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 $143.00. This fee is non-refundable.
  • 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 (M-F from 7 AM – 7 PM CST)
  • Your name, address, phone # and email address MUST match your IBON 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 packet for detailed information. You may call 515.281.3255 or e-mail ibon@iowa.gov for additional information.

4

Requesting Required Documentation

  • 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). Once completed, request paper documentation from the Board of Nursing by emailing newnurse@iowa.gov.
  • 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). Once completed, request paper documentation from the Board of Nursing by emailing newnurse@iowa.gov.
Exam Instructions Exam Instructions and Checklist for Foreign-Educated Nurses
5

Submit Documents

Background check documents may be submitted by mailing in the physical documents OR sent electronically via Fieldprint. (All documents and Fieldprint instructions are included in the Exam packet from Step 4 above.)

  • Fingerprinting (one fingerprint card, or electronically via Fieldprint)
  • Criminal history background waiver form (the paper "Waiver Information” form, or via FieldPrint)
  • All criminal history documentation

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

6

Request Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from your nursing program/school with a conferred degree. Please note: your transcript must be sent directly from your school. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted. 

  • Electronic transcripts may 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 these requirements. 
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. 

Follow all instructions provided with your ATT.