What is Licensure by Examination?

May I have someone else complete the online application for me?

The application for licensure in the state of Mississippi is intended for completion only by the individual applying for licensure and should not be completed by any third party on behalf of the applicant. The application requires an attestation by the applicant as to the accuracy and completeness of the information to the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Please note that any applicant of the Board who provides incomplete or inaccurate information on an application is subject to discipline against his or her license.

What if the name I use doesn’t match my identification? OR what if I have plans to get married after I graduate and possibly before I am scheduled to test?

Very Important Information Regarding Name

1. The FIRST & LAST name that you list on your application must MATCH EXACTLY to the identification you plan to use when you present to take the NCLEX.
   • For more information on identification requirements for NCLEX, go to www.ncsbn.org
2. The name that you list on the application will be the name under which you are licensed. The name you list should also be used for your Pearson Vue registration and should match the picture ID used to test at the testing center.
3. Pearson Vue Registration: The SSN is not a mandatory field to register with Pearson Vue. However, the MBN requires that you submit this information to Pearson Vue.

Do I have to know my school’s program code to apply?

The application requires you to identify the nursing program where you graduated. Programs in the US have the NCLEX Program Codes readily available for you to choose from in the application. You will have to identify the degree or certificate awarded upon completion of your nursing program. You must also include your graduation date.

What do I need to have my Nursing Program submit to the Board?

An official transcript must be received in a sealed envelope or via Parchment from your nursing program. 

How much will everything cost?  

• RN application-$100
• LPN application $60
• Criminal Background Check (CBC) - $75
• NCLEX- $200

How do I pay?

Payment is accepted electronically via credit/debit card or PayPal after submission of the online application.

May I get a refund?

No. FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

How long do I have to complete the application process?

Your application and fees will remain active for one year. You would be able to complete the licensure by examination process at any time within that period. After a year, you would need to submit a new application and application fee.

How long does it take to get a license?

There is no timetable for issuing licenses. A license will only be issued when all requirements are completed. Once all requirements have been acceptably met, an applicant can be licensed within 10 business days.  Applicants are able to refer to the personal checklist to see which items still needs to be completed.

How may I check the status of my application?

Applicants can view application status in the checklist. The checklist will allow applicants to see which items are complete/incomplete. Applicants must sign into their Nurse Gateway. Click on the pending application found then click for status and required documents.

How may I verify that my license has been issued?

You may view licensure information under the License Verification section of the Board’s website here or by login in to your profile/gateway. 

How long is the license period once it is issued?

The license period is for two years based upon the renewal cycle of the license. LPN renewal is every ODD numbered year and RN renewal is every EVEN numbered year. Thus, a license issued prior to August 31 will expire December 31 of that same year if it is a renewal year for that license type. Renewal begins September 1 each year through December 31 each year.

When can I re-test if I failed NCLEX?

Exam applicants are eligible to re-test after 45 days.

When do I re-apply if I failed NCLEX?

Do not reapply for licensure by examination until after you receive your official test results by mail/Nurse Gateway from the Board notifying you of failure.

Repeat Exam Applicants – MS

1. Complete the online Licensure by Examination application and pay required fees.
2. Register for NCLEX® with Pearson VUE.
3. A new ATT will be sent via email within 7 business days
4. Applicants are able to test up to six times within two years of graduation

Repeat Exam Applicants - other states

1. Applicants are able to test if it is within two years of graduation
2. Complete the online Licensure by Examination application.
3. Register for NCLEX with Pearson VUE.
4. Contact your school of nursing to request that an official transcript be mailed to the Mississippi Board of Nursing.

Exam Pearson Vue Registration

Although Pearson Vue will allow registration for the NCLEX® without your submitting a Social Security Number (SSN), the MBN requires you to submit this information to Pearson Vue to ensure accurate processing. The name on the ID you will use for testing should match your MBN and Pearson Vue registration.

You may register with Pearson Vue here. 

How do I register with Pearson Vue?

Please visit the Pearson Vue website at http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

How do I request special accommodations?

Requests for modification of the procedures for administering the examination for candidates with disabilities must be submitted to the Board. If an applicant requested special accommodations, forms will be available in the checklist. Forms must be completed by the applicant’s licensed physician or licensed psychologist, and the director of the nursing education program addressing any accommodations made during the nursing education process.

May I apply for LPN licensure by examination in MS based on partial completion of an RN program?

No. Mississippi law does not allow for licensure as an LPN based on the partial completion of an RN program.

Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools

1. You must complete the following item prior to submitting an Application for Licensure by Examination:
   • Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report. The CES Professional Report includes a detailed analysis of credentials earned at multiple levels of nursing education received outside of the U.S. according to a specific state’s requirements. In addition, if the education course was not taught in English, proof of English proficiency will also be required.
2. Be a graduate of a nursing education program approved by the proper authorities in the country where the program is located.
3. Applicants are able to test up to six times within two years of graduation. If the timeframe is over two years, a graduate of a Foreign Nursing School is eligible to test ONE time only for the state of Mississippi.
4. You must meet all basic requirements for licensure except transcript submission.

Click here for more info and list of participating states:

https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

I live in a noncompact state. Can I get a multistate license?

Only nurses who declare a compact state as their primary state of residence are eligible for a multistate license. As a resident of a noncompact state, you may apply for a license in a compact state, although your eligibility will be limited to a single state license that is valid in that state only.

I live in a noncompact state, but own property in a compact state. Can I get a compact license?

In order to be eligible for a compact license, your declared primary state of residence must be a compact state. Owning property in a compact state is not sufficient to meet residence requirements. Proof of residence includes obtaining a driver’s license, voting/registering to vote or filing federal taxes with an address in that state.

I live in a noncompact state, but I will be changing my primary state of residence to a compact state in a few months. Can I apply for a license in that state now so I can work immediately after moving?

Yes. It’s recommended you start the application process prior to the move - however, you will be eligible for a single-state license only. A new compact license will not be issued until you provide a Declaration of Primary State of Residence form and any proof of residence that may be required by the board of nursing. This can be submitted to the board of nursing at a later date, and the license can be converted to multistate.

What if I move to another compact state?

Upon permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement and complete the Declaration of Primary State of Residence for the new home state, which can be found on your board of nursing (BON)’s website. The declaration form is generally a page within the application. It is important to note that you must apply once you are a legal resident of the new state, as a compact state will not issue a license to a resident of another compact state. Notify the former compact BON that you are no longer a resident.

Please note: States are in the process of amending rules regarding the period of time a nurse can practice on the license issued by a former state of residence. The number of days is based on the rule in effect in the new state. Visit ncsbn.org/nlc to confirm your state’s current status.

What are Discipline Questions?

These are questions that aid the Board in determining the applicant’s “good moral character” as required by law. The discipline questions ask about your past history in the following areas: Criminal History, Substance Use, Physical or Mental Health, Discipline or Investigations of Other Licenses or Professions, and Military Discharge. Affirmative responses do not automatically preclude an individual from licensure. Applicants are expected to read the questions carefully and answer honestly.

What documentation will I have to submit if I have to answer “Yes” to a Discipline Question?

You must submit a detailed written explanation of the circumstances surrounding the event(s) which you are disclosing on your application. You must also submit additional supporting documentation. Examples of supporting documentation include: Certified copies of court documents for criminal activity; Admission & Discharge Summary for previous substance use or mental health treatment; Military DD214.

For more information, please see the Criminal History and Prior Disciplinary Action FAQs