Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse Test Information
To become a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, applicants must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
First, you will need Authorization to Test (ATT) from the WABON licensing.
See Apply by NCLEX Exam for more information.
NCLEX Resources
- 2024 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin (PDF) and 2024 NCLEX Information Flyer (PDF)
- Computer Adaptive Testing
- NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Test Plans
- Sample Questions and Exam Preview
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner National Certification Exam
The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) approves the following national certification programs:
- AACN: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- AANA: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- AANP: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- AMCB: American Midwifery Certification Board
- ANCC: American Nurses Credentialing Center
- NCC: National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- ONCC: Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- PNCB: Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
National Nursing Education Accreditation
- ACEN: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- NLN CNEA: National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
Explore nursing careers
Nursing Career Pathways (PDF)Helpful Resources
Scope of Practice Decision Tree
The Scope of Practice Decision Tree is a tool designed to help nurses, nursing students, employers, and policy makers determine the responsibilities a nurse can safely perform:
Nurse Practice Act of Washington
The Nurse Practice Act is found in RCW 18.79. The WA Board of Nursing writes the rules for nursing practice.
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Registered Nurses & Licensed Practical Nurses:
WAC 246-840-700 to 705 -
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners:
WAC 246-840-300