Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
PA · Internationally educated nurses
Pennsylvania RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Foreign nursing education must be verified by an independent, Board-approved credentials evaluator as comparable to a Board-approved program. Use the Board-approved evaluator list on the nursing-education page and the PALS checklist for the exact report.
English requirement
For an international program not taught in English, or when English is not the applicant's native language, an approved ELP examination is required for a multistate license. Use the Board's approved English-exam list for current tests/scores.
SSN requirement
A valid U.S. SSN (not an ITIN) is mandatory for a multistate license. The Board also publishes an SSN waiver form and attestation resources for licensing circumstances; these do not satisfy the multistate SSN rule.
Background check
Multistate applicants submit a criminal record check from their state of residence plus an FBI fingerprint-based check. Follow the PALS checklist for single-state exam applicant screening requirements.
Education review
The international program must be found comparable; PALS identifies required evaluator/transcript evidence. Initial applicants also complete three hours of approved child-abuse recognition/reporting training.
Application sequence
How to apply in Pennsylvania
- 1
Create PALS account and select RN examination and single-state or multistate license.
- 2
Register with Pearson VUE and submit the Board application.
- 3
Arrange direct evaluator/education evidence, required training, and background checks.
- 4
Board approves eligibility; Pearson VUE issues ATT.
Documents to prepare
- Board-approved credentials evaluation
- ELP result if applicable
- Child-abuse training completion
- State and FBI checks when required
- Proof of Pennsylvania primary residence for multistate
Verify before paying
- • Pennsylvania fully implemented the NLC July 7, 2025; older guides may incorrectly describe it as partially implemented.
- • PALS generates application-specific checklists; that checklist controls over summaries.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Pennsylvania 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.