1. (1) An individual may apply for an initial PN license or RN license by submitting a completed application, which includes:

   1. (a) The Board’s initial application by examination form;
   2. (b) Payment of the fee as applicable in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2;
   3. (c) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program as defined in section (2) of this rule;
   4. (d) Proof of passing the NCLEX®-PN or NCLEX®-RN depending on the level of licensure sought; and
   5. (e) Completion of a national fingerprint-based criminal background check as defined in OAR 851-001-0115.

2. (2) Confirmation of graduation from a nursing education program includes:

   1. (a) For graduates of Oregon nursing education programs, verification of graduation by the nursing program administrator.

   2. (b) For graduates of non-Oregon nursing education programs that have an NCLEX® code:

      1. (A) 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; and
      2. (B) Verification that the nursing education program is approved by the appropriate regulatory body.

   3. (c) For graduates of international nursing education programs that do not have an NCLEX® code, a credential evaluation that includes:

      1. (A) Confirmation of completion of a nursing education program approved by the appropriate regulatory body;
      2. (B) Theory and clinical hours completed;
      3. (C) Verification that the education is comparable to an Oregon nursing education program; and
      4. (D) If available, licensure details from the issuing authority.

3. (3) An applicant may attempt to pass the NCLEX® four times. After four attempts each subsequent attempt requires a completed retake application, which includes:

   1. (a) The Board’s retake form;
   2. (b) Payment of the applicable fee in OAR Chapter 851 Division 2; and
   3. (c) Documentation of completion of an NCLEX® review course; or
   4. (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. (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 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