What Is an NCSBN ID?
An NCSBN ID is a unique 8-digit identifier assigned to every nurse in the United States by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Unlike your state license number, your NCSBN ID stays the same for life and works nationwide—connecting all your licenses, NCLEX records, and verification history in one system.
What is an NCSBN ID and why do nurses need one?
An NCSBN ID (National Council of State Boards of Nursing Identification Number) is a unique identifier assigned to every nurse in the United States. It's managed by NCSBN, the organization that oversees the NCLEX exam and the Nursys license verification system.
Key Facts About Your NCSBN ID
Never changes, regardless of state
Created when you enter the nursing system
Used by all 50 state boards
Links RN, LPN, APRN licenses
NCSBN ID vs. License Number: What's the Difference?
| Identifier | Scope | Changes? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCSBN ID | National | Never | 12345678 |
| License Number | State-specific | Per state | RN-CA-123456 |
Key difference: Your license number varies by state, but your NCSBN ID stays the same across all states and license types.
Where You'll Use Your NCSBN ID
Your NCSBN ID is used across multiple systems throughout your nursing career:
Nursys
License verification and monitoring
NCLEX Registration
Exam scheduling and results
State Board Portals
License applications and renewals
Instant Notify
License status monitoring
Employer Verification
Background checks and credentialing
License Endorsement
Transferring licenses between states
How to Find Your NCSBN ID
If You've Taken NCLEX
- 1. Check your NCLEX registration confirmation email
- 2. Log into your Pearson VUE account
- 3. Look for "NCSBN ID" in your profile or registration details
If You're Already Licensed
- 1. Visit nursys.com
- 2. Use "QuickConfirm" or create an account
- 3. Search by your name and date of birth
- 4. Your NCSBN ID will appear in the results
Can't Find Your NCSBN ID?
If you can't locate your NCSBN ID through the methods above, contact your state board of nursing directly. They can look up your NCSBN ID using:
- • Your Social Security Number
- • Your name and date of birth
- • Your existing license number
Why Your NCSBN ID Matters
1 License Transfer (Endorsement)
When applying for a license in a new state, your NCSBN ID helps the board quickly verify your credentials and history across all states.
2 Compact (NLC) Eligibility
The Nurse Licensure Compact uses your NCSBN ID to verify your multistate license privileges across all compact states.
3 Employer Background Checks
Employers can verify your complete licensing history nationally using your NCSBN ID through Nursys.
4 Career History Tracking
One ID connects your entire nursing career—from NCLEX through every license and renewal across multiple states.