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How to Become an RN in California: The 9-Step Path

  1. Step 1: Pick your pathADN, BSN, accelerated BSN or entry-level master’s.
  2. Step 2: Find approved programsGraduates of California BRN-approved programs apply for licensure by examination; out-of-state and international graduates can also apply if their education meets BRN requirements.
  3. Step 3: Plan your prerequisitesThe courses you finish before you apply.
  4. Step 4: Take the TEASThe entrance exam many programs use.
  5. Step 5: Know your deadlinesWhen each program accepts applications.
  6. Step 6: Understand admission pointsHow some programs rank applicants.
  7. Step 7: Got in? Compare offersWhat to look at before you say yes.
  8. Step 8: Graduate and pass the NCLEXRegister, get your Authorization to Test, and take the exam.
  9. Step 9: Get your California RN licenseApply to the BRN and complete fingerprints.

Becoming an RN in California takes a few clear stages. You choose a type of program, get in, finish it, pass the national exam, and get your license from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The BRN lists the pieces on its own site. This path puts them in order and links each step to a SEAPHE tool that helps.

Go at your own pace. You can start at any step.

The 9 steps

  1. Pick your path: ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN or entry-level master’s.
  2. Find approved programs: graduates of California BRN-approved programs apply for licensure by examination; out-of-state and international graduates can also apply if their education meets BRN requirements.
  3. Plan your prerequisites: the courses you finish before you apply.
  4. Take the TEAS: the entrance exam many programs use.
  5. Know your deadlines: when each program accepts applications.
  6. Understand admission points: how some programs rank applicants.
  7. Got in? Compare offers: what to look at before you say yes.
  8. Graduate and pass the NCLEX: register, get your Authorization to Test, and take the exam.
  9. Get your California RN license: apply to the BRN and complete fingerprints.

How long the whole path takes

It depends on your program and on how many prerequisites you still need. In 2024–25, program directors told the BRN how long full-time students take to finish the nursing program itself, not counting prerequisites:

  • Generic ADN: 4.2 semesters on average
  • Generic BSN: 6.5 semesters on average
  • Accelerated BSN: 5.0 semesters on average
  • Generic entry-level master’s (ELM): 4.7–5.8 semesters for the pre-licensure part (minimum to maximum, as reported by program directors)

After you graduate, the BRN’s posted processing time for California exam applications was 10–12 weeks (updated Sept 24, 2026). Step 9 has the details.

Start here: Step 1, Pick your path.

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