prior convictions or disciplinary actions.

What Is The Fastest Way To Get a California RN License By Endorsement?

The fastest way to obtain your California Nursing License by Endorsement is to visit the California Board of Registered Nursing in Sacramento, California in person to turn in all the required documentation and perform the LiveScan nearby. When doing so, be sure to apply for a Temporary License in order to avoid the processing time associated with transcripts. Of course, you’ll also need to apply for a permanent license. We recommend the following steps:

  1. Print and complete the Application for license by endorsement and apply for both a permanent and temporary license.
  2. Perform the steps necessary for license verification. You can verify the license of any state you’re licensed in. So if you are licensed in a state that uses Nursys, then be sure to use that state for verification and remember that Nursys verification is good for 90 days. If you are not licensed in a state that uses Nursys, then you will need to use the verification form attached to the California Endorsement Application and contact your state board for the quickest option.
  3. Obtain a passport photo.
  4. Order your college transcripts. You can request your education institutions to overnight official copies of your transcripts to you. You can also request that they send them to CBRN at 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 150, Sacremento, Ca 95834. We recommend that you do both well in advance of leaving for California.
  5. Call CBRN in advance to let them know you are coming and make sure you have everything they’ll need. Call them at 1-800-838-6828.
  6. Go to CBRN and turn in all documentation and payment for both the license and temporary license. They will provide the LiveScan forms and direct you to the nearest LiveScan location. The current price for the LiveScan is $75.
  7. Return the fingerprint card to CBRN.

This is the quickest way to get your license.

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Here is the link to the California Board of Nursing’s Licensure by Endorsement page. Here is the link to Nursys.

Let me know if there’s anything I left out and let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

How long after nclex to receive license number in california

How long does it take CA BRN to post license?

Licensees.

How long after passing NCLEX did your name appear on the nursing registry?

While the NCSBN states it could take up to six weeks to find out if you passed or failed the NCLEX, most candidates know sooner. In most states, license numbers are generated within one to three days after successfully passing the NCLEX-RN.

How do I find out if I passed the NCLEX in California?

California candidates may access their unofficial results two business days after taking the exam, by purchasing Quick Results from Pearson VUE. You can order and pay for these results through your online Pearson VUE account, selecting the option “Quick Results” from the tool bar on the Home Page.

How long does it take to get nursing license after passing NCLEX PA?

Allow 30 days to receive your official results. a) Candidates who pass will receive a paper license mailed to the address listed on your application. To verify a license has been issued go to www.pals.pa.gov/verify and click on license verification.