Top 10 states that do not require SSN for NCLEX

Top 10 states that do not require SSN for NCLEX

The road to qualifying your preferred state for NCLEX is not easy, especially for foreign educated nurses. There are more than 50 state boards of nursing in the United States. Each one has its own NCLEX requirements by state, qualifications, NCLEX registration processes, and NCLEX exam fees.

Therefore, one foreign nurse may qualify for one state while another candidate may not based on their level of education, job experience, and even SSN requirement. As a result, Social Security Number, also known as SSN, became one of the main factors you should consider before deciding which NCLEX state to apply for. 

In this section, we'll name the top 10 states that don't require a Social Security number for the NCLEX, which can help you narrow down your options in choosing your preferred NCLEX state.

What is SSN, and why is it essential to consider when choosing your state for NCLEX?

The Social Security Number is a 9-digit numerical identifier issued by the US government to all US citizens and qualifying US residents who apply for one. If a foreign educated nurse wishes to apply to a state that requires SSN, they must meet this condition to be considered. 

When applying for the NCLEX exam, certain states in the United States require foreign educated nurses to provide their SSN upon initial application. But the majority of states in the United States do not require a Social Security number to apply for the NCLEX.

But, please be reminded that some of these states may not require the US SSN during the NCLEX application, or a foreign educated nurse may even take the exam. However, issuance of license without SSN is another thing.

What are the top 10 states that do not require a social security number for the NCLEX?

#1 Minnesota

This midwestern state, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," has a top-notch Board of Nursing with internationally educated requirements. Initial RN candidates can apply to take the NCLEX online or through mail at the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

#2 West Virginia

West Virginia is a state in the Southern United States known for its mountains and rolling hills in the Appalachian and Mid-Atlantic regions. Nurses can obtain a West Virginia licensure by earning a bachelor's degree and registering for the NCLEX exam online.

#3 Idaho

The Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN) is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means that RNs from other NLC states can work in Idaho without obtaining an additional license. They accept various credential evaluations and English proficiency exams, and the application fee is cost friendly compared to other states. But foreign educated nurses who have not been assigned a US social security number shall provide other needed documents in place of a social security number.

#4 Washington

Washington is a state in the Western United States' Pacific Northwest area. In Washington, RN candidates must complete accredited in-state or out-of-state nursing programs with comparable clinical hour requirements.

#5 Texas

Texas is the country's second-largest state by land and population.  The first step toward a long and rewarding career in nursing in Texas is to obtain an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an authorized nursing school. Passing tests and background checks and meeting continuing education requirements are all part of the process of becoming a Texas RN.

#6 Ohio

Ohio is a state in the United States' Midwestern area. It is the 34th-largest state in terms of area among the fifty states. The Ohio Board of Nursing or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing must approve nursing schools for RN applicants. Over 300,000 licenses and certifications are regulated by the Ohio BON.

#7 Montana

Montana, the wild west state, is on our list. Many of the candidates have successfully obtained a license through examination in Montana, and we expect this trend to continue. The Montana Board of Nursing requires RN candidates to undergo a credential evaluation phase to ensure that the candidates' documents are authentic and attain comparable US nursing standards.

#8 Colorado

The Colorado Board of Nursing is also experienced with international nurses and has members of its team who can assist them. Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which permits nurses from other NLC states to work in Colorado without obtaining additional licensure.

#9 Illinois

Illinois is a single state, and foreign nurses can practice in Illinois if licensed in the country where they completed their school and meet all other requirements for NCLEX. After passing the NCLEX, an active license is issued by the state of Illinois through Illinois license application.

#10 New York

Many nurses worldwide know that New York is known for providing licenses to qualified foreign educated nurses. Nurse licensing in New York is regulated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Each RN candidate must have a good moral character, have completed an approved program, and have passed the NCLEX.

Foreign educated nurses can take the NCLEX exam to earn the essential qualifications to work as registered nurses in the United States. It's crucial to understand that various states and locations offer the NCLEX exam. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations requirements for applicants. It can be demanding to determine which option is the best. That is why it is advisable for a foreign educated nurse who plans to take the NCLEX to undergo a pre-qualification process that is used to identify which state the candidate qualifies based on their level of education, work experience, and career goals or objectives before proceeding to the application process.

From searching the most suitable NCLEX state that you qualify, checking the NCLEX requirements by each state compatible with your work experience and other qualifications can be overwhelming, especially to foreign nurses who are not acquainted with or had no knowledge in applying for NCLEX. Due to this licensure application process for NCLEX, candidates are advised to seek assistance from a specialized application preparation center like 'NEAC Medical Exams Center. NEAC‌ is an innovative pioneer medical exams application center that offers easy and fast exam applications for NCLEX exam application. It will do all the work for your NCLEX application for the best price to avoid financial losses and delays that may cause rejections of your application.

For further inquiries about the requirements, qualifications, and fees for the NCLEX USA Exam Application, kindly email us at online@applynclex.com.

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https://www.messenger.com/t/neacmedexams.

18 comments

  • I am ả registered nurse from the Philippines ,I want to take NCLEX I dont know were to start

    Merlyn Ventura
  • I am an international RN Nurse from Sierra Leone. I have already applied for licensure to prepare myself for the nclex exams at New York. But, I am worried about accommodation as I don’t have a relative in New York. I have been in Virginia, as I was issued a three years visitors visa with effect from January 2023 to January, 2026. Please educate me on how to apply on accommodation issue after my credentials are evaluated.

    Veronica Bull
  • Hi, I am an international nurse from India, passed NCLEX-RN in 2002 from Nevada without SSN, which state should I register for license based on expired Interim Permit without SSN………..kindly suggest.
    thanks, Jancy, India

    Jancy
  • I would love to receive the Material and training needed for the NCLEX exam.
    Thanks

    Okunlola Adeola
  • I am a nursing graduate, and I wish to work anywhere in this 10 states as a nurse hope I can take NCLEX ASAP. because I have a daughter which recently diagnosed as T1-DM.

    Mahaleel Mercader

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