How Do I Apply for a Nursing License by Examination?

You may apply for licensure in Iowa by examination. You must complete all steps to be eligible for a nursing license. 

If you are a nurse educated outside the United States and have already passed the NCLEX, follow the steps on our Endorsement page.

1

Apply for a License

  • Complete an Iowa Board of Nursing application through our online portal and pay the fee of $143. This fee is non-refundable and includes the fee to conduct the criminal history background check.
  • Use your full name, current residential/mailing address, and email.
Access the Licensing Portal
2

NCLEX Registration

Complete the NCLEX registration and pay the fee of $200 by one of the following methods:

  • Go to the NCLEX website, then select Register Now and follow all instructions.
  • You may also call 866.496.2539 (Mon-Fri from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CST)
  • Your name, address, phone number and email address MUST match your licensure application.
NCLEX Registration
3

NCLEX Accommodation Requests

Per Iowa Code, individuals with disabilities may request special testing accommodations. Contact the Board of Nursing before graduation to expedite the approval process.

Do not schedule your exam until you receive your accommodations approval letter.

Please refer to the NCLEX Accommodations (814.61 KB) .pdf packet for detailed information. You may call 515.281.3255 or e-mail ibn@dial.iowa.gov for additional information.

4

Exam Instruction Packets

  • Candidates of Iowa nursing programs will receive required documentation from their school.
  • Iowa graduates who have not received required documentation must first complete the online application and pay the fee (see step 1).
  • Graduates from out-of-state nursing programs who have not taken the NCLEX exam must first complete the online application and pay the fee (see step 1). 
Exam Instructions Exam Instructions and Checklist for Foreign-Educated Nurses
5

IBN Criminal History Background Check

The Iowa Board of Nursing now utilizes Fieldprint as the primary means of completing the fingerprinting requirement for applications. Fieldprint allows the applicant to schedule an appointment in any state in the U.S., to have their fingerprints collected digitally and sent electronically directly to the Board. Instructions for scheduling your appointment can be found in this document.

For those applicants located outside of the U.S. or otherwise unable to use Fieldprint, a paper background check packet can be requested by emailing us at ibn@dial.iowa.gov. Please include your mailing address in this request, and allow at least 5-7 business days for arrival of your fingerprint packet.

Visit our Criminal Conviction Eligibility page, for more information, 

Note: Your application cannot be processed if all documents are not received.

6

Request Official Transcripts

An official transcript is required and must be submitted by the program/school directly to the Board. Transcript must show the degree awarded and the date conferred.

  • Electronic transcripts much be sent through the National Student Clearinghouse ONLY.
  • All other transcripts should be mailed to the address below:
    Iowa Dept of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
    ATTN: Nursing
    6200 Park Ave, Ste 100
    Des Moines, IA 50321
  • For those educated in a foreign country, your CGFNS report meets this requirement.
7

Check Your Application Status

If you would like to see the status of your application, visit our online portal and log into your account. Select “Licensing Services” and then “Check the Status of an Application in Process.”

Board of Nursing Online Portal
8

Authorization to Test

Once all steps are completed, you will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from PearsonVue via email. Follow all instructions provided with your ATT.

The license application and the NCLEX registration will expire 90 days after you are authorized to test by PearsonVue. If your ATT expires before you test, you will be required to re-submit both applications and both fees.