🩺 Arkansas RN Licensure (NCLEX) Process for Internationally Educated Nurses – Full Guide

Author: Shincy George | Nursing Manthra

If you’re a nurse educated outside the U.S., its territories, or Canada, and dreaming of practicing in the U.S., Arkansas provides a clear pathway to become a Registered Nurse (RN) through licensure by examination. In this blog, I, Shincy George from Nursing Manthra, will guide you through the step-by-step process for internationally educated nurses (IENs) applying for initial RN licensure with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).

🛑 Note: This process is NOT for renewal or endorsement applicants. It’s only for nurses applying for their first U.S. license by taking the NCLEX-RN.

✅ Overview: Who Should Apply?

This process is for you if:

• You completed your nursing education outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories.
• You want to apply for your first RN license in Arkansas.
• You are ready to take the NCLEX-RN.
• You hold a valid Social Security Number (SSN).

📋 General Requirements at a Glance

Nurse portal: https://arsbn.boardsofnursing.org/arsbn

The Arkansas Board of Nursing requires five key steps:

1️⃣ State Licensure Application (via Arkansas Nurse Portal)

• Apply via the Arkansas Nurse Portal.
• Application is valid for 1 year from the date of submission.
• You must declare your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) within the application. This is the state where you legally reside.
• If your PSOR is a compact state, apply in that state.
• You must have a valid U.S. SSN.
• You may also request NCLEX accommodations if needed.

2️⃣ Pay the Application Fee

• Payment must be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover).
• Fees are non-refundable.
• You’ll receive an email payment receipt – save this as proof.

🧾 Click here for the current fee structure: ASBN Fees

3️⃣ Credential Evaluation + English Proficiency

Arkansas accepts course-by-course CES reports from:

• ✅ CGFNS International: www.cgfns.org
• ✅ Josef Silny & Associates: www.jsilny.org

Your CES must:

• Be sent directly to ASBN by the evaluation agency.
• Include an English proficiency report, unless you’re exempt.

English Test Accepted (any ONE of the following):

🟨 Exemptions: If you graduated from a program in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, U.S., or Canada (except Quebec).

4️⃣ Register for NCLEX with Pearson VUE

• Once your CES report is accepted, register for the NCLEX-RN through www.pearsonvue.com/nclex.
• Enter your SSN during registration for processing.
• Pay the exam fee ($200).
• Receive Authorization to Test (ATT).
• Schedule your exam.

📌 Don’t register for NCLEX until ASBN acknowledges your CES.

5️⃣ Submit State and Federal Criminal Background Checks

• Required under Arkansas law.
• Visit: ASBN Criminal Background Check System
• You must follow the separate process for background checks.
• Print and follow the instructions carefully.
• Submit both state and FBI background checks.
• Results must be received by ASBN before license issuance.

⚠️ Ineligibility: If you have pleaded guilty, nolo contendere, or been convicted of certain crimes listed in ACA §17-3-102, you are not eligible unless granted a waiver.

🔐 Quick Summary Table

💬 Final Tips from Shincy George, Nursing Manthra

• Start early—CES evaluations may take weeks to process.
• Always submit original and official documents.
• Don’t register for NCLEX before CES is approved.
• Reach out to Nursing Manthra for CGFNS help, NCLEX materials, or credentialing assistance.

🌐 Need help with any part of the Arkansas RN application?
📲 Contact us via WhatsApp or visit: www.nursingmanthra.com