FAQ

For the most efficient processing of your application, please ensure to complete your application first and then immediately request the required documentation. PCS cannot process or review your application until we have received all required documentation-including your 2x2 passport style photo. 

Please allow at least 5 business days for your received transcript to be added to your account.  Your transcript will be reviewed by a coordinator prior to adding it to your account.

Please CLICK HERE for Good Moral Character Requirements for Licensure.

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.   Please upload a standard 2x2 photograph portrait which must be a passport style with a solid background. Driver's license photos are not accepted.

If you need to resubmit an application to correct one that has been summited you can send an email communication to customerservice@pcshq.com stating that you need an update and your application will be re-opened and sent back to you, where you can edit and amend and re-submit when ready.

You may be determined a graduate of a nursing education program located outside the U.S., obtain certification to take the NCLEX examination, and obtain a license without the U.S. issued SSN, however, you must issue the SSN Affidavit in lieu of the SSN. Licensees will have 1 year to obtain a SSN from the day the license is issued.

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR MASSACHUSETTS NURSE LICENCURE BY EXAMINATION

The application can be completed without a SSN if checking yes this question on the application.  "I am a foreign national not physically present in the United States, I do not have a Social Security Number, and I attest to the above."

Follow the instructions on the NCLEX® Accommodation Request Form found in the blue bar of the Home page under the "Links and Forms" tab. The Board will review the documentation submitted and notify you what special accommodations will be granted. Please allow the Board 8 weeks for this review. Repeat candidates must follow this procedure each time they apply for the examination and need special accommodations.

As on December 4, 2023 we are in a new system.  If one applied prior to this date, the applicant will need log a new account in ELX and link to their record.  Health Professions Licensing System (mass.gov)

Candidates may take the NCLEX examination multiple times from the first date they became eligible to take the exam. Candidates that do not pass the examination within 1 year will forfeit all funds paid and will be required to re-apply as a first time candidate.  Resubmission of a completed Certification of Graduation is not required.

Candidates can only test every 45 days from previously taking the NCLEX examination. Candidates may only take the RN or PN exam at separate times, never at the same time. If you are re-testing, you may re-apply with the Health Professions Licensing System and to Pearson/VUE any time after receiving your scores. However, your Authorization to Test (ATT) will not be effective until your 45 day waiting period has passed. Your ATT will be valid for 60 days from the date of eligibility posted on the ATT.  If the ATT expires, the candidate is required to re-register and pay applicable fees via the Health Professions Licensing System and Pearson/VUE. There are no extensions granted to an ATT.

A licensure application will remain active for one (1) year from the date of receipt by Professional Credential Services (PCS) or submission to the Massachusetts Health Professional Licensing website.

• If the application is not complete, including meeting all licensure requirements, and achieving a “Pass” on the NCLEX within one (1) year from the date of receipt by PCS or Massachusetts Health Professional Licensing, the applicant must complete a new Initial Licensure by Examination Application in order to retake the NCLEX.
• Applicants who have an active licensure application (within 1 year of submission to PCS) and who must re-write the NCLEX, must submit a Nurse Initial Licensure by NCLEX Re-examination Application.  The Certificate of Graduation and Official Final Transcript will be retained by PCS. You are not required to submit a new Certificate of Graduation or Transcript unless requested by the Massachusetts Board.

Yes, however the Certificate of Graduation (COG) must be completed by the authorized administrator of your program AFTER your official graduation date. All COGs submitted prior to the official graduation date will be deemed insufficient. Nursing Program Administrators will be required to re-submit a COG after the graduation date. Please Note: All applications remain active for one (1) year from the date of receipt.

Please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, for RN/PN education program codes and NCLEX test information.

Please submit the Information Change Request Form.

The Professional Report provides the Massachusetts Board with all the information that is needed. As long as the report includes both the Nursing and Science Course-by-Course Report and License/Registration validation option, it will be accepted for evaluation.

Click here: TESTS OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LICENSURE POLICY 06-01)

Please visit https://www.nursys.com/NLV/NLVTerms.aspx to request verification through NURSYS.

Please visit https://portal.ncsbn.org/ to register with Pearson Vue for the NCLEX.

Please click here for more information about licensing benefits for active duty military, relocated military spouses, and veterans.

For information about your license expiration date, please visit Renew your nursing license | Mass.gov.