Avoid this costly mistake when applying for the NCLEX

Applying for the NCLEX-RN is an exciting step toward becoming a U.S.-licensed nurse. But for many international applicants, one major mistake can derail the entire process before it even begins: applying to a U.S. State Board of Nursing you’re not eligible for.

It may seem like just a formality, but choosing the wrong board can result in lost time, wasted money, and unnecessary frustration.

Here’s what happens when you submit your NCLEX application to an ineligible state — and how to avoid this mistake.

 What Does "Not Eligible" Really Mean?

Each U.S. State Board of Nursing has its own eligibility criteria for NCLEX-RN applicants, especially for foreign-educated nurses. These may include:

• Specific educational requirements (number of hours in key clinical subjects)
  
  

• English proficiency exams (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
  
  

• U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) requirement
  
  

• Credential evaluation through a specific agency (e.g., CGFNS, CES)
  
  

• Additional exams like the CGFNS Qualifying Exam
  
  

• Work experience or active RN license in your country
  
  

If your documents or background don’t meet the state’s criteria, you are considered “not eligible.”

 What Happens If You Apply to the Wrong BON?

1.  Your Application Will Be Rejected

If the board reviews your credentials and finds that you don’t meet the requirements, they will:

• Deny your eligibility
  
  

• Reject your application
  
  

• Refuse to issue the Authorization to Test (ATT)
  
  

You won’t be able to take the NCLEX exam — and in most cases, your application fee is non-refundable.

2.  You Lose Money

Each state charges an application processing fee, often ranging from $100–$300 USD. If your application is denied:

• That fee is gone
  
  

• You may also lose credential evaluation fees if done for that state only
  
  

• International document shipping costs and translations may also be wasted
  
  

This can add up to $500–$800 or more in non-refundable costs.

3. You Waste Valuable Time

Rejected applications can delay your NCLEX journey by months. You’ll have to:

• Start over with a new state
  
  

• Reprocess and resubmit documents
  
  

• Wait again for board and credentialing agency responses
  
  

This can push back your exam date, work opportunities, and deployment significantly.

4. Your Documents May Not Transfer Easily

Not all states allow you to transfer your existing documents (e.g., transcripts or CES reports) to a new board. Some boards have exclusive partnerships with specific credentialing agencies.

This means you may need to:

• Request new transcripts
  
  

• Pay for another credential evaluation
  
  

• Start from scratch with a different process
  
  

Why Does This Happen?

Many international nurses apply to a BON without fully understanding:

• That not all U.S. states accept international applicants
  
  

• That some states require documents that are difficult or impossible to obtain
  
  

• That meeting one state’s requirements doesn’t guarantee you qualify for another
  
  

How to Avoid This Costly Mistake

1.  Research the Right BON for Your Profile

Not all boards are suitable for all applicants. Factors to consider:

• Do they accept foreign-educated nurses?
  
  

• Do they require an SSN?
  
  

• Do they mandate English exams or work experience?
  
  

• Do they require CGFNS or CES evaluations?
  
  

Each nurse's profile (education, experience, documents) may be better suited to specific boards.

2.  Work With a Licensing Expert 

Licensing Experts or Agencies know which state you are eligible to apply and they already know the ins and outs of the process by:

• Evaluating your credentials first
  
  

• Recommending the most appropriate state based on your background
  
  

• Handling all document submissions and follow-ups
  
  

• Avoiding rejections, delays, and wasted costs
  
  

Final Advice: Choose the Right BON Before You Apply

The most important step in your NCLEX journey is choosing the right State Board of Nursing based on your qualifications. Don’t guess. Don’t apply blindly. Let the Experts Help You Get It Right the First Time

We connect aspiring nurses with professional NCLEX application partners like NEAC Medical Exams Center, who can:

• Assess your eligibility
  
  

• Match you to the right state
  
  

• Manage your application and documents
  
  

• Save you time, money, and stress

NEAC, the leader in the field of medical licensing, has been in the field for more than 18 years and has helped over 80,000 nurses get licensed internationally. 

Don’t risk your NCLEX future with the wrong board.

Start smart. Apply right. Let the experts guide you.

Would you like a list of states that accept international NCLEX applicants without SSNs or a side-by-side comparison of board requirements? Let me know — I can prepare that for you too!