New Mexico BON: A Guide to Nursing Licensure

The New Mexico Board of Nursing (BON) oversees nursing licensure in the state. This guide outlines the requirements for initial licensure by examination, re-examination, endorsement, renewal, and reinstatement for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). All application fees are non-refundable.

Initial Licensure by Examination

As of May 17, 2022, initial exam applications are valid for one year. Applicants may take the exam up to five times within three years of graduation (US-educated) or initial New Mexico application (internationally-educated).

US-Educated Applicants

1. Application Submission: Submit the initial exam application and fee through the Nurse Portal. The New Mexico Bon only accepts online applications.
2. Criminal Background Check: Register and complete a criminal background check through Idemia/IdentoGo. Fingerprints are retrievable for 30 days after submission. Accepted fingerprints remain valid for the application’s duration (one year).
3. Pearson VUE Registration: Register for the NCLEX exam through Pearson VUE online or by phone.
4. Graduate Nurse Permit (GNP): Employers must submit a GNP request through the New Mexico BON website within 12 weeks of graduation. See the “Permit to Practice” section for more details.

Internationally-Educated Applicants

Internationally-educated applicants must follow the steps for US-educated applicants and meet additional requirements:

1. Credential Evaluation: Submit credentials evaluation from approved agencies like Josef & Silny Associates, Inc., Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES).
2. English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency through successful completion of a nursing program in English or by passing an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, TOEFL IBT, TOEIC, IELTS, MET) with minimum required scores.

Re-Examination

As of May 17, 2022, re-exam applications are valid with an active initial exam application. The examination attempt limits remain the same as for initial licensure.

1. Application Submission: Submit the re-exam application and fee through the Nurse Portal.
2. Pearson VUE Registration: Register for the NCLEX exam through Pearson VUE.

Licensure by Endorsement

As of May 17, 2022, endorsement applications are valid for one year.

1. Application Submission: Submit the endorsement application and fee through the Nurse Portal.
2. License Verification: Provide license verification from the state where you were initially licensed by exam or through NURSYS. Applicants who passed the NCLEX but did not receive a license due to lacking a social security number must submit verification from both the state where they passed the NCLEX and the state that accepted their NCLEX score for initial licensure.
3. Criminal Background Check: Register and complete a criminal background check through Idemia/IdentoGo.

License Renewal

As of May 17, 2022, renewal applications are valid for one year. Renewals are processed through the Nurse Portal, which activates the renewal link 60 days before expiration. Renewal reminders are sent 60 and 30 days prior to expiration.

1. Continuing Education: Complete and upload continuing education to CE Broker before applying for renewal.
2. Application Submission: Submit the renewal application and fee through the Nurse Portal. The system automatically reviews and renews licenses without issues, extending the expiration date by two years.

License Reinstatement

As of May 17, 2022, reinstatement applications are valid for one year.

1. Application Submission: Submit the renewal/reinstatement application and fee through the Nurse Portal.
2. Expired/Lapsed Attestation (ELA): Submit the ELA within five days of the application if your license has expired or lapsed.
3. Continuing Education: Complete continuing education requirements, including refresher courses if applicable, before applying.
4. ELA Documentation: Failure to provide the ELA and supporting documentation within the required timeframe may result in disciplinary action.

Permit to Practice

Prospective employers submit Graduate Permit (GN/GPN) requests as Intent to Hire letters through the New Mexico BON website.

• Permits are valid for six months from the application date or until exam results are released. They are void if the applicant fails the exam or does not take it within six months of graduation.
• Permits are issued directly to the employer and must be signed before employment begins. They are not issued for applicants residing in other compact states.
• Processing time is approximately three weeks after receiving a complete application file (exam application, certification of eligibility or official transcript, fingerprints, forms, fee, and intent to hire letter).

Special Accommodations

Candidates with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may request modifications for the NCLEX exam. Submit requests concurrently with the licensure application, including:

• A letter from the applicant specifying the reason and needed accommodation.
• A letter from a specialist detailing the diagnosis and accommodation type.
• A letter from the school outlining the provided accommodations.