California Nursing License – A Step-By-Step Guide

California Licensure One Step at a Time

1. The first step in this process is to visit the California Board of Nursing (CBoN) website and click on the link entitled Licensure by Endorsement. Once there, you will need to click 'Apply Online' to create a BreEZe account, which is the program used by CBoN to receive and process applications. After agreeing to the Information Privacy Act, you will then answer the Transaction Suitability Questions. These questions determine your eligibility to apply for a license by endorsement. You will also need to supply either your Social Security Number or your Individual Taxpayer ID Number at this step.
2. Now for the challenging part: fingerprints! The next step involves answering application questions, including instructions regarding supplying fingerprint records, which are required in California. The fingerprinting process is the most challenging part of getting a California nursing license. By far the fastest way to handle fingerprinting (and the rest of the process as well) is to use LiveScan for fingerprints, which can only be done in California. With LiveScan, your fingerprints are read electronically and available immediately. However, you must have the LiveScan done in California for your CA nursing license. The CBoN will not accept LiveScan performed outside of California. Current reports indicate that it is taking 12 weeks or longer to get a California RN license by endorsement if you perform a LiveScan, the results are clean, and you turn in all required paperwork to the CBoN in person. These time frames change frequently, though, based on the volume of requests being handled by the Board. For most nurses, a quick trip to Sacramento California is the best way to accelerate the licensure process. If you cannot get to Sacramento in person, there are other fingerprinting options -- such as requesting a hard card and having your physical fingerprints sent to the CBoN. These alternatives are best suited to RNs who do not have a set schedule for working as a traveler in CA and have no time constraints.
3. Next, you will fill out personal details. Be sure they exactly match your current ID. Any discrepancies will delay processing time. Enter your current address under ‘address detail summary.’ This will be where the CBoN sends all future correspondence.
4. The next screen requests your education history. Look up your school of nursing in their search box and be sure to leave the ‘End Date’ blank. You will need to have transcripts submitted from all schools where you completed nursing coursework. An essential thing to note is that, while CBoN accepts electronic transcripts, they MUST be sent directly from the school. You cannot submit them yourself or they will be rejected. (Note, some RNs have advised that if you had a different last name in nursing school, it may be helpful to include a copy of your marriage license or other name change documentation.) You also have the option of written transcripts. Transcripts should be sent after the initial application is made, not before.
5. You will next be prompted to enter your current active license information, and then have the option to complete a Healing Arts Survey. You will then answer the discipline and conviction questions. Note that you will be required to submit a written explanation of any discipline received. The following screen requests any previous names you have used that may show up on previous records. It’s worth noting that the license verification process should be done through Nursys, if their active license state participates in Nursys. Per CA BON: Completed "Verification of License" form or Nursys Verification Application if your board of nursing participates in Nursys.
6. Finally, you will be prompted to attach any documents you may need (such as discipline explanations). You must attach a current headshot photo. You will review all previously submitted information, sign the attestation statement, and be shown estimated fees. Payment must be made at time of application.
7. We strongly encourage to RNs also apply for a temporary California license (valid for 6 months) at the same time they apply for a permanent license. The temporary permit can help tide you through some (but not all) documentation issues. Additional necessary steps to receive a permanent license MUST also be initiated at the same time. The temporary license is issued approximately 4-8 weeks upon receipt of required docs, and you must not have any prior convictions OR disciplinary actions. Talk to your recruiter about the best way to cover all your bases while you prepare for a travel nursing job in California.

• Travel Nursing Jobs in San Francisco - Beautiful city in the hills, endless attractions and entertainment
• Travel Nurse Jobs in Los Angeles - Celebrity spotting, beachgoing, outdoor diversions galore
• Travel Nursing Assignments in San Diego - Best weather ever, seaside culture, a So-Cal delight

RN Licensure Time Frames