By Nursing Manthra | Updated March 2026
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the United States, known for its warm climate, strong healthcare system, and increasing demand for nurses. Major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa offer many healthcare opportunities for registered nurses.
The Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) regulates nursing practice in the state and ensures that nurses meet the required standards to provide safe and competent patient care. AZBN is responsible for licensing Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Advanced Practice Nurses (APRN).
For internationally educated nurses (IEN) who want to work in the United States, Arizona can be a good option because the state allows some applicants to apply without a Social Security Number by submitting an affidavit.
This guide explains the Arizona nursing license process for international nurses step-by-step, including eligibility requirements, credential verification, NCLEX registration, fees, and processing time.
Quick Answer
Internationally educated nurses who want to obtain a nursing license in Arizona must complete credential evaluation through an approved agency, meet English language requirements, submit fingerprints for a background check, apply to the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN), register for the NCLEX exam, and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Once all requirements are verified, the Arizona Board of Nursing issues the RN license.
Official Website:
https://www.azbn.gov/
Choosing the Correct State Board
Before applying for a U.S. nursing license, international nurses must carefully choose the state board of nursing.
Different states have different requirements such as:
- Accepted credential evaluation agencies
- English language requirements
- Social Security Number requirements
- Processing time for applications
Arizona may be suitable for:
- International nurses planning to work in Arizona
- Nurses who want a state that allows applications without SSN
- Nurses who meet the 960 practice hours requirement
Arizona Nursing License Process – At a Glance
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Credential evaluation (TruMerit / ERES / Josef Silny) |
| Step 2 | Meet English language requirement |
| Step 3 | Submit fingerprint card for background check |
| Step 4 | Apply to Arizona Board of Nursing |
| Step 5 | Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX |
| Step 6 | Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) |
| Step 7 | Pass NCLEX-RN |
| Step 8 | Receive Arizona RN license |
Arizona Is a Compact State
Arizona is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Nurses with a multistate license can practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
However, internationally educated nurses may initially receive a single-state license until they meet residency requirements.
More information:
https://www.ncsbn.org/enhanced-nlc-implementation.htm
Apply Through the Arizona Nurse Portal
All applications must be submitted through the Arizona Nurse Portal.
Steps include:
- Create an account in the AZBN Nurse Portal
- Submit RN licensure application
- Upload identification documents
- Pay the application fee
- Track application status online
The Nurse Portal is the official system used by the Arizona Board of Nursing.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Passport copy
- Nursing diploma
- Nursing transcripts
- License verification from home country
- Credential evaluation report
- English language exam result
- Fingerprint card
- Identification documents
Educational Requirements for International Nurses
International nurses must verify their nursing education through an approved evaluation agency.
Accepted agencies include:
| Evaluation Agency | Website |
|---|---|
| TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) | www.trumerit.org |
| Education Records Evaluation Service (ERES) | www.eres.com |
| Josef Silny & Associates | www.jsilny.com |
Applicants may request:
- CES Professional Report
- VisaScreen Verification
- CGFNS Certification Verification
- Education Equivalency Report
The report must be sent directly from the evaluation agency to AZBN.
Exception for Applicants With U.S. Nursing Degree
International nurses may be exempt from credential evaluation if they:
- Completed a BSN or graduate nursing degree in the United States, AND
- Worked 960 hours within the last five years
In this case, official transcripts must be sent directly from the university to:
Arizona State Board of Nursing
1740 W Adams St., Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Email: [email protected]
Note: This exemption disqualifies applicants from obtaining a multistate license.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
International applicants must meet the English language requirement before taking the NCLEX.
Accepted exams:
| Exam | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 84 + Speaking 26 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 + 6.0 each module |
| PTE Academic | Overall 55 + 50 each section |
| VisaScreen Certificate | Accepted |
| CGFNS Certificate | Accepted |
English Language Test Exemptions
Applicants are exempt from English testing if they:
- Graduated from a nursing program in an English-speaking country such as
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada (excluding Quebec)
- United States territories
OR
- Worked as a nurse 960 hours within the past five years in one of those countries.
Arizona Nursing Practice Requirement
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Worked 960 hours as a nurse within the last 5 years
- Graduated from nursing school within the past 5 years
- Completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher course
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree within the past 5 years
This requirement ensures nurses maintain recent clinical competence.
Fingerprint Background Check
All applicants must submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal background checks.
Important details:
- Electronic fingerprint processing: about 30 days
- Physical fingerprint cards: 8–12 weeks
Applicants outside Arizona must submit FD-258 fingerprint cards.
A license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received.
Social Security Number Exception
Arizona allows applicants to obtain a license without a Social Security Number by signing an affidavit regarding lawful presence.
This is helpful for international nurses applying from outside the United States.
NCLEX Exam Requirement
Applicants must pass:
- NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses
- NCLEX-PN for Practical Nurses
Applicants who passed the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) in Canada during certain years may also meet the exam requirement.
NCLEX Registration Steps
- Register for NCLEX at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
- Pay exam fee $200
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Schedule exam at a Pearson VUE center
- Pass the NCLEX exam
Cost Breakdown
| Requirement | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Credential evaluation | $400 – $450 |
| English exam | $200 – $350 |
| Fingerprint processing | $50 – $100 |
| NCLEX exam | $200 |
Estimated total cost: $700 – $1,100
Arizona Nursing License Fees
- Application Fee: $150
- NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
- Background Check Fee: Up to $50
All fees are non-refundable.
Processing Time
| Process | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Credential evaluation | 6–12 weeks |
| Fingerprint processing | 4–12 weeks |
| Board review | 2–6 weeks |
| NCLEX scheduling | Depends on availability |
Total estimated time: 3–6 months
Criminal Convictions Policy
The Arizona Board of Nursing may deny licensure if the applicant has undisclosed felony convictions.
Applicants must notify AZBN within 10 days of any criminal charge.
Special Rule for Puerto Rico Graduates
Applicants who graduated before September 15, 2006 may apply without credential evaluation or English testing.
Applicants graduating after September 15, 2006 must submit:
- Credential evaluation
- English language verification
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona require CGFNS?
Arizona accepts credential evaluation from TruMerit, ERES, or Josef Silny.
Can international nurses apply without Social Security Number?
Yes. Arizona allows applicants to apply using an affidavit of lawful presence.
Does Arizona require IELTS?
Yes, if the nursing education was not conducted in English.
How long does Arizona nursing licensure take?
The process usually takes 3–6 months.
Can I take NCLEX outside the United States?
Yes. The NCLEX exam is available worldwide through Pearson VUE testing centers.
🌟 Motivation from Nursing Manthra
Hi nurse! If you’re dreaming of a successful nursing career in the USA, Nursing Manthra is always here with you.
From CGFNS to the final licensing step, we take care of all your documentation. We also provide study materials that help you pass the English exam and NCLEX on your first attempt.
Once you hold a USA RN license, you get:
- Exemption from nursing license exams in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi, Qatar)
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- Long-term career security
🎓 Start the licensing process right after graduation – even if you’re not moving to the U.S. immediately, having an active license helps you stay ready for global opportunities.
📞 Need Help with the Process?
Nursing Manthra supports internationally educated nurses like you with:
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About the Author
Shincy George, RN, MSN (Cardiothoracic Nursing)
SCFHS-RN | DHA RN | MOH UAE RN | NCLEX RN (USA)
Founder – Nursing Manthra Academy
Nursing manthra assists internationally educated nurses with licensing pathways in the USA, Canada, UAE, UK, and other countries, helping them achieve their global nursing career goals.
