Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure by Reciprocity

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STEP 1: Read the Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Policies linked below. This is a signature requirement on the application. Your electronic signature on the online application will attest that you completed this requirement.

STATUTES, RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES

STEP 2:  Check if you are eligible for a nursing license by Reciprocity by clicking below.   READ CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING THE PROCESS.

ELIGIBILITY FOR A MA NURSING LICENSE BY RECIPROCITY  

STEP 3: 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 4:  Request your license verification(s) from each state of licensure that does NOT participate in Nursys to be mailed directly to PCS (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, or APRN). 

  • CLICK HERE to download the PN/RN Verification of Nurse Licensure form if the state is NOT a participating Nursys state. Mail this form to the respective state board.
  • CLICK HERE to download the Verification of APRN Authorization form if the state is NOT a participating Nursys state. Mail this form to the respective state board.
    • Fees may apply.
    • Verification must be mailed directly to PCS from state board.

STEP 5: Request your license verification(s) from participating Nursys states (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, or APRN) to be released to MA Board.

  • CLICK HERE to request license verification from participating Nursys states. Select to send your verification to MA Board.
  • We do not accept Quick Confirm results.
  • You must pay Nursys the fees to release your verification to Massachusetts for those states that participate in Nursys.
  • There is a separate fee for RN and PN licenses.  If you hold or ever held both license types, you must pay to release both.
  • Failure to request verifications, or list licenses accurately on your application will cause processing delays.  Keep a copy of your Nursys receipt.  You will be asked to upload a copy before starting your online application.

STEP 6: U.S Educated: Request to have your CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATION (COG) – OUT OF STATE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM FORM AND FINAL OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT that led to initial RN licensure sent directly to PCS from your educational program. If you have multiple nursing degrees, please submit the transcript from your first RN nursing diploma/degree program. PCS cannot accept transcripts or COGs received from the applicant.  BOTH the Out of State COG and Transcript are required.

 

    • Applications for Licensure by Reciprocity that do not include the evaluation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by PCS.
    • Please let PCS know when it has been made available. Alternatively, PCS will also accept a TruMerit™ report directly from another state Board of nursing that evaluated your CES report for licensure purposes. The state Board of nursing will need to mail your CES report to PCS at the address below. CES reports that state “applicant copy” will not be accepted.
    • If your nursing education was not provided in English, you must pass one of the Board approved English Proficiency Exams | (DOC) and submit them to Professional Credential Services Inc.  (PCS).

STEP 7:  Go to Mass.gov website to Complete the online application and submit fees.

  • Before starting your application, have the following information available:
    • A list of all your licenses (whether active, inactive, PN, RN, APRN), including license number, status and initial issue date.  PCS will confirm this information. Leaving a requested license off your application or not listing it accurately, will require you to complete a new application.
    • Information about your education program that led to your initial RN licensure, including school name, location and graduation date. This is the education program information you must list on your application. PCS will confirm this information.
    • A recent 2×2 Passport style photo. Photo must be passport style with a solid background. Driver’s license photos or photos of identification cards/passports will not be accepted. Photos are good for one year.
    • 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 8: PCS reviews applications upon receipt of all required documentation. PCS will notify applicant via email with any discrepancies.

STEP 9: PCS emails the License Letter via email from PCS on behalf of the Board.

STEP 10: Applicant confirms license on the Massachusetts Health Care Safety & Quality: License Verification Website.

*You must have a United States Social Security Number (SSN) in order to apply by reciprocity using this application.

Applications are good for one year.  Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.