Education and training
Evidence reviewedFor endorsement, an applicant must hold a current active RN license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada and complete an educational program meeting all California requirements.
California · Nursing
California Nursing License Requirements
Provenance
Official sources
- https://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-end.shtmlRetrieved 2026-09-03
- https://www.rn.ca.gov/online/verify.shtmlRetrieved 2026-09-05
Official-source reference
Licensing requirements
Field-reviewed details link to their exact supporting source. Any older detail awaiting a separate field review is labeled and retains the guide source. Confirm the current rules for your license type before applying or renewing.
Exams
Evidence reviewedEndorsement requires passing the NCLEX-RN or State Board Test Pool Examination; the Canadian Comprehensive Examination is not accepted.
Application fee
Evidence reviewedThe endorsement application requires application fees paid by valid credit card. The reviewed endorsement page links to the Board's Application Fees schedule but does not state a dollar amount.
Background check
Evidence reviewedEvery endorsement applicant must provide completed fingerprints using California Live Scan or fingerprint-card processing.
Endorsement or reciprocity
Evidence reviewedCalifornia endorsement is available to an RN with a current active license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada who meets California education requirements and has passed an accepted RN examination.
Complete your application with the licensing authority.
Open official licensing authority