Have you ever worked as a registered nurse abroad and want to work in Israel? Here is the information on the process of professional recognition of your nursing practice.
To practice nursing in Israel, you must receive recognition of your nursing education and practice 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 prerequisites for nursing graduates abroad
To complete the recognition process and practice 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 months continuously within 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 steps, some mandatory and some optional:
- Submit an application for recognition: You must submit a complete application with all required documents.
Information about requirements and documents needed for professional recognition. - Educational Deficiency Completion for Registered Nurses in Israel (optional): As preparation for the licensure exam, you may complete an online learning module to strengthen familiarity with the Israeli healthcare system. The module includes:
- Introduction to the Israeli healthcare system.
- Core laws and mandatory professional guidelines.
- Legal status of registered nurses in Israel.
At the end of the module, you may take a practice exam with 25 multiple-choice questions. The module and exam can be taken multiple times.
The module is available in six languages and accessible after approval from the Nursing Division. It is not mandatory, but recommended as preparation for the licensure exam. It can be used anytime and anywhere.
More information about the educational completion program. - Registration for the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses: After receiving approval of professional recognition from the Nursing Division, you will receive notification of eligibility to take the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination. Registration is carried out via the Healthcare Professionals Portal during published dates. The exam is held twice a year, in April and September, in 6 languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French, or Spanish.
More information about exam registration. - Proof of Hebrew proficiency: If you take the 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 3 years from the exam date.
Important: After 3 years, if Hebrew proficiency has not been submitted, you will be required to retake the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination, provided eligibility is still valid.
More information about Hebrew proficiency requirements. - Permanent certificate issuance: After successfully passing the State Nursing Board Licensure Examination and completing Hebrew proficiency requirements, a permanent certificate to practice nursing in Israel will be issued.
More information about the permanent license
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 within the last 5 years (whichever is later). After this period, eligibility for professional recognition and exam registration will be closed.
Note: If there is any doubt regarding the authenticity of submitted documents or information, professional recognition eligibility will be revoked.