Compact status
Not a Nurse Licensure Compact member
OR · Internationally educated nurses
Oregon RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Oregon State Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Internationally educated applicants (and graduates of programs without an NCLEX code) submit a Board-approved evaluation containing a course-by-course theory/clinical-hours review and U.S. RN comparability. OSBN lists qualifying reports, including TruMerit CES Professional Report and specified reports from other approved agencies.
English requirement
OSBN rules require English-language proficiency sufficient for safe practice; the current public exam directions do not present a single universal test rule for every international applicant. Confirm whether and how evidence is required for the individual file.
SSN requirement
The online exam directions instruct applicants to enter a correct SSN. The reviewed public directions do not establish an alternative for an applicant without one; contact OSBN before applying.
Background check
Fingerprint-based criminal background check is required under OSBN's applicant fingerprint instructions.
Education review
The report must verify authorized program completion, theory and clinical hours, and comparability. OSBN—not the evaluator—makes the final education determination.
Application sequence
How to apply in Oregon
- 1
Review the LPN/RN by-exam directions and create an OSBN licensing portal account.
- 2
Order a qualifying evaluation for direct submission.
- 3
Submit the exam application and complete fingerprints.
- 4
Register with Pearson VUE; OSBN confirms eligibility before ATT.
Documents to prepare
- Qualifying credentials evaluation
- Official licensure details from country of origin when applicable
- Fingerprint submission
- Government identification
- Name-change evidence
Verify before paying
- • Oregon is not an NLC member as of the research date, so an Oregon license is single-state.
- • Evaluation vendors offer multiple products; only the report type named by OSBN qualifies.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Oregon State Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.