Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
VT · Internationally educated nurses
Vermont RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Vermont Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Applicants educated outside the U.S. must supply the credentials review required by Vermont's administrative rules/application checklist to show education substantially equivalent to an approved program. Confirm the currently accepted evaluator/report in the online application.
English requirement
If the nursing education program or licensing examination was not conducted in English, acceptable evidence of oral and written English proficiency is required.
SSN requirement
A valid SSN is required for a multistate license. The public rules reviewed do not establish a complete no-SSN exam pathway; confirm with OPR.
Background check
Initial licensure applicants follow OPR's criminal background check instructions; multistate qualification requires state/federal fingerprint-based checks.
Education review
The Board assesses equivalency. Canadian applicants who have not passed NCLEX (or qualifying pre-2016 Canadian exam) apply by examination; other internationally educated applicants follow Rules 6-1/7-1 and 4-2.
Application sequence
How to apply in Vermont
- 1
Create an OPR online account and select RN by examination.
- 2
Submit the foreign-education review and English evidence required by the checklist.
- 3
Complete background check steps and register with Pearson VUE.
- 4
Await Vermont eligibility determination and ATT.
Documents to prepare
- Credential evaluation/education evidence
- English proficiency evidence
- Foreign license verification when applicable
- Background-check materials
- Vermont primary-residence evidence for multistate
Verify before paying
- • The administrative rules contain distinct Canadian and other international pathways.
- • A nurse with an active multistate license from another compact home state generally does not obtain a Vermont license unless changing primary residence to Vermont.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Vermont 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.