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 Certificate 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 Certification of Graduation Form 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.
- An applicant for employment or for housing or an occupational or professional license with a sealed record on file with the commissioner of probation may answer ‘no record’ with respect to an inquiry herein relative to prior arrests, criminal court appearances or convictions. An applicant for employment or for housing or an occupational or professional license with a sealed record on file with the commissioner of probation may answer ‘no record’ to an inquiry herein relative to prior arrests or criminal court appearances. In addition, any applicant for employment or for housing or an occupational or professional license may answer ‘no record’ with respect to any inquiry relative to prior arrests, court appearances and adjudications in all cases of delinquency or as a child in need of services which did not result in a complaint transferred to the superior court for criminal prosecution.
STEP 6: Before beginning the online application, request all PN license verification from each state of licensure to be sent directly to PCS (whether active or inactive). If you are licensed as a PN in Massachusetts, PCS will verify that license for you.
CLICK HERE to request license verification from participating Nursys states. Select to send to MA Board
CLICK HERE to download the Verification of Nurse Licensure form if the state is NOT a participating Nursys state.
- Fees may apply.
- Verification must be mailed directly to PCS from state board.
STEP 7: Go to Mass.gov website to Complete the online application and submit fees.
- Before starting your application, have the following information available:
- Your Initial RN education program name, location and graduation date and program code.
- A list of all PN licenses (whether active or inactive), including license number, status and initial issue date.
- Payment will be made by credit card. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
STEP 8: 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 2×2 photograph portrait which must be a passport style with a solid background. Driver’s license photos are not 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 9: PCS reviews application upon receipt of all required documentation. PCS will notify the applicant via email of all discrepancies.
STEP 10: Applicant receives Authorization to Test (ATT) via email from Pearson Vue.
STEP 11: Applicant schedules and takes NCLEX within 60 days of issuance of the ATT.
Failure to take the examination within 60 days of issuance of the ATT will result in a voided ATT.
STEP 12: If you receive a pass score, you will receive a License Letter via email from PCS 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 13: 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.