Steps to Follow When Applying for Initial Licensure by Examination

Is LA your legal state of residence?

For example:

  • Do you hold an LA driver’s license?
  • Are you registered to vote in LA?
  • Do you file income tax returns in LA?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may be eligible for a compact license in LA and you should follow the NCLEX examination steps 1-8 below.

If you answered no to all of the questions above, you are not eligible for a compact license in LA, but you may be eligible for a single state license in LA. Follow the NCLEX examination steps 1-8 below.

  1. Apply for licensure by completing the online application in the nurse portal
  2. Register with Pearson Vue
  3. Receive receipt of registration from Pearson Vue
  4. Receive eligibility from LSBPNE
  5. Receive an authorization to test (ATT) via letter or email from Pearson Vue
  6. Schedule an exam with Pearson Vue via website or telephone
  7. Arrive for exam – present photo ID and ATT (see Pearson Vue instructions)
  8. Receive results from LSBPNE via Nurse Portal message center