Essential Requirements for California Nursing License by Endorsement [2026 Update]
Want to get your California nursing license by endorsement? California has everything – from bustling cities to beautiful beaches and mountains. However, qualified professionals often face endless hurdles in the state’s nursing licensure process.
The good news is that the California license by endorsement process has become easier with recent regulatory changes. The California Board of Nursing removed several educational barriers for out-of-state nurses Effective October 2023. This change comes at a perfect time. More than 7 million Californians live in areas that lack enough primary care providers, which creates a huge need for skilled nurse practitioners.
The process still takes time, though. Most states complete nurse practitioner endorsements within 4-8 weeks. California’s original evaluations can stretch up to 90 days, and standard processing usually takes six to eight weeks. California already has over 28,000 licensed nurse practitioners. Understanding the exact requirements will help you become part of this large workforce that serves the state’s 37+ million residents.
Hold an Active RN License in Another State
You need a current and active registered nurse license from another U.S. state, territory, or Canada as the key requirement to get a California nursing license by endorsement. This basic qualification lets you practice in California through the endorsement pathway.
License Overview
Your nursing credentials from another jurisdiction must be valid and in good standing without restrictions or pending disciplinary actions. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) needs your out-of-state license to be current and active when you apply.
You’ll need to reactivate your license first if it has expired or become inactive before California will think over your endorsement application. This rule applies whatever your nursing experience or the number of state licenses you hold.
Nurses with multiple active licenses need to verify just one active license. International graduates face an extra step – they must get verification of their licensing exam results from the board where they first took the test.
The California board’s nursing license by endorsement process accepts three exam pathways:
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
- State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE)
- The five-part Canadian examination (for licenses issued prior to 1980)
The endorsement pathway isn’t an option if you haven’t taken one of these three exams. You’ll need to apply for licensure by examination in California instead.
Why an Active RN License Matters
A current, active license from another state proves you’ve met nursing practice’s core requirements. This verification shows you have:
- Successfully completed an accredited nursing program
- Passed the required licensing examination
- Managed to keep your professional standing in another jurisdiction
On top of that, it shows you’re still participating in the nursing profession. California’s license by endorsement process helps practicing nurses who want to work in California—not those with expired credentials trying to skip exam requirements.
Your application stops without active license verification. The California board won’t issue any temporary or permanent license until they get official verification in writing from your original state board.
You must apply for endorsement to practice in California even with a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact, since California isn’t a compact state.
How to Verify Your RN License
The California BRN accepts two official ways to verify your active RN license:
Method 1: Nursys® Verification System Most state nursing boards use Nursys, an online license verification system, to share licensing and disciplinary information. This method works best if your state uses Nursys because:
- Verification posts right after payment
- Everything happens online
- Credit card payments work
- Results go straight to the California BRN
Just visit www.nursys.com to submit your verification request. Nursys verifications last 90 days from the request date, so plan your application timing carefully.
Method 2: Manual Verification Form You’ll need the manual process if your state doesn’t use Nursys (West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania):
- Fill out California BRN’s Verification of License form
- Send it to your state’s nursing board
- Pay your state’s processing fee
- Your state board completes and sends the form to California
The board won’t accept phone verifications. Verification must come straight from the licensing authority to the California BRN.
You can check your license status through California’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search page once your application starts moving. This system pulls data directly from the BRN licensing system, BreEZe.
Employers can track nurse license status through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Nursys e-Notify system. This tool helps monitor your application’s progress in the system.
Most states handle endorsements in 4-8 weeks. California takes 6-8 weeks just for the first review, and the whole process might last 90 days. Getting your license verified properly starts your journey to a California nursing license by endorsement.
Meet California Educational Requirements
Getting your California nursing license by endorsement requires you to meet the state’s educational standards. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has strict educational criteria that look quite different from other states. Understanding these requirements will save you time during your application process.
California Education Standards Overview
California sets some of the toughest nursing education standards in the country. Your nursing curriculum must include no less than 58 semester units with specific course requirements. The complete educational foundation breaks down into these parts:
- At least 36 semester units that cover the art and science of nursing (18 units in theory and 18 in clinical practice) spanning medical-surgical, geriatric, pediatric, obstetric, and mental health/psychiatric nursing
- A minimum of 6 semester units in communication skills (written, oral, and group communication)
- At least 16 semester units of natural sciences and related behavioral/social sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, and physiology courses with labs
A welcome change came in April 2023 that helps out-of-state nurses. The BRN added section 1410.5 to Article 2 of Division 14 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations to eliminate the nursing-related natural science laboratory educational requirement for out-of-state applicants who have worked in good standing for at least two years. This change removes a major obstacle that kept many qualified nurses from getting a California license by endorsement.
Why California Education Requirements Matter
California’s educational standards make sure all practicing nurses have the same level of preparation, whatever their original training location. These standards directly affect patient safety and care quality throughout California’s healthcare system.
The old laboratory requirement used to cause delays and block licensure for many out-of-state applicants because other states have different nursing-related natural science laboratory requirements. This created an unnecessary roadblock for experienced nurses who wanted to work in California.
The BRN oversees more than 502,000 Registered Nurses and almost 34,000 Nurse Practitioners. They realized that nurses who work successfully in another state for two years already prove their competence and safety. Extra laboratory coursework didn’t add any real value to patient protection.
On top of that, this regulatory change helps more than just individual nurses. The BRN noted this change helps “California to recruit and maintain a larger pool of qualified nurses from across the country, thereby increasing access to care”. Since California isn’t part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), these improvements to the endorsement process really help address the state’s nursing workforce needs.
How to Meet California Education Requirements
Meeting California’s educational requirements depends on your background:
- For U.S. Nursing Program Graduates Good news! The California board now accepts electronic transcripts. The BreEZe system lets you submit your transcripts online. This efficient process can save you time if your education meets all California requirements.
- For Applicants with Educational Deficiencies Missing any requirements after evaluation means you’ll need to complete an approved course before getting licensed. You’ll have to apply for licensure by examination instead of endorsement if you don’t meet all California educational requirements.
- For International Graduates International nurses face a more detailed process. You’ll need to provide original certified transcripts and certified English translations of your academic documents. You must also:
- Send the “Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs” form to your school along with the “Request for Transcript” form
- Give the “Certified English Translation” form to your certified translator if your transcript isn’t in English
The BreEZe application asks for your nursing school information. School names appear in alphabetical order, and you can pick “Other” at the top of the list if you don’t see your school.
Check if your education meets California’s requirements before you start applying. This can save you time and help you avoid switching from the endorsement path to the examination path.
Removing the laboratory requirement for qualified out-of-state nurses shows how the BRN works to cut down paperwork while keeping standards high. A good grasp of these educational requirements will help you get through the California nursing license by endorsement process faster and avoid delays.
Pass the NCLEX-RN or SBTPE Exam
Getting your California nursing license by endorsement requires proof that you passed a qualifying nursing examination. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) needs evidence that you passed one of their approved standardized tests to check your nursing competency.
NCLEX-RN/SBTPE Overview
The California BRN accepts three examination pathways for nurses who want a license through endorsement:
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) – The current standard examination used across the United States
- State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) – The predecessor to the NCLEX, used before 1994
- Five-part licensing examination in Canada – Note that the Canadian Comprehensive Examination is explicitly not acceptable
Most nurses today take the NCLEX-RN. It’s a sophisticated Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) that evaluates the knowledge and skills needed for safe nursing practice at entry level. This test is different from regular exams. It changes its difficulty level and content based on your answers.
You might answer anywhere from 75 to 265 questions during the exam. The system keeps going until it’s 95% sure about your abilities compared to the passing standard. Nurses who perform very well or poorly usually answer fewer questions. While most questions are multiple-choice, you’ll see other formats too.
The NCLEX-RN examination costs $200. If you take the exam at international centers, you’ll pay an extra $150 plus any Value Added Tax. Pearson Professional Centers offer the exam throughout the United States and its territories. You can also take it in Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, and Taiwan.
Why Passing the Exam is Essential
You must pass one of the approved licensing examinations to get your California license by endorsement. This rule exists because the standardized examination shows you have the basic skills needed for safe nursing practice.
Yes, it is true – even with a current nursing license from another state, you can’t get a California license through endorsement without passing these exams. The California BRN states clearly: “If you are applying for licensure via endorsement and have not taken and passed the RN exam in any state, you will not be issued a license via endorsement in California, even if your state does not currently require an examination for licensure”.
This strict rule follows California Business & Professions Code 2742: “The board shall issue a license to each applicant who passes the examination and meets all other licensing requirements”. The examination makes sure all nurses in California meet the same basic standards, whatever their training or practice background.
International nurses face extra requirements. Without passing one of the acceptable licensing examinations, they can’t get a license by endorsement. They must apply for licensure by examination through the California BRN instead.
How to Submit Exam Verification
Your exam verification process depends on your situation. All verifications must come directly from the proper licensing authority.
Most applicants’ exam verification happens automatically when their current state verifies their license. International graduates need to do more. Beyond their U.S. state license check, they must get separate proof that they passed the right licensing examination from the nursing board where they took the test.
The board won’t accept phone verifications. Your other state board must send official license and examination verification in writing before California gives you a temporary or permanent license. This strict rule protects the California board’s nursing license by endorsement process.
Recent NCLEX-RN test results usually reach the California BRN within a month after testing. California candidates can check unofficial results just two days after the exam by buying Quick Results from Pearson VUE online.
If you didn’t pass, you’ll get a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This report shows how you did, lists the number of questions you answered, and outlines your strengths and weaknesses. You can use this information to study and retake the exam after 90 days. The California BRN website shows how to reapply on their Repeat/Reapply for Examination page.
You can track your application on California’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search page. This page shows direct data from the BRN licensing system. Employers can also get nurse licensure status alerts through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Nursys e-Notify system.
Verifying your qualifying examination is a key step to get your California nursing license by endorsement. The process might seem strict, but it makes sure every nurse in California meets high standards. This helps maintain quality healthcare throughout the state.
Submit Fingerprints for Background Check
The fourth key step to get your California nursing license by endorsement needs a full background check through fingerprinting. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) uses this process to assess your professional background before you can practice in the state.
Fingerprinting Options Overview
The California BRN lets you submit fingerprints in two ways. Your location will help you pick the best option:
- Live Scan Process (California Residents or Visitors) Live Scan gives you electronic fingerprinting that sends your prints straight to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI. This modern method comes with several benefits:
- Results come faster (usually 1-2 weeks)
- No ink cards needed
- Your prints go straight to the system
- You’ll find this only in California
- Manual Fingerprint Cards (Out-of-State Applicants) If you live outside California, you’ll need to use the classic FD-258 fingerprint card:
- This works for anyone who can’t come to California
- You’ll mail these cards to the California BRN
- It takes more time to process (could be several weeks)
- Handle with care to avoid rejection
You must first send your RN licensure application through the BreEZe system. Once you pay and submit your application, you’ll get an email with either the BRN Live Scan form or details about requesting a fingerprint card.
Why Fingerprinting is Required
Fingerprinting is a basic security measure in California’s nursing license by endorsement process. The Nursing Practice Act requires all license applicants to provide fingerprints for federal and state criminal history checks. Here’s why this matters:
Your license could face denial, suspension, or revocation based on your criminal history. The BRN looks at past criminal activity to make sure you can practice nursing safely.
Your fingerprints stay on file with the California Department of Justice forever. This lets the DOJ send automatic updates to the BRN about any arrests or convictions, which helps monitor your entire nursing career.
The BRN can take disciplinary action if you skip the fingerprinting step. This isn’t just a delay—it could stop you from getting your license.
How to Complete the Fingerprinting Process
Here’s what you need to do for successful fingerprinting:
For Live Scan (In California):
- Send your California license application through BreEZe
- Watch for the Live Scan form in your email from BRN
- Find a Live Scan provider on California’s official site: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations
- Bring your Live Scan form, government ID, and payment
- Pay the fees to the Live Scan provider ($51.00 plus a “rolling” fee between $5.00 and $45.00)
- Let the certified operator take your fingerprints
For Manual Fingerprint Cards (Outside California):
- Submit your endorsement application on BreEZe
- Pay $49.00 for fingerprint processing
- Ask for an FD-258 fingerprint card through BreEZe or the BRN Fingerprint Request Form
- Head to a local law enforcement agency for fingerprinting
- Fill out all card fields exactly as they appear on your application
- Send the card to BRN in a 9″ x 12″ envelope marked “DO NOT FOLD”
Important Tips to Avoid Delays:
- Match your name, birth date, and Social Security Number exactly on all documents
- Use BLACK ink only for manual cards and keep them flat
- Think about going to California for Live Scan if you want faster results
- The BRN won’t process hard cards until they get your payment
Live Scan results show up in BreEZe within 72 hours. Manual cards might take several weeks or months. You can check your application status anytime on California’s Department of Consumer Affairs License Search page.
Provide License Verification and Transcripts
The fifth vital step in your California nursing license by endorsement experience involves submitting proper documentation. You need to pay close attention to license verification and educational transcripts. Any mistakes or omissions can delay your application by a lot.
Verification and Transcript Overview
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires two main types of documentation from endorsement applicants:
- License Verification – You must get formal verification of your current nursing license from your original state of licensure. You can use two verification methods:
- Nursys® Verification – An online system most state boards use where verification appears right after payment
- Manual Verification Form – You’ll need this for states not using Nursys (West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania)
- Official Transcripts – These must show all completed coursework, clinical practice of training, and your earned degree. Requirements change based on your educational background:
- California Graduates: Your California Board-approved nursing program will send transcripts electronically
- Out-of-State Graduates: You can send electronic transcripts through vendors like Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse
- International Graduates: You must send physical transcripts with certified English translations
You’ll also need to provide completed fingerprints through Live Scan or fingerprint card (Hard Card) process as mentioned earlier.
Why These Documents Are Important
These verification documents prove your qualifications to practice nursing in California. License verification shows your professional standing and confirms you’ve met another state’s licensing standards.
International nurses face additional requirements. Beyond confirming your current U.S. state license, you must get verification of licensing examination passage from the board where you took the examination.
Your transcripts show your educational preparation according to California’s specific standards. The BRN uses these records to review whether your training lines up with California requirements, including:
- 6 semester units in communication skills
- 16 semester units in related natural sciences
Nursys® verifications last only 90 days from the request date. So timing your application right helps you avoid paying twice for verification.
How to Submit Verification and Transcripts
Here’s how to handle your documentation properly:
For License Verification:
- Nursys® Method: Go to www.nursys.com to complete the online verification process. The fee is usually $30.00, payable by credit card.
- Manual Method: Send the “Verification of License” form to your state board with their required processing fee.
For Transcript Submission:
- California Graduates: You don’t need to do anything – your school sends transcripts electronically.
- Out-of-State Graduates: Ask for electronic transcripts to be sent to etranscripts@dca.ca.gov.
- International Graduates: Mail the “Request for Transcript” form to your nursing schools with their fee. You’ll also need to:
- Include the “Breakdown of Educational Program for International Nursing Programs” form
- Provide certified English translations for non-English transcripts
Recent changes have made the California board of nursing license by endorsement process easier for experienced nurses. You no longer need to submit transcripts from every school where you completed nursing requirements or general education courses.
The BRN only accepts transcripts and verifications directly from the issuing authority – not from applicants. This direct-source verification policy protects the California license by endorsement process’s integrity.
You can check your application status through the DCA License Search website while waiting. This site shows primary source data from the BRN licensing system. Quick responses to any issues will keep your California nursing license by endorsement application moving forward.
Apply via BreEZe and Pay Fees
Getting your California nursing license by endorsement requires submitting your application and fees through California’s online licensing portal. This digital platform makes your transition to California nursing quick and simple.
BreEZe Application Overview
BreEZe works as the Department of Consumer Affairs’ licensing and enforcement system and serves as a detailed platform to process nursing applications. The online system lets you submit all required documentation electronically and works faster than paper applications. You can track your application status immediately. The California BRN recommends using this digital option, though you can still submit paper applications at the BRN Public Counter in Sacramento.
Why the BreEZe System is Used
The BreEZe platform reduces processing times and improves accessibility. The system creates a central location to store and review all application materials. It also provides better transparency throughout the application process. The system ended up connecting three key groups: consumers can verify licenses, licensees can maintain their credentials, and applicants can submit materials—all through one unified portal.
How to Apply and Pay Fees
Your California board of nursing license by endorsement application starts here:
- Register for a BreEZe account if you haven’t already done so
- Select “RN Endorsement” from the dropdown menu on your account homepage
- Complete all application fields and attach required documentation
- Pay the $350 application fee plus any additional fees for temporary licenses ($100) or fingerprinting ($49)
The system takes only credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express). You should submit your payment the same day as your application because applications without payment won’t be processed. The RN endorsement application must come before requesting a temporary license.
Begin Today
Getting your California nursing license through endorsement needs careful planning and attention to detail. You now know about the six key requirements to get through California’s licensing process. California’s endorsement pathway used to be complex, but recent regulatory changes have made the process simpler, especially when you have an active license in other states.
The biggest improvement is removing nursing-related natural science laboratory requirements for qualified out-of-state nurses. This change has cleared a major hurdle that kept many skilled nurses from working in California despite their years of safe practice elsewhere.
These improvements are great, but you should expect a full review process. The California Board of Registered Nursing takes six to eight weeks for standard processing. Some applications need up to 90 days for complete review. You should start your application well before you plan to move.
A careful approach to each step will help avoid delays. Keep your current license active and in good standing. Get your educational transcripts and exam verification ready before completing the fingerprinting requirements. Submit everything through the BreEZe system with the right payment.
California gives you great professional opportunities in its healthcare world. Your California nursing license lets you work in world-class academic medical centers, rural community hospitals, or innovative healthcare startups. These environments serve the state’s 37+ million residents. The work you put into getting your license through endorsement will lead to exciting career options in the Golden State.