How to Apply for NCLEX‑NY (NYSED DIY) + FAQs Answered

Want to start your American nursing career but unsure where to begin?
Here’s a quick, step‑by‑step guide to applying for NCLEX in New York—plus answers to top Frequently Asked Questions.

But first, let's clear things up:

What are NCLEX and NYSED?

NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination): A computerized adaptive test (CAT) used to evaluate nursing competency. It’s required for licensure in both the U.S. and Canada. There are two versions:

• NCLEX‑RN (Registered Nurse)
• NCLEX‑PN (Practical Nurse)

Filipino nurses typically apply for the NCLEX‑RN, as most Philippine nursing programs meet the requirements.

NYSED (New York State Education Department): The state authority that:

1. Sets nursing education standards
2. Defines licensure requirements
3. Issues nursing licenses
4. Verifies out‑of‑state licenses via Nursys®

A reminder: NYSED’s rules apply only within New York State

Now that we have that covered, let's move on to the step-by-step process for your NCLEX application.

Go directly to the NYSED website found HERE. Scroll down and click "How to Apply?". Click "RN Pathway #5 - Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (Outside of the U.S. and U.S. Territories)" to check out NYSED's instructions on how to apply. 

✅ Step 1: Complete NYSED-Mandated Courses (Infection Control & Child Abuse)

New York requires two specific NYSED-approved online courses before applying for NCLEX-NY:

1. Infection Control & Barrier Precautions (4 hours)
2. Child Abuse Identification & Reporting (2 hours)

🎓 Top Providers Used by Filipino Nurses:

CEUFast

• Offers both NYSED-approved courses
• Includes unlimited nursing CEs, auto-reporting to CE Broker, and instant certificates for about USD 39/year

Fast CE for Less

• Affordable unlimited CE access (~USD 29.99/year)
• NYSED-approved for Infection Control and Child Abuse training, no test required

Other NYSED-Approved Provider
Official provider lists are available on NYSED’s site under “Approved Providers” for each course category:

• Approved providers for Training for Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
• Approved providers for Infection Control Course

However, most of the time, people tend to utilize one provider for both courses. 

🔍 Tips & Best Practices

• Choose one provider offering both courses to simplify tracking and reporting.
• Ensure the provider reports completion directly to NYSED or via CE Broker.
• Confirm certificates include
1. Your full name
2. Course title
3. Hours completed
4. Date of completion

💳 Payment Info Snapshot:

• CEUFast ≈ 39 (USD/year) — Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover; PayPal; Google Pay; Apple Pay; certified check/money order 
• Fast CE for Less ≈ 29.99 (USD/year) — Major debit & credit cards; Google Pay; Apple Pay; PayPal

CEU Fast

Fast CE For Less

✅ Step 2: Submit Online Form 1 – Application for Licensure

Access and complete Form 1 Application for Licensure for Registered Professional Nurse on the NYSED Office of the Professions website. This form requires personal details and educational background information. The application fee is $143, payable via credit card. Upload the form as instructed by NYSED.

Your name in this application must exactly match the name on your photo identification and the name listed on your NCLEX registration.

Image of Form 1

🔍 Tips & Best Practices

• You must finish NYSED Online Form 1 in a single session—unless you have a U.S. Social Security Number, the system won't allow saving your progress. Without it, you cannot make changes and go back.
• You can watch this Youtube LINK for a step-by-step process on how to complete Form 1F.
  
• Submit 2F and 3F first prior to 1F.

🔁 Why Submit Form 2F & 3F First?

1. They take longer to process 📬

• Form 2F must be sent from your school directly to NYSED in a sealed envelope, along with official transcripts (and translations if needed). This part often takes weeks to months due to mailing and institutional timelines.
• Form 3F, if you’re including it, needs to come directly from your nursing board or licensing authority, adding extra time.

2. Prevents delays or application holds

If Form 2F or 3F is missing or delayed after submitting Form 1, your application review and issuance of the Authorization to Test (ATT) can be paused—extending your timeline.

📝 Dealing with Long Names on NYSED Form 1

1️⃣ NYSED Text Limits

The First Name field typically allows up to 15 characters, while Last Name boxes accept around 25 characters

2️⃣ Tip from Filipino NCLEX Applicants

Experienced applicants advise:

"I have a 17 FIRST name character… I was told … type what fits in the boxes then type the exceeding letters outside of it."

➡️ Best practice: Fill in as much as the form allows (15 characters for first name). Continue typing the remaining letters in the next field or line—commonly the middle initial or additional name field, if available.

You can also:

1. Call Pearson VUE – Explain you have three first names and can’t fit them all in the form. 
2. Call your State Board of Nursing – Let them know about the issue and that you've already informed Pearson VUE.

Once both organizations confirm, you're all set—even with a truncated first name on the form.

✅ Step 3: Verify Your Nursing Education (Form 2F)

Complete Section I of Form 2F and send it to your nursing school. Your school will fill out Section II and mail the form, along with your official transcripts, directly to NYSED. Ensure that all documents are sent in English or accompanied by certified translations.

For Filipino nursing grads: Simply visit your university registrar, pay any processing and mailing fees, and follow up regularly to ensure your Form 2F is sent on time. Typically, the TOR, RLE documents are sent with your Form 2F.

Image of the first page Form 2F. Section 1 is completed by you, while your school's registrar fills up Section 2. They also are responsible for mailing your Form 2F and other pertinent school documents to NYSED.

✅ Step 4: Verify Your Foreign Nursing License (Form 3F)

If you're licensed in your home country, you have the option to declare your license. Complete Section I of Form 3F and send it to the licensing authority. They will complete Section II and send it directly to NYSED to verify your license.

Image of Form 3F. Section 1 is completed by you, PRC fills up Section 2. 

For Filipinos, completing Form 3F means going to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for State Board Verification. 

🇵🇭 PRC State Board Verification (SBV) Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Prepare Online Appointment

• Visit online.prc.gov.ph and log in (or register)
• Choose “Certification / Stateboard Verification”
• Schedule an appointment at your preferred PRC regional office
• Download the Stateboard Verification Slip (SBVS). Bring this to your appointment.

2️⃣ Gather Required Documents

Bring to your scheduled appointment:

• SBVS form
• Form 3F (Verification of Foreign Licensure) – Section I filled
• PRC e-PIC or valid license and photocopy
• Official transcript of records (with photocopy)
• Optional: Certificate of Good Standing or RLE if requested

3️⃣ At your appointment

• Hand in SBVS, signed Form 3F, photocopies, and receipts at the designated counter. PRC will print and ship the documents to NYSED directly
• PRC typically ships documents within ~15 business days; expect NYSED to receive them within a few days after.

You can declare your existing nursing license (e.g. from the Philippines via Form 3F), but it’s not required for NCLEX eligibility in New York—Here's the breakdown:

📌 Should You Declare Your PRC License?

Pros

Recommended for Endorsement: If you plan on endorsing your NY license to another U.S. state, a declared and verified PRC license may be required. Declaration now saves you extra processing later.

Cons

Additional verification means a longer wait for your eligibility. PRC State board Verification takes several weeks, ~15 business days, before shipping your Form 3F and other documents. Skipping Form 3F may help you get your eligibility and ATT faster.

✅ Step 5: Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN

After NYSED reviews and approves your application, you'll receive your eligibility via email.

Here’s a clear breakdown of Eligibility vs. ATT in the NCLEX process:

🧾 Eligibility (State Board Approval)

• This means NYSED, has reviewed and accepted your application, education, and all required documents 

• Once declared eligible: 

  You are authorized to take the NCLEX in theory.
• This status generally does NOT expire, at least in New York, though rules vary by state.

Here is what an eligibility email looks like.

📝 Authorization to Test (ATT)

• After your state board marks you eligible, you register with Pearson VUE and pay the NCLEX exam fee (~USD 200).
• You then receive an ATT email via Pearson VUE—it includes your candidate ID, ATT number, and a validity window (typically ~90 days).

• You must schedule and take the NCLEX within that ATT window:

• If you don’t test before expiration, you must re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the fee again—but you won’t lose your eligibility

✅ Step 5: Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN

After NYSED reviews and approves your application, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). With this, you can register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200

Authorization to Test (ATT). With this, you can register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200.

✅ Step 6: Schedule and Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

Use your ATT to schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. In the Philippines, the exam is typically administered in Makati. Ensure you bring valid identification and your ATT on the exam day.

FAQs

1. Does the eligibility expire? No, but it varies per state. Meanwhile, ATT typically has a validity window of around 90 days. 
2. After I have submitted all the forms, how long should I wait for my eligibility? 4-6 weeks. 
• 👉 Check the NYSED review date on their status page CLICK HERE—it shows the most recent application date they're processing
• If your Form 2F was received before that date and hasn't been reviewed yet, then you're still in line.
• If it was received after that date and is overdue, you should contact NYSED to follow up.
3. How often can I fill out the Contact Us Form to follow up on their eligibility/ATT?
• The form should only be completed once if you pay for the exam after you are made eligible. 
• If you pay for the exam and if you are notified by Comparative Education (COMPED) that your education was approved, you may not need to use the Contact Us form. 
• If you must retake the exam, you must use the Contact Us form.
• You are discouraged to use the email COMPED@nysed.gov. Use the Contact Us form instead.

📝 Final Tips

• Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to accommodate any delays in document processing.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of all submitted forms and correspondence.
• Seek Support: Join online forums or groups for peer support and shared experiences.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Utilize recommended study materials and practice exams to build confidence.

Embarking on this journey independently is entirely feasible. With diligence and thorough preparation, you can achieve your goal of becoming a licensed RN in New York.

Disclaimer: Portions of this article were drafted using AI assistance. All content has been thoroughly reviewed, edited, and verified by a human author to ensure accuracy and clarity.

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