STEP 1: Read the Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Policies linked below. This is a signature requirement on the application. Your signature will attest that you have completed this requirement.
STATUTES, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES
STEP 2: Read Instructions and Information for Application for Initial Nurse Licensure by Examination linked below.
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION FOR APPLICATION FOR INITIAL NURSE LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION
STEP 3: REGISTER WITH PEARSON VUE to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- For questions about Pearson Vue’s testing center identification policies and/or general questions please contact Pearson Vue at 1-866-496-2539 or visit www.vue.com/NCLEX.
STEP 4: Request to have your Certificate of Graduation and your Official Final Transcript sent directly to PCS from your educational program.
- To send your transcript, please choose one of the two following options:
- Electronic Transcripts: PCS will accept final official electronic transcripts received directly from the primary source (such as the School, Parchment, or the National Student Clearinghouse) via secure server to transcripts@pcshq.com.
- Transcripts via Postal Mail: Official Final Transcripts must be mailed by the educational program directly to PCS at:
ATTN: MA Board of Registration in Nursing
C/O MA Nurse Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788 Nashville, TN 37219
- All Certification of Graduation forms must be mailed by the educational program directly to PCS at:
ATTN: MA Board of Registration in Nursing
C/O MA Nurse Coordinator
P.O. Box 198788 Nashville, TN 37219 - PCS cannot accept transcripts received from the applicant. The nursing program must send the Certificate of Graduation and Official Final Transcript directly to PCS.
CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATION FORM- MASSACHUSETTS NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM
CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATION FORM- OUT OF STATE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM CANDIDATES
STEP 5: Read Good Moral Character Requirements for Licensure.
GOOD MORAL CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE
Applicants for initial nurse licensure or initial APRN authorization by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (Board) must comply with the “good moral character” (GMC) requirement specified at Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 74, 74A and 76. The Board requires applicants who answer “yes” to questions related to criminal or disciplinary history to provide specific documentation for GMC evaluation directly to the Board after submitting a completed application inclusive of fees to PCS.
STEP 6: Go to Mass.gov website to Complete the online application and submit fees.
Before starting your application, have the following information available:
- Your Initial PN education program name, location, graduation date and program code.
- If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please call customer service at 877-887-9727.
- Payment will be made by credit card. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
STEP 7: Once logged in to your application in ELX (healthprofessionlicensingadmin.mas.gov), go to the Application Data Tab and select the pencil in the upper right of the Demographic box. Click on Photo and then a box will appear where upload in the upper right needs to be selected.
- Photo must be passport style with a solid background. Driver’s license photos or photos of identification cards/passports will not be accepted.
- Your photo is good for one year. You do not need to upload a new photo with a resubmitted application or re-exam application if your previous photo was uploaded less than one year ago.
STEP 8: PCS reviews applications upon receipt of all required documentation. Applicant will be notified by email of any discrepancies.
STEP 9: Applicant receives Authorization to Test (ATT) via email from Pearson Vue.
STEP 10: Applicant schedules and takes NCLEX within 60 days of issuance of ATT.
Failure to take the examination within 60 days of issuance of the ATT will result in a voided ATT.
STEP 11: If you receive a pass score, you will receive a License Letter via email on behalf of the Board.
- If you do not receive a pass score, you will receive a Candidate Performance Report and NCLEX Re-examination Instructions by mail.
STEP 12: Applicant confirms license number on the Massachusetts Health Care Safety & Quality: License Verification Website.
Applications are good for one year. Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.