Massachusetts nursing license application

Beginning July 1, 2017

All applications to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for initial licensure by examination and reciprocity will be submitted as an On-Line application only.
Paper applications previously submitted will be processed.
All applications submitted with a post mark on or before June 30, 2017 will be accepted.
Any applicant applying with a post mark date after the June 30, 2017 deadline will be directed to submit an on-line application.

Online Application will be available on July 5, 2017.

NOTE: If you withdrew from a RN program to take the LPN exam, download, complete, and mail the Determination of Eligibility form to the MA Board of Nursing prior to completing step 1 below.

Determination of Eligibility form

STEP 1: Submit the MA Nursing Application with the requested documentation to PCS.

As of April 4, 2016, individuals applying for both Initial Licensure by Examination and by Reciprocity in Massachusetts are now required to have submitted directly to the Professional Credential Services (PCS), an Official Final Transcript from their RN or LPN program. PCS cannot accept a transcript that is sent by the Applicant or attached to the Application. Any transcripts that are not received directly from a nursing program will not be processed and the application will be considered incomplete. If you have multiple nursing degrees please submit the transcript from your first nursing diploma/degree program.

If a GMC question is answered yes, CLICK HERE. If you must complete the Board’s Good Moral Character Evaluation, required documentation should be sent directly to the Board AFTER submitting a completed application inclusive of fees to PCS.

STEP 2: Register on-line with Pearson/VUE to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You may also register by telephone (866-496-2539). Note: Name must match on MA Nursing Application, NCLEX registration, and the identification that will be used at the examination.

This step must be completed prior to submitting your application to PCS.

STEP 3: PCS reviews application for completeness and accuracy.

If your application is incomplete, PCS will notify the applicant via email of all discrepancies.

STEP 4: Once the application is complete, PCS will approve the applicant in Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue will then send the ATT via email. Applicant schedules an appointment with Pearson VUE within 60 days of issuance of the ATT.

STEP 5: Applicant takes the exam.

Failure to take the examination within 60 days of issuance of the ATT will result in a voided ATT and applicant must follow the steps stated below as an unsuccessful examinee.

STEP 6: PCS reviews NCLEX applicant score results approximately 3-5 business days after the examination.

STEP 7: Successful applicants that meet all requirements will receive a License Letter.

The Massachusetts Board of Nursing posts license numbers on their website within 24 hours of review af results and final approval. Click here to view.

Official licenses will arrive in the mail within 21 business days.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive a diagnostic report and re-exam procedures.