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Registered Nurse license in California for internationally-educated professionals

Internationally-educated RN path via credential evaluation, NCLEX-RN, and BRN application through BreEZe. Known for strict clinical-theory concurrency review.

Steps
6
Licensing process cost
$1,615–$2,309
Board
California Board of Registered Nursing ↗

  1. 1Get your credentials evaluated

    California requires an evaluation of your foreign nursing education by an approved agency (TruMerit/CGFNS or IERF). CA does not accept transcripts sent directly from foreign schools. The agency collects documents from your school — this is often the slowest step.

    8–16 weeks$485–$910

    Source · Verified July 2026

  2. 2English proficiency exam (if required)

    Required if your nursing education was not conducted in English. Training in India or the Philippines does not automatically exempt you — confirm your specific case with the BRN. Accepted: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.

    4–8 weeks$180–$300

    Source · Verified July 2026

  3. 3Apply to the California BRN

    Submit your application via the BreEZe portal as an international graduate. Fee is $750 for internationally-educated applicants (higher than the $300-350 for US graduates). Optional Interim Permit +$100. Fingerprints: Live Scan at a California site (you pay the operator), or a manual FD-258 card + $49 BRN fee if outside California.

    10–12 weeks$750–$899

    Source · Verified July 2026

  4. 4Register for the NCLEX-RN

    Register with Pearson VUE ($200). You cannot schedule the exam until the BRN reviews your application and issues an Authorization to Test (ATT).

    2–8 weeks$200

    Source · Verified July 2026

  5. 5Pass the NCLEX-RN

    The national licensing exam. About 85% of first-time test-takers pass. If unsuccessful, there is a 45-day wait before retaking.

    4–20 weeksNo cost

    Source · Verified July 2026

  6. 6License issued — start working

    Once you pass and your background check clears, the BRN issues your California RN license. An SSN is required before issuance. Total typical journey: 3-6 months after documents are complete.

    2–6 weeksNo cost

    Source · Verified July 2026

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