Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
WA · Internationally educated nurses
Washington RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Washington State Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Internationally educated exam applicants submit a Board-accepted nursing credentials evaluation showing theory and clinical education. The precise current evaluator/report must be selected from WABON's international-education instructions before ordering.
English requirement
Internationally educated applicants must meet WABON's English proficiency requirement unless an identified exception applies. Use the Board's current English proficiency page for test, score, and exemption details.
SSN requirement
Washington applications request SSN/ITIN disclosure under state law; a valid SSN is required for a multistate license. Confirm the single-state no-SSN process in the current application.
Background check
Applicants may be required to complete state/FBI fingerprint background checks under WABON instructions; multistate applicants must meet the NLC fingerprint-check ULR.
Education review
WABON reviews theory and clinical preparation against Washington standards and may identify deficiencies. A credentials report is evidence, not automatic approval.
Application sequence
How to apply in Washington
- 1
Use WABON's Apply for a License flow and choose RN by exam/international education.
- 2
Submit application and order the specified evaluation and English evidence for direct delivery.
- 3
Complete any directed fingerprints and register with Pearson VUE.
- 4
WABON reviews eligibility before Pearson VUE ATT.
Documents to prepare
- Board-accepted credentials evaluation
- English proficiency evidence
- Official license verification where applicable
- Identity/name documents
- Washington residence evidence for multistate
Verify before paying
- • Washington's requirements are distributed across web instructions and the online application; verify evaluator/report and fingerprint trigger before purchase.
- • Only Washington primary residents may receive a Washington multistate license.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Washington 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.