The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing has contracted with Professional Credential Services, Inc. (PCS), Nashville, TN, for the dissemination and processing of RN licensure applications and forms.
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).
Students who are applying for initial RN licensure in Massachusetts
Step 1: Follow licensure application and NCLEX instructions on PCS Website
Complete the RN licensure application and Pearson VUE NCLEX registration process through PCS. Complete instructions are available on the PCS web site at www.pcshq.com.
When completing all forms relating to licensure, please keep the following in mind:
- Name must match exactly on MA Nursing License Application, NCLEX registration, and the Government Issued ID that will be used at the examination.
- Graduation Date:
- May graduates: 3rd Friday of the month
- August graduates: Last business day of the month
- December graduates: Last business day of January
- All undergraduate students (including 16-Month ABSN, 24-Month Dix, and 4+1 BSN-MSN) select “BSN” option for degree and enter program code US08509200.
- Direct Entry MSN students select “MSN” option for degree and enter program code US08508700.
- Save a copy of your application to your computer for future reference.
- The candidate will make two applications, one to the company that administers the NCLEX-RN (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex) and one to the company that the Massachusetts Board contracts with to handle applications.
- PCS Application will cost $230. Pearson Vue NCLEX registration will cost $200.
Step 2: Complete the NCLEX Information Google Form
The Certificate of Graduation will be completed and signed by a Simmons official, based on the information you provide in the below Google form.
Complete this google form and fill in your name EXACTLY as you entered it on your PCS Licensure Application. This form needs to be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to the end of term.. School of Nursing staff will send the signed and sealed form and transcript directly to PCS within 2 weeks after your degree is conferred. Please allow several weeks for processing.
Please be advised, once the paperwork is sent to PCS, we are unable to track the progression of each application. Please direct all inquiries to their customer service line at (877) 887-9727 and have them contact us if there are any issues requiring our assistance. PCS customer service can also be reached via email at [email protected].
Special Circumstances
If you plan to apply for licensure in a state other than Massachusetts, you must contact the Board of Registration in that state for the appropriate form(s) for licensure. If there are forms that Simmons must complete, submit them to School of Nursing staff at [email protected] as soon as possible. If you need a transcript delivered out of state, please request this through the Simmons Parchment Website.
Tips for Applicants to Avoid ATT Delays
Applicants are advised to take extra time to make sure applications are completed fully, correctly, and accurately, with the name/degree/graduation information matching their COGs and transcripts. Correct spelling and accurate information will avoid delays and ensure that applications are processed in a timely manner. Discrepancy emails requesting corrected applications will place files back in the review queue and thus delay the process of approval to test. Likewise, since CPS background checks are run under an applicant’s date of birth and the last 4-digits of their SSN, any incorrect or missing personal information will necessitate the submission of a corrected application and a new round of background check.
Applicants must be aware that requesting NCLEX Accommodations requires completing paperwork that includes a section for the certified diagnostician as well. Requesting NCLEX Accommodations and withdrawing the request will only delay the review process. After all the required paperwork is received and an application is reviewed by PCS, the file is then placed under Board review. Approval of the Accommodations can take a few more weeks, depending on whether additional paperwork is required.
Understanding the PCS Application Processing System
- After an application is submitted, a standard system-generated email is sent regarding the missing COG/transcript. This should not be a cause for concern and an applicant need not take any action if the documents have been sent already. Documents sent to PCS prior to submitting an application are stored in a separate drive and uploaded to the applicant’s account in the next few days after the application is submitted and the account is created. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis, not as a class. The high volume of calls and emails from anxious applicants will only cause distraction at PCS and further delay the review/approval process.
- Even after the documents are uploaded to an account, the dashboard will still indicate the status as “pending” until data entry and the initial review process is complete. The initial review process takes place a few days after the system uploads the documents to an account.
- The list of green check marks on the dashboard confirming “7 of 8 steps complete” (excluding other requirements such as NCLEX Accommodations, or discipline issues) indicates that the file has now been placed in the final review queue.
- An applicant will be approved to test after the final review is complete and the CPS background check result is back.
- Once approved to test, applicants will receive an email from Pearson Vue notifying them of their ATTs.
Dashboard: Your dashboard will show you items that are pending. Please note, this does not mean PCS has not received them. Please do not panic if you know they received your documentation, but it is still ‘showing’ pending. Upon receipt, all documentation goes through a review process before it is marked off as received. Please allow time for them to complete this process. You can check the estimated processing times to help determine when it will be checked off your dashboard. These dates are applicable when you have an application and documentation submitted. We do not review supporting Transcripts or Certificates of Graduation before you apply.
How do you know when all required documents are received and all initial steps are completed: You will receive an email from PCS stating you are in “Final Review Status.” Once you receive your Final Review Status, you can check the estimated processing times posted on the PCS website to help determine when you will receive your authorization test or an email from your coordinator alerting you to any discrepancies.
PCS applications are valid for one year and include the fee for the first exam.
Re-exam applications. Applicants must submit a re-exam application with PCS and pay the $80 exam fee, as well as re-register with Pearson Vue and make the $200 payment. Applicants are encouraged to submit the re-exam application soon after taking an exam and not wait 45 days.