RN License Requirements: Complete State-by-State Guide
Becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam and meeting your state Board of Nursing's requirements. Whether you're a new graduate, moving between states, or seeking multistate licensure, this guide covers everything you need to know about RN licensure in the United States.
NCLEX-RN Exam: Your Pathway to Licensure
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the standardized exam all RN candidates must pass to practice nursing in the U.S.
NCLEX-RN Overview
Exam Format:
- Questions: 75-145 questions (adaptive test adjusts difficulty)
- Time limit: 5 hours maximum
- Question types: Multiple choice, select all that apply, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, hot spot
- Pass/Fail: Computer-adaptive scoring (test ends when competency determined)
Content Areas:
- Safe & Effective Care Environment (26-38%)
- Management of care
- Safety and infection control
- Health Promotion & Maintenance (6-12%)
- Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)
- Physiological Integrity (38-62%)
- Basic care and comfort
- Pharmacological therapies
- Reduction of risk potential
- Physiological adaptation
How to Register for NCLEX
- Graduate from approved nursing program
- Apply for licensure with your state Board of Nursing
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from state board (typically 2-8 weeks)
- Register with Pearson VUE (testing service)
- Schedule exam at nearby testing center
- Take NCLEX within 90 days of ATT issuance
Cost: $200 exam fee + state board application fees ($50-$400 depending on state)
NCLEX Pass Rates & Preparation
National Statistics (2024):
- First-time pass rate: ~87%
- Repeat test pass rate: ~45%
Preparation Timeline:
- Recommended study: 6-8 weeks, 3-4 hours/day
- Popular prep programs: UWorld, Kaplan, Hurst Review, NCSBN Learning Extension
Retaking NCLEX:
- Must wait 45 days between attempts
- Can retake up to 8 times per year
- Must reapply and pay fees again
Quick Pass (48-hour results): Pay $7.95 for unofficial results 48 hours after testing via Pearson VUE
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Multistate Licensure
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows RNs to practice in multiple states with ONE multistate license. As of 2024, 43 states and territories participate in the NLC.
NLC Compact States (2024)
✅ 43 Participating Jurisdictions:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands
❌ Non-Compact States (require separate license): Alaska, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico
How the NLC Works
With Multistate License, You Can: ✓ Practice physically in ANY compact state ✓ Provide telehealth nursing to patients in ANY compact state ✓ Hold one license instead of 43 separate licenses ✓ Move between compact states without relicensing
How to Get Multistate License:
- Declare primary state of residence (must be an NLC compact state)
- Meet that state's licensure requirements
- Receive multistate license (will say "multistate" on license)
Important: If you move your primary residence to a different compact state, you must apply for a new license in your new home state within 60 days.
Who Benefits Most from NLC?
- Travel nurses working across multiple states
- Border residents who live in one state, work in another
- Telehealth nurses providing virtual care
- Military spouses who relocate frequently
- Per diem/PRN nurses working in multiple states
Licensure by Endorsement: Transferring Your License
If you already hold an RN license in one state and want to practice in another, you apply for licensure by endorsement (also called reciprocity).
When You Need Endorsement
- Moving from non-compact state to another non-compact state
- Moving from non-compact state to compact state
- Moving your PRIMARY RESIDENCE from one compact state to another
- Licensed internationally and want U.S. license
Endorsement Requirements (Typical)
✅ Active, unencumbered RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction ✅ Verification of original license (via Nursys.com or paper verification) ✅ Graduation from approved nursing program ✅ Passed NCLEX-RN (no need to retake!) ✅ Criminal background check and fingerprinting ✅ Application fees ($50-$400 depending on state) ✅ Continuing education (some states require CEUs even for endorsement)
Processing Time: 2-8 weeks typically (can be expedited in some states for additional fee)
Nursys.com: License Verification System
Nursys is the national database for nurse licensure verification. Most states participate, making endorsement faster and easier.
How Nursys Works:
- Create free account at Nursys.com
- Request license verification
- Pay small fee ($30-50)
- Verification sent electronically to new state board
If your state doesn't use Nursys: You'll need to request paper verification form from your current state board and mail to new state board.
State-Specific Requirements: Quick Reference
While all states require NCLEX passage, additional requirements vary by state. Below are common variations:
Initial Licensure Requirements by State Type
All States Require:
- Graduation from approved nursing program
- Pass NCLEX-RN
- Criminal background check
- Application fee
Additional Requirements (State-Dependent):
- Jurisprudence exam: TX, OH, CA require state-specific law exam
- Continuing education: Some states require CEUs even for initial license
- English proficiency: Required for internationally-educated nurses
- Social Security Number: Most states require (exceptions: CA allows tax ID)
- Citizenship: NOT required - permanent residents and visa holders can be licensed
State Board of Nursing Contact
Find Your State Board: Google "[State Name] Board of Nursing" or visit: NCSBN.org/boards.htm - Complete directory of all U.S. state boards with direct links, phone numbers, and addresses.
High-Demand States with Specific Requirements
California (CA):
- CA-specific application process (separate from NCLEX)
- Live Scan fingerprinting required
- May require transcript evaluation
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks
- One of slowest states for licensure
New York (NY):
- Requires specific child abuse reporting course
- Infection control course required
- Processing: 3-6 weeks
Texas (TX):
- Jurisprudence exam required (state law test)
- Fingerprinting required
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
Florida (FL):
- Compact state - ideal for travel nurses
- Requires 2-hour Prevention of Medical Errors course
- Processing: 2-4 weeks
RN License Renewal Requirements
RN licenses must be renewed periodically. Renewal periods and requirements vary by state:
Renewal Frequency by State
- Every year: Arkansas, California (odd years)
- Every 2 years: Most states (majority)
- Every 3 years: Indiana
- Every 4 years: Mississippi
Renewal Fees: $50-$150 typically
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
Not all states require continuing education for renewal, but most do.
States WITHOUT CE Requirements (can renew without CEUs):
- California
- Colorado (for single-state license)
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana (first renewal)
- New York
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Most Common CE Requirements:
- 15-30 contact hours every 2 years
- Topics often required: Infection control, domestic violence, pain management, end-of-life care
- Special requirements: Some states require specific courses (e.g., Florida requires HIV/AIDS education)
CE Providers:
- Hospital-sponsored programs (often free for employees)
- Professional nursing organizations (ANA, specialty orgs)
- Online CE providers (NursingCE.com, NetCE, Medscape)
- Nursing conferences and workshops
Compact vs. Single-State License Comparison
| Feature | Multistate (Compact) License | Single-State License |
|---|---|---|
| Practice area | All 43 compact states | Only issuing state |
| Telehealth | All 43 compact states | Only issuing state (unless patient also in same state) |
| Cost | One application fee | Separate fee for each state |
| Renewal | Renew only in primary state | Renew in each state |
| Requirements | Must reside in compact state | Any state |
| Travel nursing | Easy - work anywhere compact | Must get license for each state |
Important: Even with multistate license, you must follow the nursing practice laws of the state WHERE YOU ARE PRACTICING, not your home state.
International Nurses: Getting U.S. RN License
Internationally-educated nurses must meet additional requirements:
- CGFNS Certification or Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools evaluation
- Credentials evaluation (education equivalency to U.S. nursing degree)
- English proficiency: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS
- NCLEX-RN (same exam as U.S. graduates)
- Visa sponsorship: EB-3 visa common for nurses
- State-specific requirements: Vary by state
Timeline: 6-18 months for international licensure process
Maintaining Your RN License
Keep License Active: ✓ Renew on time (set calendar reminders 60 days before expiration) ✓ Complete required CE (track hours carefully) ✓ Update address with state board within 30 days of moving ✓ Report any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions ✓ Pay renewal fees on time
Inactive/Lapsed License:
- Can often be reactivated by paying late fees + current period fees
- Extended lapse (3+ years) may require retaking NCLEX in some states
- Cannot legally work as RN with expired license
License Verification: Employers and agencies can verify your license at Nursys.com (public database)
Common License Questions
Q: Can I work while awaiting NCLEX results? A: Some states offer temporary permits allowing practice under supervision. Check with your state board.
Q: Do I need separate licenses for hospital and home health? A: NO - RN license covers all settings within scope of practice.
Q: Can I endorse my license if I haven't worked in years? A: Yes, as long as license is active and in good standing. Some states require refresher courses for long inactive periods.
Q: What if I fail NCLEX multiple times? A: Can retake up to 8 times/year. Some states require remedial coursework after 3+ failures.
Q: Does my license expire if I don't renew? A: Yes - cannot practice with expired license. Penalties for practicing with expired/invalid license include fines and disciplinary action.
Next Steps to Get Licensed
- Determine your state: Where will your primary residence be?
- Check compact status: Is it an NLC state?
- Review state requirements: Visit state Board of Nursing website
- Apply for initial licensure: Submit application after graduating
- ** Register for NCLEX**: After receiving ATT
- Prepare for NCLEX: 6-8 weeks recommended
- Take NCLEX: Schedule and pass exam
- Receive license: Typically 1-2 weeks after passing NCLEX
Resources:
- NCSBN.org: National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- Nursys.com: License verification and renewal
- Pearson VUE: NCLEX registration and scheduling
- State Board of Nursing websites: State-specific requirements
Getting your RN license is the gateway to your nursing career. Understanding the requirements, compact benefits, and renewal expectations ensures you stay properly licensed throughout your career.