The North Carolina State Board of Nursing licenses registered nurses and practical nurses. North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (Compact) state, meaning that nurses licensed by another Compact state do not need to apply for licensure unless they plan to make North Carolina their primary state of residency.
Select license type you’re applying for:
Registered Nurse - Initial Licensure
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores not required to be resubmitted to CGFNS for CP or VS Verification Letter.
Exam scores are not required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES.
Notes
No requirement for license from country of education. If the applicant does not have a license or cannot provide a verification of licensure, proceed with CES assessment ONLY.
Registered Nurse - Endorsement
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores are not required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES.
Notes
No requirement for license from country of education. Applicant must provide a verification of licensure from country of most recent nursing practice.
Licensed Practical Nurse - Initial Licensure
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores not required to be resubmitted to CGFNS for VS Verification Letter.
Exam scores are not required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES.
Notes
No requirement for license from country of education. If the applicant does not have a license or cannot provide a verification of licensure, proceed with CES assessment ONLY.
Licensed Practical Nurse - Endorsement
Service(s) Required
English Language Proficiency Exam Results
Exam scores are not required to be submitted to CGFNS for CES.
Notes
*May be required by Board of Nursing
No requirement for license from country of education. Applicant must provide a verification of licensure from country of most recent nursing practice.