- Begin this process six to eight months prior to graduation
- The results must be sent electronically from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Follow these instructions.
- The "reason for fingerprinting" code may differ based on the agency completing the finger printing. The Ohio Board of Nursing will accept the ORC 4723.09 or the ORC 4723.091 code.
- When completing the "Nursing Licensure by Examination" application, enter the following:
- The College of Nursing Education program code: US20508200
- Date of Entrance: Date you entered the nursing program
- Date of Completion/Anticipated Completion: Enter the date that is the Friday prior to commencement
The NCLEX is a national exam and students, regardless of where they apply for licensure, should follow these steps:
- Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam
- Register and pre-pay for exam four to six months prior to graduation
- Once the Nursing Regulatory Board declares you are eligible, you will receive by email the "Authorization To Test" (ATT) which allows you to schedule the test itself
- Review the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for more information
- The College of Nursing Education program code: US20508200
How to obtain your RN licensure outside of Ohio
Obtaining a registered nursing (RN) licensure requires students to complete two processes:
1. An application for RN licensure
- The application process differs by state
2. NCLEX pre-registration
- Visit the NCBSN Leading Regulatory Excellence website
- Select the state for where you are seeking licensure
- Click on the “Visit member website”
- Review information pertaining to “Apply for License/Licensure” or “Licensure by Examination"
- Follow the instructions provided
The NCLEX is a national exam and students, regardless of where they apply for licensure, should follow these steps:
- Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam
- Register and pre-pay for exam four to six months prior to graduation
- Once the Nursing Regulatory Board declares you are eligible, you will receive by email the "Authorization To Test" (ATT) which allows you to schedule the test itself
- Review the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for more information
- The College of Nursing Education program code: US20508200
The Certification of Program Completion Letter*
The College of Nursing will electronically send the “Certification of Program Completion” letter to the Ohio Board of Nursing on the Friday prior to Spring commencement. This letter will confirm your successful completion of the nursing program; you do not need to provide a transcript for Ohio licensure. The Ohio Board of Nursing will then verify that the following documents / fees have been received by the appropriate agencies and will notify NCLEX Candidate Services that you are eligible to take the licensure examination:
- Application for RN licensure
- NCLEX registration and pre-payment
- FBI/BCI fingerprint results
- Program Completion Letter
*Every state is different. Many states do not require the "Certificate of Program Completion" letter. Please check with your state’s board of nursing to find out their requirements. If the state you are applying for licensure requires something other than the "Certificate of Program Completion" letter, please reach out to our office at 614-292-4041.
For more information about the licensing process in the state of Ohio, visit nursing.ohio.gov/licensing-certification-ce/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the College of Nursing track my RN Licensure application to the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN)?No. The College of Nursing cannot verify whether or not the OBN received your fingerprints, other required documents, or provide an update on your application since we are separate entities. You may track your application status by following these instructions.
How can I track my OBN application status?
Go to the OBN website for instructions. Click on your name; it will display as “pending” until your license is issued. If it has been more than 35 business days since you submitted your application and your name does not appear, please contact the Licensure Unit at 614-995-7675 or by e-mail at licensure@nursing.ohio.gov.
- Complete the FBI and BCI background check.
- Complete and submit the "Nursing Licensure by Examination" through the state of Ohio eLicense application and the appropriate fee.
- Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam.
- After grades are posted (usually Friday unless an "Incomplete" is received), the College of Nursing will submit all completion notifications directly to the OBN.
- Your name should match on all documents.
- Please note that your driver’s license will show only your middle initial. This is not an issue and does not preclude using your full middle name on the licensure materials .
Visit the NCLEX website to register for the NCLEX exam.
When will my Authorization to Test (ATT) number be sent?
You are not “authorized” until the OBN receives and processes all materials including the "Certification of Program Completion" letter. The "Certification of Program Completion" letter will be sent to the OBN from the College of Nursing during finals week of the term you complete your pre-licensure coursework.
Contact the Testing Service at 1-866-496-2539, if you do not receive the ATT within a reasonable amount of time.
When can I schedule the NCLEX?
You can schedule to complete the NCLEX upon receiving the Authorization to Test (ATT). It’s recommended that you schedule the NCLEX immediately upon receiving the ATT.
