NMI Board of Nursing

How do I submit my application?

The NMI Board of Nursing accepts online applications only through the NMI Nurse Portal at https://nmibon.boardsofnursing.org/nmi.

For applicants who have not held a license/certificate with the Northern Mariana Islands Board of Nursing, please reference the following guide for creating an NMI Nurse Portal account: 

• Creating an NMI Nurse Portal Account

For applicants who have held or currently hold a license/certificate with the Northern Mariana Islands Board of Nursing, please reference the following guide for renewing a license through the NMI Nurse Portal: 

• Renewing a License with the NMIBON through the Nurse Portal

I don’t have a computer. How do I apply for or renew my license/certificate?

All initial and renewal applications must be submitted online through the NMI Nurse Portal. Should you not have a computer, you may access the NMI Nurse Portal through a public computer.

How long will it take to process my application?

Applications are processed in 1-2 weeks. Generally, if your application is complete and meets the necessary criteria for issuance of a license or certificate, we can issue your temporary license or certificate within a week of receiving your application. The duration for the issuance of your permanent license or certificate will depend on whether we have received all required documentation and payments or not.

How can I inquire about the status of my application?

It is recommended that you wait a minimum of two weeks after submitting your application before contacting the Board.

To view the status of your application, you can log into your NMI Nurse Portal account and click on the “View Status” option under the Submitted License Applications section.

How do I apply for a temporary license/certificate?

All applicants for initial licensure/certification in NMI must apply for a permanent license. As a courtesy, the NMIBON issues one temporary license/certificate to qualified applicants who apply for permanent licenses, while we await receipt of other documents. If you are eligible, a temporary one will be issued to you once your application is processed. Note that this processing period may take up to a week. A temporary license is valid for 90 days.

How do I change my address or name?

Address and name changes must be performed online via the NMI Nurse Portal by clicking on Manage Profile”.

I have a criminal conviction. Will the Board issue a license/certificate to me?

The Board considers each case individually and considers factors such as evidence of rehabilitation when they decide whether to license people with criminal convictions. For more information, please see our Rules and Regulations. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Board through our Contact Us page.

Can I obtain a NMI license/certificate without a social security number?

Under NMI law, the Board can issue a license/certificate to applicants without a social security number.

When will I receive my ATT?

Registering with Pearson VUE is mandatory for taking the NCLEX examination. Before the Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued, you must complete the online registration for NCLEX-RN or PN available at https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/profile/create/SignUp/NCLEXTESTING. To be eligible to take the exam, you must register and pay Pearson VUE, and the Board must have received your official educational program transcripts (with degree posted).

How many times can I take the NCLEX?

You can apply and/or reapply to take the NCLEX after 45 days from the last exam date.

How many times can I take the CNA certification examination?

You can apply and/or reapply to take the CNA certification after 45 days from the last exam date.

Can I work as a graduate nurse?

An interim permit (IP) may be issued to graduates of the Northern Marianas College and the University of Guam nursing school programs within 90 days after the graduation date.

If the individual fails the NCLEX, the IP is no longer valid; it expires when the official results are received, regardless of the time remaining on the interim permit. Applicants may request an interim permit during the application process.

I am an international graduate. Can I be licensed in NMI?

To qualify for a NMI license, you must have graduated from a nursing education program that meets NMI’s legal requirements. If you have graduated from an international school of nursing and have never been licensed in any US state, you may have to get your nursing education evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), International Education Research Foundation (IERF), or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants. In addition, if you have graduated from a nursing program in a country or territory where the principle/primary language is not English, you may be required to pass an English proficiency exam.

I passed the NCLEX exam. Why hasn’t my license been issued?

Official results generally take 2 weeks to be received and processed by the Board. Please check your Nurse Portal for updates on your license.

How do I “transfer” my CNA license?

You will need to apply for a CNA certificate by endorsement via the NMI Nurse Portal.

I renewed my license/certificate. When will I receive my card?

There is an additional fee for the license card/certificate. Please go to the Request for License and/or Certificate page to apply for this.

Why is my license/certificate expiring so soon?

This occurs only during initial licensure. NMI licenses and certificates are set to expire depending on when your birthday falls in relation to the issue date of your license/certificate your renewal period may be two years or less.

I am moving to another state and need my NMI license verified. How can I do that?

Verification of NMI nursing licenses are processed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing via the NURsys system. You may submit the verification online at https://nursys.com.

APRNs requesting license verification via Nursys will select RN as their license type, and the NMI will provide verification of licensure for both their RN and APRN licenses.

How do I place my license on inactive status?

Requests for inactive status must be received on or before the expiration date. No fee is charged for inactive status, and there is no time limit for how long your license can remain inactive. Requests must be submitted online via the NMI Nurse Portal. Once you have logged in, click on “Inactivate License” to submit your request. You can only place your license on inactive status if it is currently active. It is not possible to place your license on inactive status if it has expired.

My license has been on inactive status. How do I reactivate it?

In order to reactivate an inactive license, you will need to complete the renewal process. All applicants must have completed the required continuing education and have complied with the practice requirements for their licensure/certification.

My school of nursing is on provisional status. What does that mean?

Schools of nursing that are on provisional status meet the initial requirements of NMI laws and regulations to provide a nursing education program in the NMI. If you complete your education from a school that has provisional approval instead of full approval, you will still be eligible for NMI licensure. However, if you plan to obtain a license in other states, you must verify their licensure requirements.

I am a recent graduate. Am I required to earn CEs?

No, graduates are not expected to earn CEUs to take the NCLEX.

How many CEs are required to renew my license/certificate?

The NMI Nurse Practice Act requires all renewing RNs and LPNs to complete 30 hours of nursing-related continuing education and all renewing CNAs to complete 24 hours of CNA-related training within the license/certificate renewal period. In addition, all are required to complete one CE of substance-use disorder.

How do I submit my CEs to the Board?

Applicants may obtain their CE forms on the Application Forms page. They may then upload their completed form along with the CE certificates to the NMI Nurse Portal.

How many CE credits does a college or university course equal?

College credit (if taken as part of the education program to obtain a higher nursing degree, including prerequisites) – one credit (semester) equals 15 contact hours, one credit (quarter) equals 10 contact hours.

• 60 minutes of participation in a nurse CE equals one contact hour
• 60 minutes of participation in CNA in-service equals one contact hour

How do I file a complaint against a nurse or nursing assistant?

Please submit your complaint via the NMI Board of Nursing Complaint Portal.

How can I find out if I’m practicing within the law?

Public Law 14-62: Nurse Practice Act is available on the Laws and Rules page of the NMIBON website.

Can my employer specify my work hours and schedule?

There are no laws in the Nurse Practice Act regarding hours of employment or breaks . In the event that a nurse is found to be practicing while impaired, whether due to fatigue or any other reason, and if there is an adverse patient outcome, the Board may become involved and initiate an investigation into the nurse’s conduct.

Is the NMI a compact state?

No, the NMI is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

I am a military nurse and/or spouse.

All military nurses do not need to apply for a license in the CNMI.

Applicants who qualify as a veteran, a spouse of a military member, a veteran or a surviving spouse of a veteran shall be charged 50% of the licensure by endorsement fee provided that submission of the following Board-approved document(s) are received:

• A copy of his/her or his/her spouse’s, United States military issued DD214

or

• A copy of his/her or his/her spouse’s current United States military issued identification card

Can I submit a certificate of completion for an RN or LPN license in lieu of a degree/diploma?

No, all candidates seeking licensure as a nurse (RN/LPN) in the NMI must have completed an accredited nursing education program and obtained a nursing degree. A certificate of completion cannot be accepted in place of a diploma/degree awarded as per NMI nursing law.

If you have additional questions about the education requirements, please contact the NMI Board of Nursing through our Contact Us page prior to submitting your application, as fees are nonrefundable.