Board of Nursing
Chapter 851
Division 31
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NURSES
851-031-0006
Initial Licensure by Examination – Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse
(1) An individual may apply for an initial Practical Nurse (PN) license or Registered Nurse (RN) license by submitting a completed application, which includes:
(a) The Board’s initial application by examination form;
(b) Payment of the fee as applicable in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2;
(c) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program as defined in section (2) of this rule;
(d) Proof of passing the NCLEX®-PN or NCLEX®-RN depending on the license type sought; and
(e) Completion of a national fingerprint-based criminal background check as defined in OAR 851-001-0115.
(2) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program includes:
(a) Affidavit of graduation by the nursing program administrator of an Oregon nursing education program; or
(b) An official transcript that includes the degree, diploma or certificate awarded, the graduation date, and documentation of a clinical component as defined in OAR Chapter 851 Division 6;
(A) The nursing program must be approved by the appropriate regulatory body.
(B) If education records no longer exist, verification from the jurisdiction in which the program was located confirming the program was approved at the time of graduation and the applicant graduated; or
(c) A credential evaluation for graduates of international nursing education programs that do not have an NCLEX code, which includes:
(A) Confirmation of completion of a nursing education program approved by the appropriate regulatory body;
(B) Theory and clinical hours completed;
(C) Verification that the education is comparable to an Oregon nursing education program; and
(D) If available, licensure details from the issuing authority; or
(d) A Joint Services transcript with evidence of completion of a U.S. military practical nursing educaiton program, Air Force 4N051 5 skill level or Army 68WM6.
(3) An applicant may attempt to pass the NCLEX® four times. After four attempts each subsequent attempt requires a completed retake application, which includes:
(a) The Board’s retake form;
(b) Payment of the applicable fee in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; and
(c) Documentation of completion of an NCLEX® review course; or
(d) An individualized study plan that addresses specific content for areas not passed based on the most recent candidate performance report and study methods, such as self-study, tutors, or study groups.
(4) Incomplete applications expire 12 months from the initial submission date.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 676.850, ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.101, ORS 678.111, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.415
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 676.850, ORS 678.040, ORS 678.050, ORS 678.101, ORS 678.111, ORS 678.150 & ORS 678.415
History:
BN 4-2026, amend filed 08/21/2026, effective 09/01/2026
BN 23-2025, amend filed 11/20/2025, effective 01/01/2026
BN 6-2025, amend filed 02/21/2025, effective 03/01/2025
BN 17-2022, amend filed 12/27/2022, effective 01/01/2023
BN 3-2022, amend filed 02/18/2022, effective 03/01/2022
BN 26-2021, amend filed 11/22/2021, effective 12/01/2021
BN 6-2021, amend filed 06/21/2021, effective 07/01/2021
BN 6-2019, amend filed 07/03/2019, effective 08/01/2019
BN 1-2019, temporary amend filed 02/22/2019, effective 03/01/2019 through 08/15/2019
BN 9-2005, f. & cert. ef. 12-21-05
BN 9-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-2-03
BN 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 3-6-03
BN 10-1998, f. & cert. ef. 8-7-98