Endorsement means moving your license from one jurisdiction to another. If you have already met the major licensure requirements (fingerprinting, an eligible nursing program, and a passing NCLEX score), you usually do not repeat them. You fill out an application and make sure your records transfer correctly.
The catch with Puerto Rico is the NCLEX. The territory does not require it for practice, but every nurse who wants to work as an RN in the United States, Puerto Rico included, has to pass it. A passing NCLEX score is part of the uniform licensure requirements that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) applies across jurisdictions for both initial and endorsement licensure.
Florida is the one exception. A 2002 law (Florida Statutes section 464.009) lets nurses from U.S. territories apply for full endorsement without the NCLEX, as long as they have actively practiced for at least two of the past three years and have no disciplinary action against their license. Without that experience, you take the NCLEX or build the experience first.
Start by researching the state you want to practice in. Contact its Board of Nursing for requirements and get an Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX. Give yourself plenty of time to study.
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is another resource worth knowing. Even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, some states require the CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) as part of the application. The CGFNS exam can usually be waived for nurses coming from Puerto Rico, but verify every requirement yourself before you apply.
Bottom line: endorsing your license takes advance planning and likely some NCLEX study. Start with the requirements of the state you are targeting. If you are not set on one, Florida's flexible endorsement is a strong option, provided you have the work experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Puerto Rico nursing license to a mainland state?
Yes. Endorsement moves an existing license from one jurisdiction to another without repeating the full licensure process, as long as your records transfer and you meet the target state's requirements.
Do I still need to pass the NCLEX?
Almost always, yes. Puerto Rico does not require the NCLEX to practice there, but the NCLEX is part of the uniform licensure requirements every U.S. board of nursing applies, so most states will require it before they grant you a license.
Is there any state that waives the NCLEX for Puerto Rico nurses?
Florida is the exception. Under Florida Statutes section 464.009, nurses from U.S. territories can endorse without the NCLEX if they have actively practiced for at least two of the past three years with a license in good standing.
Will I need a CGFNS credentials evaluation?
Possibly. Some states require a CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service report even for territory-educated nurses. The CGFNS certification exam can usually be waived for Puerto Rico nurses, but confirm the exact requirement with your target state board.
How do I start the endorsement process?
Contact the board of nursing in the state where you want to work, confirm its endorsement requirements, and, if the NCLEX is required, request an Authorization to Test (ATT) and give yourself time to study.