Apply for a nursing license by exam

To become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts, you must meet eligibility requirements.

Am I eligible?

To be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts, you have to provide proof that you:

• Graduated from a board-approved nursing program
• Educational Requirements for licensure Applicants Educated in an Out of State Nursing Program (PDF) | (DOCX)
• Are of Good Moral Character, as defined by state law
• Have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)

If you were educated outside of the United States, see our information for foreign educated nurses.

If you were educated outside of Massachusetts, see Information for Graduates of US Nursing Programs and Eligibility for Licensure in Massachusetts (PDF) | (DOCX)

When can I start working as a nurse in the state of Massachusetts?

• You can start working as a nurse once your license number appears on the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification website
• You and your employer may print a copy of your license verification from the Board's website

• Massachusetts does not have a 'graduate nurse' status.
• Massachusetts does not issue temporary licenses and does not take part in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
• Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 13A and G.L. c. 62C, s. 47A, the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure is required to obtain your SSN and forward it to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue will use your SSN to ascertain whether or not you are in compliance with Massachusetts tax laws (G.L. c. 62C, s. 47A) and child support laws (G.L. c. 119A, s.16).
• Please contact CGFNS and request for the CES report to be released to MA. Please contact PCS when the CES report has been made available to MA. Alternatively, PCS will also accept the CES report directly from another state Board of nursing that evaluated your CES report for licensure purposes. The state Board of nursing will need to mail your CES report to PCS at the address below. CES reports that state “applicant copy” will not be accepted.
  • PCS
    Attn: MA Nursing Coordinator
    P.O. Box 198788
    Nashville, TN 37219
  • CGFNS
• The Welcome Back Center assist nurses trained in other countries to become registered nurses in Massachusetts. Many internationally educated nurses come to Massachusetts and find it difficult to obtain a license to practice here.  The process can be complicated and involves working with several different agencies, filling out forms and sometimes meeting additional educational requirements. If you were a nurse in another country and are a current Massachusetts resident and want to be a nurse in Massachusetts, they can help you.
  • BHCC - Welcome back