Before You Apply
If you completed your RN or LPN education outside of the United States, you need to complete a few steps before you can apply for your license.
Step 1: Decide if you want a single-state or a multistate license (MSL).
Starting Jan 31, 2024, you have the option to apply for a Washington single-state license or a multistate license. (MSL).
If you are issued a single-state license, you can apply to upgrade to an MSL later.
Washington single-state license
- Allows practice in Washington State only.
Washington multistate license (MSL)
- Allows practice in Washington state and 40 other participating compact states.
- Must meet all Uniform Multistate License Requirements.
Comparison Chart
| Washington Single-State License | Washington Multistate License (MSL) |
|---|---|
| Allows practice in Washington State only. | Allows practice in Washington state and 40 other participating compact states. |
| Initial single-state license fee: RN: $138 LPN: $93 |
Initial multistate license fee: RN: $203 LPN: $158 |
| Annual single-state renewal fee: RN: $138 LPN: $93 |
Annual multistate renewal fee: RN: $158 LPN: $113 |
|
Initial single-state license requirements for applicants educated outside of the US:
|
Initial license requirements for applicants educated outside of the US:
|
Download comparison chart (PDF)
Step 2: Take an English proficiency exam or provide verification of 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in another state.
An English proficiency exam is required for all RN and LPN applicants who completed their nursing education outside of the United States unless one of the following conditions is met:
- You can provide evidence of a high school diploma or college degree earned in the United States (official transcripts)
- You can provide evidence of at least 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in another U.S. state. U.S. work verification must be completed by your current or previous employer on company letterhead and include:
- Dates employed
- Verification of hours
- Verification that you practiced in the profession in which you are applying
- Your nursing education was completed and your degree was earned in one of the following English-speaking countries:
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Samoa
- Guam
- Mariana Islands
- Virgin Islands
- Canada (expect for Quebec)
Step 3: Make sure you meet all exam or endorsement requirements.
English Proficiency Passing Scores
Please make sure this requirement is complete before you apply.
A passing score is required from one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, IBT)
-
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, IBT)
- Passing LPN score: 79 with a speaking score of 26 (institution code: 7292)
- Passing RN score: 84 with a speaking score of 26 (institution code: 7292)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic version)
-
International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic version)
- Passing LPN and RN score: 6.5 with a score of 6.0 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- The Occupational English Test (OET)
-
The Occupational English Test (OET)
- Passing LPN and RN scores:
- Minimum score of 300 in listening, reading and writing.
- Minimum score of 280 in speaking.
- Passing LPN and RN scores:
- Michigan English Test (MET)
-
Michigan English Test (MET)
- Passing LPN and RN scores:
- Minimum score of 55 overall
- Minimum score of 55 in speaking
- Passing LPN and RN scores:
Transcript Evaluation
Applying by Exam
If you were educated outside of the United States and you are applying for your first license in the United States, please have your transcripts evaluated by one of the following Commission approved education evaluation companies:
- Graduates of Foreign Trained Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
- You must select the option for the CES Professional Report from CGFNS.
- Education Records Evaluation Service (ERES)
- Josef Silney & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants
- International Education Evaluations, LLC (IEE)
If we can’t determine equivalency, then you must submit the education verification form (PDF) completed by your nursing education program.
Applying by Endorsement
If you already have a license in another U.S. state, please have your nursing education transcripts sent directly from one of the following:
- Your school
- Please send this education verification form (PDF) to your nursing education program to complete and send directly to our office
- One of the Nursing Commission approved evaluation companies (listed under Applying by Exam)
- Another U.S. board of nursing
Step 4: Completed education requirements according to WAC 246-840-045.
Apply Online
After you have taken the English proficiency exam or provided verification, and completed any other verifications, you can apply for your Washington RN or LPN license. Apply by:
- Exam (first RN or LPN license)
- Endorsement (already have a RN or LPN license in another state)
Submitting forms and documents
- You have 14 days after you submit your application to upload your documents online.
- After 14 days you won’t be able to access your application though SAW.
- If you have more documents to submit after 14 days, please email them to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov