The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose members are the boards of nursing. It develops the NCLEX, supports the nurse licensure compacts and points nurses to Nursys, the national license database.
NCSBN does not issue nursing licenses, and it does not certify CRNAs. Your state board licenses you, and NBCRNA certifies you as a nurse anesthetist.
Who NCSBN is
NCSBN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It was created so that nurse regulation would be separate from the American Nurses Association, which represents nurses.
Its members are nursing regulatory bodies. NCSBN lists 58 U.S. members, covering the boards in the 50 states, DC, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. Some states have more than one board.
It also has associate members from outside the U.S. and exam user members that use the NCLEX.
NCSBN's stated mission is to empower and support nursing regulators in protecting the public.
What NCSBN does
The NCLEX
NCSBN develops the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, the licensing exams for registered and practical nurses. It says it was the first organization to use computerized adaptive testing for a nationwide licensure exam, in 1994.
You took the NCLEX-RN on your way to becoming a CRNA, because every CRNA must first be a registered nurse. The NCLEX can be taken in any state. Your results go to the board where you applied for licensure.
Nursys
Nursys is the national database of licensure and discipline for RNs and LPN/VNs, using data that boards contribute. NCSBN and its compact website direct nurses and employers to it.
You can use Nursys to:
- Look up a nurse's license with QuickConfirm, at no cost
- Check whether a license is single-state or multistate
- Send verification of your license to another board when you apply by endorsement, for a fee
See our licensure by endorsement guide for how this fits into getting licensed in a new state.
The nurse compacts
NCSBN supports two interstate compacts:
- The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). One multistate RN or LPN license for nurses whose home state is a member. 43 jurisdictions belong as of October 2026.
- The APRN Compact. A future multistate APRN license, including for CRNAs. It is enacted in 4 states and needs 7, so it is not in effect.
Each compact is a law passed by each member state. NCSBN provides the model language and support, and the states decide whether to join.
Policy and research
NCSBN publishes model nurse practice language, research and regulatory guidance for its member boards. Its current priorities include updating its Model Act and Rules and promoting the APRN Compact.
What NCSBN is not
It is not your board of nursing
NCSBN doesn't issue, renew or discipline licenses. Your state board of nursing does all of that. Contact your board for application status, fees, continuing education and practice questions.
It does not run the CRNA exam
The CRNA exam is the National Certification Examination (NCE). It is developed and run by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
NBCRNA also runs ongoing certification for practicing CRNAs. Its newer Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) program replaces the older Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program. See APRN credentialing for details.
It does not accredit CRNA programs
Nurse anesthesia programs are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). See our list of all accredited CRNA schools.
It is not a professional association
NCSBN's members are regulators. The professional association for CRNAs is the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).
Who does what for CRNAs
| Organization | Role for CRNAs |
|---|---|
| NCSBN | NCLEX-RN, nurse compacts, links to Nursys |
| State board of nursing | RN license and APRN/CRNA authority in that state |
| NBCRNA | NCE certification exam and ongoing certification (MAC) |
| COA | Accreditation of nurse anesthesia programs |
| AANA | Professional association and advocacy |
FAQ
Is NCSBN a government agency?
No. It is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Its members are the state boards, which are government agencies.
Does NCSBN give the CRNA board exam?
No. NBCRNA gives the National Certification Examination for nurse anesthetists. NCSBN gives the NCLEX, which you pass to become an RN.
Can I check my license on Nursys?
Yes. QuickConfirm on nursys.com lets you look up a license at no cost. It also shows whether the license is multistate.
Does NCSBN decide which states join the compact?
No. Each state's legislature decides whether to enact a compact. NCSBN supports the compacts and their commissions.
Sources
- NCSBN: About
- NCSBN: History
- NCSBN: Membership
- NCSBN: South Dakota Enacts APRN Compact (about NCSBN; 7-state threshold)
- NCLEX (NCSBN)
- NLC: Employers and the NLC (Nursys QuickConfirm is free)
- Nurse Licensure Compact FAQs (Nursys definition, QuickConfirm)
- Nurse Licensure Compact home page (43 jurisdictions)
- South Dakota Board of Nursing: APRN Compact
- NBCRNA home page
- NBCRNA: MAC program
- COA: List of Accredited Educational Programs (July 8, 2026)
- AANA: CRNA fact sheet