Licensure Guide

Temporary License

1. Complete an application for Licensure by Endorsement online
2. Pay the associated fees
3. Verification of your original state of licensure AND verification of a current and active license (see below).
   1. You can receive a temporary while the Board of Nursing is awaiting the official verification of your original license (if the state does not participate in Nursys) if you can provide proof of a current and active license (through Nursys).
4. Proof of continuing education (see below).
5. Criminal records check and fingerprints (see below).
   1. You can receive a temporary while the Ohio Board of Nursing is awaiting the results of your background check.

Permanent License

1. Complete application online (sample of application for Licensure by Endorsement)
2. Pay the associated fees
3. Verification of licensure by examination (original license) AND verification of a current, valid and unrestricted license.
   1. If the state(s) participate in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay their fee and designate Ohio as the receipt of the verification.
   2. If the state(s) does not participate in Nursys, you must contact their state Board directly for further instructions. You will need to send them the Verification of Licensure form to complete and submit to the Ohio Board of Nursing on your behalf.
4. Documentation for education
   1. If you held/hold a license that participates in Nursys, education information is typically available on Nursys.
5. Criminal records check and fingerprints
   1. In-State – You will need to have electronic fingerprints done at a Webcheck location
   2. Out-of-State – You will need to contact BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation) for the required fingerprint cards to be mailed to your address.
6. Continuing education
   1. Upload certificates showing completion of two contact hours of continuing education chosen from the list approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
7. Foreign education applicants (if applicable)
   1. Have an official transcript submitted from your nursing education program, or a Credentialing Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report from The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
8. English proficiency for foreign education applicants (if applicable)
   1. Provide evidence of satisfactory to the Board of possessing a working knowledge of the English language.