Many States, One License:
Maryland was the first state to join the National Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 1999. Prior to this, nurses had to obtain a separate license for every state where they practiced. Nurses with a multistate license can practice in participating states.
To practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, entry-into-nursing graduates must pass a standardized, national licensing exam called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
This exam is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by Pearson VUE. Applications for this standardized test are made through each state’s Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB). The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) is Maryland’s NRB. Therefore, the MBON oversees the licensing of RNs who live and work in Maryland.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam is woven throughout your nursing program and is supported by Kaplan Nursing, a preparation software program.
As you move through your nursing program, we keep track of all the required components and ensure everything is documented and verified. These verified elements include successful completion of all program requirements, coursework, Kaplan standardized testing, and participation in all Kaplan NCLEX-RN Live Review components.
When you're ready, we will send confirmation of your eligibility to take NCLEX-RN to the NRB.
No matter where you are in your program of study, it's always a good time to start planning your personal NCLEX-RN study plan.
| Students seeking Maryland RN License | Students seeking licensure outside Maryland |
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Applies to those who live in Maryland and plan to either:
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Applies to those who plan to either:
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| Download In-State Instructions | Download Out-of-State Instructions |
Tip: Use the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Nurse Licensure Guidance Tool to find state-specific information for both domestically and internationally educated nurses applying for an RN license in the U.S.
When completing your Registered Nursing Application, if requested, supply the appropriate information:
Use the link below to fill out the Institutional Identity Verification Form, which will send your essential information (passport photo, background check tracking number, personal contact information, etc.) to the Office of Academic Deans, which will then connect with the NRB.
After creating your account you should receive an email confirmation. Please check your SPAM folder if you do not receive it within 24 hours.
Now’s the time to study, plan, and get ready for the NCLEX-RN exam!
Upon completion of the steps above, the NRB will review your application for licensure and provide clearance to Pearson VUE for you to take the NCLEX.
You can anticipate an Authorization to Test (ATT) notice from Pearson VUE within 6 weeks following graduation and completion of the steps outlined above.
Upon receiving the ATT, schedule your NCLEX-RN exam at a location of your choice.
If 6 weeks have elapsed and you haven’t received your ATT:
Disclaimer: The information provided does not, and is not intended to, represent, guaranty, or warranty whatsoever the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the licensure by examination process. Thus, you should not rely on any information provided herein for any purpose without seeking advice from a duly-authorized agent competent to advise on the licensure by examination process in your jurisdiction. All information, content, and materials available are provided by prior graduates of UMSON and third-party sites, and are only for the convenience of the reader for general informational purposes, which may be incomplete or outdated. These are good reasons why you need to undertake your own due diligence, and investigation, before acting or refraining from acting on the basis of information provided in the relevant jurisdiction. Only an authorized board of nursing agent in the relevant jurisdiction can provide assurances that the information provided-and your interpretation of it- is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.