Organizational Credentials
Accreditation is reserved to organizations.
There are three distinct methods of applying for National Board licensure as an individual. Each pathway to national licensure has its own requirements.
Within the meaning of institutions of Higher Education are included: Collegiate school of nursing, Associate degree school of nursing, Diploma school of nursing which shall all be defined as described in Title 42, Subchapter VI, Part A §296 (3)-(5); Pub. L. 105–392, title I, §123(4), Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat. 3563
- The term “collegiate school of nursing” means a department, division, or other administrative unit in a college or university which provides primarily or exclusively a program of education in professional nursing and related subjects leading to the degree of bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of nursing, or to an equivalent degree, or to a graduate degree in nursing, or to an equivalent degree, and including advanced training related to such program of education provided by such school, but only if such program, or such unit, college or university is accredited.
- The term “associate degree school of nursing” means a department, division, or other administrative unit in a junior college, community college, college, or university which provides primarily or exclusively a two-year program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to an associate degree in nursing or to an equivalent degree, but only if such program, or such unit, college, or university is accredited.
- The term “diploma school of nursing” means a school affiliated with a hospital or university, or an independent school, which provides primarily or exclusively a program of education in professional nursing and allied subjects leading to a diploma or to equivalent indicia that such program has been satisfactorily completed, but only if such program, or such affiliated school or such hospital or university or such independent school is accredited.
Licensure by Reciprocity implies the existence or current, valid licensure from an approved board. Select this option if you currently hold a valid, unexpired license at the same level (or same kind) as the license you wish to obtain under the National Board.
Reserved specifically for those able to demonstrate licensure eligibility confirmed by an approved employer.
Individual Credentials
These consist in licensure for individual persons.
There are three distinct methods of applying for National Board licensure as an individual. Each pathway to national licensure has its own requirements.
Direct Examination consists in an individual either writing or challenging the licensure examination. Choose this option if you are applying for a licensure examination of any kind for the first time or as a retake.
Eligibility
Applicant must have attended a nationally accredited and Board-approved college, university, or other program through an accredited partner entitling you to apply for licensure by examination.
Licensure by Reciprocity implies the existence or current, valid licensure from an approved board. Select this option if you currently hold a valid, unexpired license at the same level (or same kind) as the license you wish to obtain under the National Board.
Eligibility
You currently hold a valid license from another board and wish to
Reserved specifically for those able to demonstrate licensure eligibility confirmed by an approved employer.
Categories
National Board licensure for the individual should be applied for in only one category.
- Medical Doctor
- Doctor of Osteopathy
- Chiropractic Physician
- Practical/Vocational
- Professional
- Graduate
- Clinical (Medical Assistant, EKG Tech, Pharmacy Tech, etc.)
- Laboratorial (Phlebotomist, Medical Laboratory Tech, etc.)
- Surgical (i.e. Surgical Technologist, Sterile Tech, etc.)