Authorization to Test for Louisiana Nursing
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the state of Louisiana is possible if you meet the licensing requirements. This requires completion of a nursing program through an accredited school as well as passage of the national licensing exam for nurses (NCLEX). Before an applicant can take this exam, though, they must first get a letter authorizing them to test as a Louisiana nurse.
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Importance
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Before you can schedule a day and time to take the licensing exam, you must receive an authorization to test letter. This comes to you in the mail after your application for a nursing license has been approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Each authorization to test letter contains a test authorization number and candidate identification number that allows you to register for the exam. Without these numbers, you can’t schedule your exam. It’s also important to bring the authorization to test letter with you when testing in Louisiana. Failure to do so will result in you not being able to take the NCLEX exam.
Use
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After receiving your authorization to test letter, schedule a time to take the exam. Visit the website of Pearson Vue, the testing authority for nurses in Louisiana, and register to take the test using information provided in your authorization to test letter. Phone registration is also available by calling 866-49-NCLEX.
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Application
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To start the process of getting an authorization to test letter from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing you must submit an application for a nursing license. This application must be sent along with proof of your education for it to be considered complete. If the application is not complete, the board will not review it or send you an authorization to test letter.
Time Frame
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According to Louisiana State Board of Nursing, it takes approximately two weeks from the time your application for a license as a nurse is approved until you receive your authorization to test letter in the mail. This may be delayed longer though if you fail to provide all the documents or list the wrong address on your application for your license. Once you receive your authorization to test letter, it is good for 365 days, allowing you to schedule and take the NCLEX anytime within one year.
Retakes
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If you fail the NCLEX, you must register with Pearson Vue to take the exam a second time. This means you need a second authorization to test letter, which will be sent to you by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. If you fail the exam four times, you no longer will be eligible to apply for a license as a nurse in the state.
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References
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