Have you worked as a nurse abroad and want to work in Israel? Here is all the information about recognition, licensing steps, and how to integrate into the healthcare system.
To practice nursing in Israel, you must receive recognition of your nursing education and the practice you acquired abroad from the Nursing Division and register in the “Nursing Licensure Registry” in Israel as a licensed nurse in accordance with:
- 'Public Health Regulations' (Public Health Regulations (Nursing Staff in Clinics), 1981.
- 'Public Health Regulations' (Nursing Practitioners in Hospitals), 1988.
Professional recognition requirements for nursing graduates abroad
To go through the recognition process and work in nursing in Israel, you must meet the following conditions:
- Israeli citizenship or residency.
- Age 18 or older.
- Professional nursing experience in the country of origin: at least 18 consecutive months during the last 5 years, or completion of nursing studies within the last 5 years.
- Proof of Hebrew proficiency.
- No criminal record.
- Good health status.
Professional recognition process
The recognition process includes several stages:
- Submit an application for recognition: Submit a formal application with all required documents.
Information about the conditions and documents required for professional recognition. - Registration for the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination: After receiving approval of professional recognition from the Nursing Division, you will receive notification of eligibility to take the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination for practical nurses. Registration is carried out via the Healthcare Professionals Portal during published periods.
The exam is held once a year in December and can be taken in 6 languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French, or Spanish.
More information about exam registration - Proof of Hebrew proficiency: If you take the licensure exam in a language other than Hebrew, you must provide proof of Hebrew proficiency as a condition for receiving a permanent certificate and registration in the Nursing Licensure Registry.
Proof may be submitted up to three years from the exam date.
Important: After 3 years, if proof of Hebrew proficiency has not been submitted, you will be required to retake the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination, provided your eligibility is still valid.
More information about Hebrew proficiency - Issuance of a permanent certificate: After successfully passing the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination and completing Hebrew proficiency requirements, a permanent certificate will be issued allowing you to practice nursing in Israel as a practical nurse.
More information about the permanent permit
Additional notes
- Eligibility to take the licensure exam is limited to 5 years from the date of completion of nursing studies or the end of nursing work abroad (whichever is later).
- After this period, eligibility for professional recognition and exam registration will be blocked.
Note: If there is any doubt regarding the authenticity of submitted documents or information, eligibility for professional recognition will be revoked.