Watch the Nursing RN and LPN Exam Presentation (YouTube) for an overview of how to apply for your license.
Apply for your license
Please apply only if you will be ready to schedule and take the NCLEX upon completion of your nursing education program. If you will not be ready to test upon completion of your program, please wait to apply once you are prepared to avoid application closure due to inactivity.
To apply for your Washington State RN and LPN license online you will need a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. If you don't have one, you'll be able to create one before you start.
- Watch Online Application Portal Overview (YouTube)
- Review the RN and LPN NCLEX exam requirements (PDF)
- Washington State Nursing License Online Application Instructions (PDF)
- See our Licensing page to apply online.
Register for the NCLEX
You may register to take the national exam online through Pearson VUE.
See the Pearson VUE registration guide NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for more information.
Washington State Pearson VUE test locations:
Pearson Professional Centers-Renton (Seattle) WA
Oaksdale Center
1300 S.W. 7th St., Ste. 113
Renton, WA 98057
Pearson Professional Centers-Seattle (Northgate)
10700 Meridian Ave. N., Ste. 407
Seattle, WA 98133
Pearson Professional Centers-Seattle WA
West Harrison Plaza South Tower
100 W. Harrison St., Ste. 120
Seattle, WA 98119
Pearson Professional Centers-Yakima WA
1701 Creekside Loop, Ste. 110
Yakima, WA 98902
Pearson Professional Centers-Spokane WA
Mullan Centre
1410 N. Mullan Rd., Ste. 203
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Current NCLEX testing information for new grads- Dec 2021
If you have new graduates that are having trouble scheduling they can contact NCSBN at:
NCSBN says that candidates will have availability within 30 days of eligibility.
Emergency Interim Permits
During a state of emergency we can issue an emergency interim permit (EIP). Licensed practical nurses, (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) can use an EIP to work as a nurse before passing the national exam. (As soon as testing is available you must take and pass the national exam to get your permanent license.)
You may apply for a EIP through the usual application process. For information on applying online see Nurse Licensing.
Check your application status
Once we approve and activate your license we will mail it to you. You should receive it in 7-10 days.
The quickest way to check if we've approved your license before you get it, is to search the Department of Health's Provider Credential database.
Questions?
We're available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Email us
- Call us: 360-236-4703