How to Guide: Registered Nurse (2023)

If you have graduated from a U.S. approved nursing education program and have never been licensed before, apply for licensure by Exam.

Before submitting your application:

• Applicants should register with Pearson Vue on the same day as submitting their application for licensure (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). Use the same name on your application for licensure and your registration with Pearson Vue.
• Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
• After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
• It is recommended that you register both with Pearson Vue and GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day you submit your licensure applicationfor most efficient application processing.

Your application checklist:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee.Download application >>
  • This applicationcan be submitted by mail or online
• Official College Transcripts
• Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program
• NontraditionalEducational BackgroundRequirement
• Paid Testing Service
• NCLEX Eligible
• Background Consent Form
• Background Check
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
• • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board

If you have graduated from a nursing education program located outside of the United States and have never been licensed before, apply for licensure by Exam for International Graduates.

Before submitting your application:

• Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
• After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
• It is recommended that you register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.

Your application checklist:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee.Download application >>
  • This application can be submitted by mail only
• Passing NCLEX scores must be sent to BON (if taken in another NCLEX-Jurisdiction)
• Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program, or foreign pre-licensure program accredited by the country; and verified by an independent credentials review agency
• Credential Evaluation of Education
  • Official College Transcripts
  • Verification of Current Licensure(Must have a current license to be eligible for licensure in Georgia.)
• TOEFL(English proficiency exam- if required)
• Practice Requirements/Reentry
  • If you have never been licensed as an RN in Georgia, and you graduated more than 4 years ago, you must show proof of at least 500 hours of RN practice in the last 4 years; OR
  • Complete a board-approved re-entry program.
  • ALSO submit aVerification of Employment Form(included within the application)
• BackgroundCheck
• Background Consent Form
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board

Before submitting your application:

• Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day as submitting their application for licensure. lease see linked instructions.
• After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
• It is recommended that you register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.

Your Application Checklist:

• Graduates of non-traditional nursing education programs as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-26-7(e) must apply for licensure by submitting a completed, signed, and notarized paper application with fee>>
• If you do not have a current Georgia mailing address, you must provide a legible, copy of one of the following documents:
  • Driver’s license with a home address;
  • Voter registration card displaying a home address;
  • Federal income tax return declaring the primary state of residence;
  • Military Form No. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); and/or
  • W2 from US Government or any bureau, division or agency thereof indicating the state of residence.
  • You may upload the documentation as part of the online application process or submit it by email to [emailprotected].
• Credential Evaluation of Education (If Applicable)
• TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
• Include the completed GBON Criminal Background Check Consent Form with your application packet.
• Include the Clinical Experience Verification Form with your application packet.
• Include a Secure and verifiable document copy with your application packet.
• Disclose all previous arrests and discipline by other regulatory boards with your application packet.
• Official college transcripts (Nursing education programs must meet the requirements of O.C.G.A. §43-26-2(1.2)) must be in a sealed envelope with the application packet or sent electronically by the school to the Board of Nursing.
• If you entered the non-traditional nursing education program as a licensed practical nurse, you must be able to document two years of practice (documented on the verification of employment form) within the five years preceding the date of application. This practice must have been completed in an acute care inpatient facility or long - term acute care facility.
• If you entered the non-traditional education program as a military medical corpsman, you must be able to document two years of experience (documented on the verification of employment form).
• If you entered the non-traditional education program as a paramedic, you must be able to document at least two years of experience as a paramedic prior to entering the non-traditional education program (documented on the verification of employment form).
• Background Check
• Background Consent Form
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board

If you have a lapsed licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, apply for licensure by RN reinstatement.

Before submitting your application:

• Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
• After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
• It is recommended that you register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.

Your application checklist:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee.Download application >>
  • This application can be submitted by mail only
• Credential Evaluation of Education
  • Verification of Current Licensure
• TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
• One of the following
  • Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application;
  • Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application. (form within application packet); OR
  • Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download RN Reentry Packet >>
• Completion of one of the five competency requirements as set forth in O.C.G.A. §43-26-9 within two years preceding the date of application for reinstatement.
• BackgroundCheck
• Background Consent Form
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board

If you have an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, apply for endorsement if:

• You are moving to GA; OR
• You live in a non-compact state; OR
• You are not eligible for multistate licensure in your home state.

Before submitting your application:

• Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
• After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
• It is recommended that you register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.

Your Application Checklist:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee.Download application >>
  • This application can be submitted by mail only
• Active Unencumbered License
• Official College Transcriptsfrom your nursing school which led to initial licensure
• Verification of Current Licensure
• Verification of Original Licensure
• TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
• One of the following
  • Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application;
  • Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application. (form within application packet); OR
  • Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download RN Reentry Packet >>
• Background Check
• Background Consent Form
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board

Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses who hold an active Georgia license and meet specific eNLC requirements are eligible to apply for multistate licensure. Georgia must be your primary state of residence and you must meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License.

Before submitting your application:

• Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
• After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
• It is recommended that you register with GAPS/Fieldprinton the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.

Your Application Checklist:

• Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee.Download application >>
  • This application can be submitted by mail or online
• Active Unencumbered License
• If you do not have a current Georgia mailing address, you must provide a legible, copy of one of the following documents:
  • Driver’s license with a home address;
  • Voter registration card displaying a home address;
  • Federal income tax return declaring the primary state of residence;
  • Military Form No. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); and/or
  • W2 from US Government or any bureau, division or agency thereof indicating the state of residence.
  • You may upload the documentation as part of the online application process or submit it by email to [emailprotected].
• Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program
• Credential Evaluation of Education(if applicable)
• TOEFL(English proficiency exam- if required)
• Background Consent Form
• Background Check
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board

Once issued, licenses renew on January 31 of the year it expires. Please refer to your expiration date on your license for specific renewal dates.

• To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
• Click on the License Renewal button on theleft-handside of the page. Enter your login information.
• If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
• Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.Check within 3 days to make sure your renewal is complete byverification of licensure.