Have you worked as a practical nurse outside of Israel, and do you want to continue working as a practical nurse in Israel? Find below information on how to apply for credential evaluation
To practice nursing in Israel, you must complete a professional recognition process for the education and license you obtained abroad through the Nursing Division at the Ministry of Health and be registered in Israel's Register of Licensed Nurses, in accordance with:
- Public Health Regulations (Public Health Regulations (Nursing Staff in Clinics), 1981).
- Public Health Regulations (Nursing Practice in Hospitals), 1988.
Professional recognition requirements for graduates of practical nursing programs abroad
- Israeli citizenship or permanent residency.
- At least 18 years old.
- Professional nursing experience in your country of origin: at least 18 consecutive months within the past 10 years, or graduation from a practical nursing program within the past 10 years.
- Proof of Hebrew proficiency.
- No criminal record.
- Good health.
Professional recognition process
The professional recognition process includes the following steps:
- Submit an application for professional recognition: Submit a completed application with all required documents.
Learn about the eligibility requirements and required documents for professional recognition. - Register for the state practical nursing licensing exam: After receiving approval of your professional recognition from the Nursing Division, you will receive notification that you are eligible to take the licensing exam. Registration is completed through the Health Professions Portal during the published registration periods. The exam is available in six languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French, and Spanish. The state licensing exam is offered once a year, in December.
Learn more about exam registration. - Receive a temporary permit: After passing the licensing exam and before completing the Hebrew proficiency requirement, you will receive a temporary permit to work in Israel's healthcare system. The temporary permit is valid for three years from the date you pass the state licensing exam. If you do not provide proof of Hebrew proficiency within three years, you will be required to retake the state licensing exam.
- Provide proof of Hebrew proficiency: If you took the licensing exam in a language other than Hebrew, you must provide proof of Hebrew proficiency to receive a permanent license and be registered in the Register of Licensed Nurses. Proof of Hebrew proficiency may be submitted within three years of the licensing exam date.
Important: If you do not provide proof of Hebrew proficiency within three years, you must retake the state nursing licensing exam, provided your eligibility to take the exam is still valid. Basic Hebrew proficiency can be demonstrated in several ways.
Learn more about proving Hebrew proficiency. - Receive a permanent license: After successfully passing the state licensing exam and providing proof of Hebrew proficiency, you will receive a permanent license to practice as a practical nurse in Israel.
Learn more about the permanent license.
Additional information
- A fee is required to receive a permanent license after holding a temporary permit.
- Your eligibility to take the licensing exam is valid for 10 years from the date you completed your nursing studies or last worked as a nurse abroad, whichever is later.
- After that period, you will no longer be eligible for professional recognition or registration for the licensing exam.
Please note: If, at any point during the process, there is doubt about the authenticity of the documents or information you submitted, your eligibility for professional recognition will be revoked.