Practiced nursing outside Israel? Information for new immigrants and internationally educated nurses about how to get licensed to practice nursing in Israel.
To practice nursing in Israel, you must obtain recognition of your nursing education and professional qualifications acquired abroad from the Israeli Nursing Division and be registered as a licensed nurse in the Israeli Nursing Licensure Registry, in accordance with:
- Public Health Regulations: Nursing Professionals in Clinics,1981
- Public Health Regulations: Nursing Professionals in Hospitals, 1988
Recognition requirements for internationally educated nurses
To be able to complete the recognition process and practice nursing in Israel, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Israeli citizenship or residency.
- Age 18 or older.
- At least 18 consecutive months of nursing practice in the country of origin within the past 10 years, or completion of nursing studies within the past 10 years.
- Proof of Hebrew language proficiency.
- No criminal record.
- Good health status.
License registration process for recognized nurses in Israel
The recognition and registration process includes several stages:
- Submit an application for recognition: You must submit a formal application along with the required documents related to your nursing education abroad.
Information on the requirements and documents needed to obtain recognition of your professional status. - Educational deficieny completion for registered nurses in Israel (optional): As part of preparation for the licensing exam, you may complete an online module to strengthen your familiarity with the Israeli healthcare system. The module includes:
- Introduction to the Israeli healthcare system
- Core laws and professional guidelines
- Legal status of registered nurses in Israel
At the end, you may take a 25-question multiple-choice practice exam. The module and exam may be taken multiple times.
The module is available in 6 languages and accessible after approval from the Nursing Division. It is optional but recommended for exam preparation.
More information about the educational deficiency completion program. - Preparation course for the licensing exam for new immigrants: A Nursing Division program, in cooperation with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, for new immigrants whose nursing education abroad has been approved. The program supports integration in Israel and the licensing process until eligibility to practice nursing is granted. It includes integration tracks, professional support, and a preparatory course for the state licensing exam. It runs twice a year, depending on enrollment.
- Registration for the state nursing licensure exam: After receiving approval from the Nursing Division, you will be notified of eligibility to take the licensing exam. Registration is completed via the Healthcare Professionals Portal on published dates. The exam is offered in 6 languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, French, or Spanish. Registration is available year-round for exam sessions in April, June, and September. New immigrants with more than 3 years of practical experience may also register for the November session, subject to eligibility.
More information about exam registration. - Proof of Hebrew proficiency: If you are examined in a language other than Hebrew, you must demonstrate Hebrew proficiency to receive a permanent certificate and be registered in the Nursing Licensure Registry as a licensed nurse. Proof may be submitted up to 3 years from the exam date.
Important: After 3 years, you will be required to retake the state licensing exam if proof has not been submitted.
More information about Hebrew proficiency. - Temporary permit: After passing the licensing exam and before completing Hebrew proficiency requirements, a temporary permit will be issued to practice nursing in all settings. The permit is valid for 3 years.
More information about the temporary permit and permanent certificate. - Permanent certificate: After passing the licensing exam and completing Hebrew proficiency requirements, a permanent certificate will be issued for nursing practice in Israel.
Additional notes
- Issuing a permanent certificate after a temporary permit requires payment of a fee.
- Eligibility to take the licensing exam is limited to 10 years from graduation of nursing studies or nursing practice abroad (whichever is later).
- After this period, eligibility for recognition and exam registration will expire.
Please note: If there is doubt regarding the authenticity of submitted documents or information, eligibility for recognition may be revoked.
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