U.S. nursing licensure glossary
These are the terms an internationally educated nurse meets on the way to a U.S. registered nurse license. Each definition is taken from a public source, linked after the definition and read on Nov. 3, 2026.
- NCLEX-RN
- The National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses. It is the exam U.S. boards of nursing use for RN licensure. NCSBN develops it, and it uses computerized adaptive testing. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: computerized adaptive testing
- NCSBN
- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing. It has 58 member boards across 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories, because three states have two boards. It develops the NCLEX. Source: NCSBN, U.S. members (the state boards of nursing)
- State board of nursing
- The government agency that licenses and regulates nurses in a state or territory. NCSBN calls it a nursing regulatory body (NRB). Each board sets its own eligibility requirements for the NCLEX. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX frequently asked questions
- Nursing regulatory body (NRB)
- The term NCSBN uses for a state board of nursing. The NRB declares you eligible to test and sends your official result. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: registration process
- The email you receive after your board declares you eligible and you register with Pearson. You need it to schedule the exam. NCSBN says the average ATT is valid for about 90 days. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: registration process
- Pearson
- The testing company that handles NCLEX payment, scheduling and test centers around the world. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: registration process
- Computerized adaptive testing (CAT)
- A method in which the computer re-estimates your ability after every answer and picks the next item to suit it. It lets the exam end as soon as the computer is 95% certain of the result. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: computerized adaptive testing
- Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
- The version of the NCLEX that launched on April 1, 2023. It adds new item types to measure clinical judgment and decision making. Source: NCSBN, Next Generation NCLEX
- Clinical Judgment Measurement Model
- The NCSBN model behind the Next Generation NCLEX. It breaks clinical judgment into steps: recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action and evaluate outcomes. Source: NCSBN, Next Generation NCLEX
- Test plan
- The NCSBN document that describes the exam content and how it is given. NCSBN updates it every three years. The current RN test plan runs from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX test plans
- Passing standard
- The minimum nursing ability required to practice safely and effectively at the entry level. NCSBN reevaluates it every three years. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX passing standard
- Quick Results Service
- An optional paid service that gives candidates seeking U.S. licensure an unofficial result two business days after the exam, if their board takes part. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: exam results and retake policy
- Candidate Performance Report
- A report that NCSBN gives to a candidate who does not pass. It guides preparation for a retake. Source: NCSBN, NCLEX: exam results and retake policy
- Licensure by endorsement
- One of the licensure types in NCSBN's Uniform Licensure Requirements, next to initial, renewal and reinstatement licensure. Each jurisdiction publishes its own requirements. Source: NCSBN, licensure
- Credentials evaluation
- A review of a nurse's education and licenses from another country. CGFNS offers one such service, which it describes as verifying the academic and licensing credentials of nurses and other health professionals. Source: CGFNS, credentials evaluation
- CGFNS
- CGFNS International, a credentials evaluation organization. Its VisaScreen service is authorized by USCIS to certify health care workers. Its service pages carry the TruMerit name. Source: CGFNS, VisaScreen visa credentials assessment
- VisaScreen
- A screening program that certain health professionals, including registered nurses, complete before they receive an occupational visa. It covers education, licenses, English proficiency and, for nurses, the NCLEX-RN or the TruMerit Nurse Qualifying Exam. Source: CGFNS, VisaScreen visa credentials assessment
- F-1 visa
- The nonimmigrant visa for academic students enrolled full time at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Source: USCIS, students and employment
- SEVP-certified school
- A school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An F-1 student must attend one. Source: USCIS, students and employment
- SEVIS
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. A Designated School Official maintains each student's record in it. Source: USCIS, students and employment
- Designated School Official (DSO)
- The school staff member authorized to maintain a student's SEVIS record. A DSO must authorize off-campus training employment before it starts. Source: USCIS, students and employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Off-campus work that an F-1 student may do after the first academic year, if it relates to the field of study and is authorized before it starts. Source: USCIS, students and employment
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Off-campus work related to the field of study that an F-1 student may do before or after completing the program, if authorized before it starts. Source: USCIS, students and employment