Requirements: Per Regulation 16.12.2.10 (A) Prerequisites for licensure of registered nurses and license practical nurses by examination in New Mexico. (1) Completion of and eligible for graduation from a board approved course of study for the preparation of registered nurses or practical nurses
International Applicants:
Your evaluation and English results should arrive to the board prior to submitting the Examination Application to the New Mexico Board of Nursing
- Internationally educated nurses must demonstrate English Competency. This can be demonstrated through successful completion of an approved English Competency exam such as:
- Successful completion of a nursing program that is given in English in another country or
- A passing score on a nursing examination which is given in English in another country or
- A certificate from the Commission on Graduates from Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or other agencies which indicates successful completion of TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) or
- Test for English for the academic version of international English language testing system (IELTS).
- Complete Criminal Background paperwork to 3M Cogent for both federal (FBI) and state.
- Website: www.cogentid.com
- For Registered Nurses:
- For Licensed Practical Nurses:
- Applicant Notification and Record Challenge: Your fingerprints will be used to check the criminal history records of the FBI. You have the opportunity to complete or challenge the accuracy of the inofmation contained in the FBI identification record. The procedure for obtaining a change, correction, or updating an FBI identification record are set forth in Title 28, CFR, 16.34.
- For In-state Applicants ONLY
- Additional information about the fingerprint card requirements is available on the last page of the paper application.
- Register online or by telephone 1-877-99NMAPS (1-877-996-6277).
- Payment for your criminal background check is to be made directly to 3M Cogent ($44).
- Choose a fingerprint location
- Travel to chosen fingerprint location and pay for your criminal background Check (if not already paid online) and any additional fees required by the fingerprint location.
- For Out-of-State Applicants ONLY
- See NM Applicant Processing Service Handout
- Obtain two fingerprint cards.
- Register online or by telephone 1-877-99NMAPS (1-877-996-6277).
- Payment ($44) may be made online at this time or sent with the fingerprint cards when completed.
- Get fingerprinted on the fingerprint cards.
- Mail fingerprint cards to 3M Cogent.
- Fingerprint cards (FD-258): You must submit the fingerprint cards with your application with correct fee ($44) payable to 3M Cogent. Payment types accepted: MasterCard, Visa, or Money Order.
If you are currently a resident in a Compact state you must apply for examination with that state Board of Nursing.
The Compact states are; Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, (Montana, October 1, 2015), Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
There are two methods by which a nurse may apply for a license with the New Mexico Board of Nursing (BON):
Online