Spoiler Alert: Sometimes—But Be Careful
If you’re an internationally educated nurse considering where and how to take the NCLEX-RN, you might have come across the option of taking it through Ahpra—the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Since it’s the same exam used in the U.S., it seems like a smart workaround, right? Not so fast. Depending on where you want to work in the U.S., this route can either save you time… or cost you a retake.
Let’s unpack the differences and help you avoid repeating the NCLEX-RN unnecessarily.
Two Paths to the NCLEX-RN
There are two main ways internationally educated nurses might take the NCLEX-RN:
-
Through Ahpra (Australia)
-
Purpose: For internationally qualified nurses seeking registration in Australia.
-
Testing: Done via Pearson VUE (just like in the U.S.).
-
Recognition in the U.S.:
-
Some U.S. state Boards of Nursing may accept these results (e.g., Colorado, Washington, Northern Mariana Islands and others).
-
Most states—including Texas—do not accept NCLEX-RN results from Ahpra, since they weren’t processed under a U.S. jurisdiction. Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas do not accept test results from Ahpra.
-
-
-
Through a U.S. State Board of Nursing (BON)
-
Purpose: Required for licensure in the United States.
-
Testing: Also through Pearson VUE, but under authorization from a specific U.S. state.
-
Recognition: Accepted by all other U.S. states via endorsement (some may require extra documents).
-
Best option if you plan to live and work as a nurse in the U.S.
-
Can I Transfer My Ahpra NCLEX Results to a U.S. BON?
It depends on the state. A few states, like:
-
Colorado Board of Nursing
-
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI)
…have been known to accept NCLEX-RN scores taken through Ahpra.
To request a score transfer:
-
Submit the “Application to transfer an NCLEX-RN score” form through Ahpra.
-
Ahpra will coordinate with the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) to transfer your exam results.
-
The U.S. BON will decide if they accept the transfer or ask you to retake the NCLEX-RN under their own jurisdiction.
Warning: Most U.S. BONs (including big ones like Texas and California) won’t accept these scores. Even if it’s the same test, jurisdiction matters. Please contact your preferes state board to see if they will accept it.
What Happens If Your State Doesn’t Accept It?
If you took the NCLEX-RN through Ahpra and your desired U.S. state doesn’t recognize it, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Apply for licensure with a U.S. BON
- Retake the NCLEX-RN under that BON’s authorization
- Complete any additional requirements like:
- Credential evaluation (CGFNS or Josef Silny)
- English language proficiency testing
- Background check and fingerprints
The Bottom Line
If your long-term plan is to work in the United States, it’s safest to take the NCLEX-RN through a U.S. Board of Nursing from the start.
Taking it through Ahpra only makes sense if you’re planning to work in Australia, or if you’re 100% sure your chosen U.S. state will accept the transferred results.
Need Help Navigating the Process?
Understanding which boards accept what, and how to avoid repeating exams or missing key deadlines, can get confusing—fast.
At IntelliStaff Medical, we specialize in placing Canadian and Mexican registered nurses into U.S. direct-hire nursing jobs. We’ll walk you through the entire process: from NCLEX to licensure, TN visa support, and relocation.
