How European Nurses can register with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

To register as a nurse with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), a European-trained nurse must follow a series of steps to meet the requirements set by the BRN. The process is detailed and involves evaluation of your educational background, passing specific exams, and meeting certain legal and immigration requirements. Here is an overview of the steps involved:

1. Evaluate Your Educational Credentials

- Credential Evaluation Service (CES): You need to have your nursing education credentials evaluated by a BRN-approved credential evaluation service. This typically involves submitting your academic transcripts and other relevant documentation to an agency like CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or IERF (International Education Research Foundation).

- Coursework Requirements: The evaluation must confirm that your nursing education is equivalent to that provided in the United States. California has specific coursework requirements, particularly in areas such as Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Psychiatry/Mental Health Nursing. If your education does not meet these requirements, you may need to complete additional coursework in the U.S.

2. Submit an Application to the BRN

- Application Form: Complete the application for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California. This form can be found on the BRN website.

- Application Fee: Pay the required fee when submitting your application.

- Fingerprints: You will need to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. This can be done via Live Scan if you are in the U.S. or by using fingerprint cards if you are abroad.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

- Authorization to Test (ATT): Once your application is approved, you will receive an ATT from the BRN, which allows you to schedule the NCLEX-RN exam.

- NCLEX-RN Examination: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the standardized exam required for nursing licensure in the U.S. The exam is offered globally, so you may be able to take it in your home country or in the U.S.

4. Meet Immigration and Visa Requirements

- VisaScreen: If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will need to obtain a VisaScreen certificate, which verifies your qualifications and English language proficiency.

- Work Visa or Green Card: Depending on your situation, you may need to apply for a work visa (such as an H-1B) or a green card to legally work in the U.S. Some employers may sponsor you for a visa or green card.

5. Obtain California RN License

- Issuance of License: Once you have passed the NCLEX-RN and met all other requirements, the California BRN will issue your RN license, allowing you to practice nursing in the state.

Additional Notes:

- English Language Proficiency: You may be required to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless your education was conducted in English.

- Continuing Education: California requires RNs to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain their licenses. Be prepared to meet these requirements after you are licensed.

The process can be lengthy, so it’s important to start early and ensure all documents are accurately submitted. Working with a credentialing agency or legal professional familiar with the process can help ensure everything goes smoothly.

As of 2024, the costs for a European nurse to register with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) involve several fees. Here is a breakdown of the typical expenses:

Application for Licensure by Examination (for those taking the NCLEX-RN):
- Application Fee: $300
- NCLEX-RN Examination Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
Application for Licensure by Endorsement (for those already licensed in another U.S. state):
- Application Fee: $350
International Education Evaluation Fee:
- CES (Credentials Evaluation Service) Report by CGFNS: Approximately $350 - $500, depending on the type of evaluation required.
Fingerprint Processing Fee:
- Live Scan (if done in California): $75 - $90
- Fingerprint Card (if done outside California): $49
English Proficiency Test (if required):
- IELTS or TOEFL: $200 - $250
License Issuance Fee:
- Initial License Fee: $200

Total Estimated Cost

For a European nurse registering with the BRN in California, the total cost may range from approximately $1,400 to $1,800, depending on the specific circumstances (e.g., whether the nurse is applying for licensure by examination or endorsement, and where the fingerprinting is done).

This estimate does not include potential additional costs such as notarization of documents, translations, postage, and any preparatory courses for the NCLEX-RN if needed. It's important to check the latest fees directly with the California BRN and other involved agencies, as they can change.