NCLEX requirements by state 2024 – Eligibility requirements

Hey everyone, and welcome to our insightful guide on NCLEX requirements by state.

In this article, we’ll cover the NCLEX-RN, NCLEX-PN, and nursing licensure requirements in each of the 50 states in the USA.

By the end of the session, you’ll be conversant with the eligibility requirements to become a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.

Let’s jump right in.

Alabama

Nursing students in Alabama are licensed through the Alabama Board of Nursing to become registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.

Alabama is a compact state, offering single-state and multistate licenses.

The eligibility requirements for a single-state nursing license include:

• Completing a CCNE or ACEN registered nurse or LPN program
• A valid social security number
• Completing and submitting the application form and the required attachments, including the right identification documents, to confirm whether you are a USA citizen.
• A sealed envelope with your official transcript from your nursing program

The single-state license application fee is $100, plus a $3.50 transaction fee, bringing the total to $103.50.

Suppose you need a temporary permit as you wait for your licensure.

You’ll part with an additional $50.

If you are interested in a multistate license, you must declare that Alabama is your primary state of residency and attach proof.

On top of the application requirements for the single-state license, you’ll also need to submit fingerprints if you are interested in a multistate license.

Another crucial requirement is proof of graduating from an RN Or PN board-approved program.

A multistate license costs $203.5.

For endorsement, submit your past license, endorsement application form, background check, and official nursing transcript.

Now that we’ve covered the nursing license requirement, what are the requirements for license renewal?

• 24 contact hours continuing education in a year
• Fill out a form on legal and disciplinary issues
• Make a payment of $103.50

Nurses in Alabama are required to renew their licenses every other year.

Alaska

In Alaska, nurses apply for RN and PN licenses through the Alaska Board of Nursing.

The educational requirements to earn a nursing license in Alaska include graduating from a nationally accredited ADN or BSN program.

Other requirements include the following:

• Original notarized signature
• Official transcripts sent to the board from your nursing school.
• A background check report
• An application fee of $375, including an NCLEX exam fee of $200, a license application fee of $100, and a fingerprinting fee of $75.

A temporary permit costs $100 and lasts for six months.

Once the six months lapse, you can’t renew the permit.

International students interested in working in Alaska are required to include certified English translation if the academic documents are not in English.

For nurses seeking endorsement:

• Show proof of 320 hours of nursing practice in a healthcare facility within the last two years.
• Submit verification of your nursing license through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing or the Alaska Board of Nursing.

The cost is the same as licensure by examination.

For professional license renewal, RNs and PNs are expected to meet any two of these three requirements: 320 hours of practicing as a nurse, 30 hours of CE, or 60 hours of volunteer work.

License renewal costs $100.

Nurses here must renew their licenses every even-numbered year.

Arizona

Arizona State Board of Nursing is in charge of nursing licenses.

Aspiring nurses must have:

• A bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing education program.
• Submit fingerprints for a background check.

Arizona State Board of Nursing charges $350 for the license, which includes the $200 NCLEX exam fee.

Those seeking endorsement should also submit transcripts from their nursing schools.

The licensure by endorsement costs $200.

Nurses who need to get started ASAP can apply for temporary licensure while waiting for the official license at $50.

Regarding renewal, you’ll part with $160.

Besides the money, you’ll be required to take a refresher course or a board-approved program within the last five years, clocking in 960 hours working as a nurse or obtaining a nursing degree within the last five years.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, PN and RN licenses go for $100.

Getting the license by endorsement will cost you $125.

So, what’s required?

• Criminal background check
• Submit the application form
• Submit a complete affidavit by your program director
• Submit nursing transcripts
• Submit a declaration of your home state (it must be Arkansas).

The license renewal is $100 for registered nurses and $90 for licensed practical nurses.

License renewal is every two years, and the requirements include an up-to-date recognized certification, 15 hours of accredited practice-focused activities, or an academic nursing course.

California

As with all the other states we’ve discussed, aspiring nurses must complete an approved nursing program, whether they are applying for LVN licensure or RN.

Other requirements include:

• A complete application form with all the attachments, such as a driver’s license to confirm citizenship.
• Submit the fingerprint card for background check
• Your nursing program to submit your transcripts electronically
• A fee of $350

Suppose you’re seeking a license by endorsement.

You’ll also need verification of your current license.

For license renewal, complete 30 hours of CE from board-approved providers every two years.

Colorado

As with the other boards of nursing we’ve covered, Colorado requires nursing students to complete a board-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam to begin their application.

The other registration requirements are:

• Submit fingerprint and background check
• Upload your nursing education transcripts
• Declare your primary state of residence
• Complete a healthcare professional document and upload the required documents
• Provide information about other nursing licenses you’ve held
• Pay a fee of $88

Suppose you need licensure by endorsement.

You’ll need to submit your license verification information.

The Colorado Board of Nursing accepts out-of-state licensure applications since it’s part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC).

As for the renewal, the nursing licensure is renewed every two years at $164.

There are no continuing education requirements.

Connecticut

Connecticut requires nursing students aspiring to be registered nurses or licensed practical nurses to graduate from a board-approved or nationally accredited degree or diploma program and pass the NCLEX test.

Candidates apply for licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The application requirements for licensure are:

• Submit a completed application form online
• Submit a verified transcript together with a recent photo attached
• Pay an application fee of $180

As for the renewal of licenses, as of 2022, Connecticut nurses must renew their licenses every six years.

The license renewal requirement is 2 contact hours of training or screening clients on specific conditions and suicide prevention training.

The renewal fee is $110.

Nurses from other states can apply for licensure by endorsement at a fee of $180.

Delaware

Delaware is a member of the NLC, so nurses licensed by the Delaware Board of Nursing can work within the NLC member states.

To earn licenses, nurses must complete a degree or diploma program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Also:

• declare Delaware as your state of residence as
• undergo FBI criminal background check
• submit official identification document and transcript
• send nursing school reference form directly from your school
• A fee of $170

Suppose you need licensing by endorsement.

The Delaware Board of Nursing lists the practice requirements you must meet.

Registered nurses are required to complete 30 contact hours, while LVNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education for license renewal every two years.

Florida

The Florida Board of Nursing requires aspiring nurses to complete a Florida-approved nursing program, ACEN or CCNE accredited program, military nursing education program, or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Applicants must also fulfill these requirements:

• Submit electronic fingerprints, transcripts, and identification documents
• Submit a clean background check
• Pau an application fee of $110. The fee is the same as licensing by endorsement.

Florida is a member of the nurse licensure compact, so with a Florida license, you can work in other compact states.

Florida nursing license is valid for two years.

Within this period, RNs and LVNs must complete 16 hours of CE in specific subjects published by the board.

The license renewal fee is $75

Georgia

Georgia Board of Nursing is another NLC state where candidates must complete an approved nursing degree or diploma and pass the NCLEX exam.

The application process requires that you meet the following requirements.

• Submit your fingerprint and undergo a criminal background check
• Submit nursing school transcripts
• Make the license application fee of $40

Licensure by endorsement is $75.

Nurses who need licensure by endorsement from the Georgia Board of Nursing must show proof of practice, proof of graduation from a nursing program, or proof of a Georgia nursing board-approved refresher course.

As for license renewal, nurses must complete at least 500 hours of supervised practice or 30 hours of CE and pay $65.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Board of Nursing requires licensees to complete a board-recognized nursing education program and get a passing grade on the NCLEX test.

Also, nursing students must submit the following for their nursing license to be processed.

• Current application form
• Government identification and social security number
• Criminal history record check
• Transcript send directly from nursing school
• A registration fee of $40

Nurses with licenses from other states can get licensure in Hawaii through endorsement.

The costs of endorsement vary depending on the application period.

Further, the Hawaii board gives RNs and LVNs several options to fulfill the 30 hours CE requirement for license renewal.

The license renewal fee in Hawaii is $176 and takes place two years from the licensing date.

Idaho

The Idaho Board of Nursing requires candidates to create a nurse portal to start the licensure application process.

To be eligible for the RN license, nurses must have graduated from an Idaho-approved nursing program or an out-of-state program approved in that jurisdiction.

Other licensing requirements include:

• Fingerprint for background check
• Proof of citizenship using government-issued identification
• Official transcripts
• A license fee of $90

Idaho is a compact state.

Hence, nurses who need a license through endorsement can apply for $152.

Nurses with active licenses from NLC member states don’t need to apply for licensure in Idaho.

For license renewal, the board requires RNs to complete 15 hours of continuing education, a minimum of one semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing, or a program that meets the criteria established by the Board.

You’ll be required to part with $90 for license renewal.

Illinois

Illinois nursing board requires applicants to have graduated from approved programs and passed the National Council Licensure Examination.

Other key NCLEX requirements qualifications are:

• A complete application form
• A clear criminal background check
• Social security number
• Completion of Supporting Document CCA

The permanent license and application fee costs $100.

Registered nurses from other states can apply for licenses in Illinois through endorsement.

The fee for this application is $50.

License renewal takes place every two years and costs $80.

The continuing education requirement is 20 CE contact hours.

Indiana

To be licensed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, you must have graduated from Indiana approved program and aced the NCLEX.

Apart from that, you are also supposed to:

• apply online together with a $50 fee
• complete a criminal background check
• certificate of completion sent directly from the nursing school

Licensed nurses from other states may also apply for licensing in Indiana through endorsement.

Licensure through endorsement requires the interested parties in states participating in NURSYS to verify their licensure through that platform and pay a fee of $50.

The agency requires nurses to maintain their licenses through active nursing practice.

The renewal fee is $50.

Iowa

For the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBN), candidates must graduate from an IBN-approved program and pass the NCLEX test.

Apart from this requirement, aspiring nurses are required to meet the following:

• A completed application form
• Two completed fingerprint cards and a signed waiver form
• Transcript from nursing school highlighting graduating date and the degree
• Pay $143, where $93 is for the application and $50 for the background check.

Iowa also allows for licensure by endorsement.

And apart from the requirements above, nurses must also submit a verified license from the previous state.

The endorsement fee is $169.

Regarding the renewal of nursing licenses, nurses must meet 36 contact hours of CE every three years.

You’ll part with $99 for your license renewal.

Kansas

The Kansas Board of Nursing requires applicants to:

• complete an approved nursing program
• register for NCLEX through Pearson VUE
• submit official transcript
• submit fingerprint

KNBS will need proof of a Kansas driving license to apply for a multistate license.

The registration fee for a single-state license is $100, while a multistate license is $125.

As for license renewal, nurses pay $50.

There are several requirements that they must meet to be able to renew their licensing.

Nurses must meet 30 contact hours every two years, 320 hours of being employed as a nurse, or 60 hours of professional nursing work as a volunteer.

The CE should be met before starting the process for license renewal.

Kentucky

The nursing licensure requirements for LVNs and RNs in Kentucky include:

• Graduate from a Kentucky-approved program of nursing
• Pass the NCLEX examination
• submit fingerprint card
• Create an account with KBN Nurse Portal
• Submit your program completion through an Affidavit of Graduation
• Pay the application fee of $125
• Submit an official transcript

Nurses who need licensure by endorsement pay $165.

And apart from the requirements above, their licenses should be verified by the state of origin.

As with the norm, nurses must keep their licensure active.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires nurses to complete 14 hours of CE or meet any of the following requirements: publish a nursing paper, earn national certification, or conduct nursing research.

The license renewal is required every 2 years; the fee is $65.

Louisiana

You must meet the following requirements to qualify as a registered nurse in Louisiana.

• Complete a board-approved BSN or ADN program and pass the NCLEX
• Register on the Nurse Portal of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing
• Upload your government-issued ID in PDF format
• Declare that Louisiana is your home state
• Undergo a criminal background check
• Pay a fee of $139.25

The application fee for licensure by endorsement is the same as for licensure by examination.

Registered nurses must renew their licenses yearly.

The requirements for license renewal include 30 hours of continuing education or completing 900 hours of nursing experience.

For renewal, nurses are required to pay $100.

Maine

Maine State Board of Nursing requires nursing applicants to meet the following requirements for a license.

• Complete a nationally accredited or board-approved nursing education program
• Get a passing grade in the NCLEX examination
• Passport style photo
• Proof of citizenship
• Submit transcripts
• Submit fingerprints for background check
• Pay an application fee of $75

NLC nurses from compact member states don’t have to apply for licensure in Maine unless they want to change their primary state of residency to Maine.

License renewal is every two years and costs $75

Maryland

Maryland State Board of Nursing licensure and NCLEX requirements include:

• Maryland-approved nursing diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree
• Complete criminal History Record Check
• Declare your Primary State of Residence
• Pass the NCLEX examination
• Make a payment of $100

Maryland is a compact state, so registered nurses and licensed practical nurses from other compact state members don’t apply for licensure to work in Maryland.

Further, there’s an option to earn certification by endorsement.

Nurses must show proof of 1,000 hours of professional nursing work in the last five years or completion of a nursing refresher course.

Licensure by endorsement costs $100.

As for license renewal, the requirements include proof of 1,000 hours of nursing practice or completion of a refresher course every two years.

The license renewal fee is $136.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, nurses register through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

The application requirements include:

• Graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX
• Compliance with the good moral character requirements
• Licensure fee of $230

Licensed nurses from other states can apply for nursing licenses in Massachuset through reciprocity.

The reciprocity fee is $275.

License renewal costs $120 and requires nurses to complete 15 contact hours of CE every two years.

Michigan

Michigan Board of Nursing requirements for aspiring nurses include the following:

• Complete a nationally accredited or board-approved program
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination
• Complete criminal background check
• Provide social security number
• Proof of training to identify victims of human trafficking
• Compliance with good moral character requirements
• Pay a fee of $208.8

RNs and LPNs with active licenses from other states can apply for licensure in Michigan through endorsement at the cost of $208.8

Nurses in Michigan are required to renew their licenses every two years by completing 25 hours of continuing education in programs approved by the Michigan nursing board.

License renewal is $128.50.

Minnesota

Minnesota Board of Nursing has straightforward requirements for potential nurses.

Here are the licensure requirements that RNs and LPNs must fulfill.

• Take and pass the NCLEX examination
• Proof of graduation from an accredited or approved nursing course
• Submit criminal background check
• Evidence you have not engaged in conduct warranting disciplinary action
• Payment of $138.25

Licensed nurses from other states can also get a license by endorsement by paying a fee of $138.50 and meeting the nursing board endorsement requirements.

The license is active for two years, after which nurses must meet the 24 hours of continuing education and pay a renewal fee of $85.

Mississippi

Mississippi offers single-state nursing licenses as well as multi-state licenses.

The Mississippi Board of Nursing requirements for licensure include:

• Graduate from a nursing program that’s approved by the board
• Undergo a criminal background check
• Have a valid social security number
• Submit the official transcript directly to the Mississippi Board of Nursing
• Pay $100 for RN licensure and $60 for LVN licensure

Mississippi provides licensure by endorsement at the cost of $100.

Interested nurses must show proof of active nursing practice for the last five years.

And since Mississippi is an NLC state, nurses from member states don’t need to apply for a nursing license to work in Mississippi.

Finally, regarding license renewal matters, the Mississippi Board of Nursing requires nurses to complete 20 contact hours of CE and pay a renewal fee of $100.

License renewal is required every two years.

Missouri

Missouri Board of Nursing has several requirements for nursing students who want to transition into practicing nursing.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Submit the official final transcript with the graduation date and the degree awarded
• Take and pass the NCLEX examination
• Submit evidence of U.S. citizenship
• Submit criminal background check
• Pay a fee of $90

Registered nurses and LPNs from other states can get licensure by endorsement to work in Missouri if they can prove nursing practice in the last 5 years and pay $55.

As a compact state, member-state RNs can work in Missouri without applying for licensure again.

License renewal in Missouri costs $60, and there are no continuing education requirements.

Montana

Montana Board of Nursing has several requirements that nurses seeking to work in Montana must meet.

The requirements to get licensure by examination include:

• Meet the education requirements of a nursing education program
• Official transcripts sent directly to the Montana Board of Nursing
• Pay a fee of $100
• Register, take, and pass the NCLEX test
• Submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice

For nurses from other states seeking licensure by reciprocity, the fee is $200.

Applicants must also submit official verification of licensure from the state that the applicant holds a license.

Important to note is that Montana is a compact state.

A nursing license is active for two years after issuance and must be renewed after the same period thereafter.

License renewal includes 24 hours of continuing education and a fee of $100.

Nebraska

Nebraska issues nursing licenses through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

It’s also an NLC state.

To qualify for licensure in Nebraska, here are the requirements you must meet.

• Proof of citizenship
• An approved nursing degree or diploma
• A passing grade on the NCLEX test
• Meet the good moral character requirements
• Transcripts from nursing school
• Fingerprinting for a background check
• An application fee of $168.25

RNs and LVNs seeking licensure must complete verification of licensure through Nursys, prove 500 hours of nursing practice, undergo a criminal background check, and pay a license fee of $123.

Regarding license renewal, it’s every two years and costs $123.

To renew a license, one must meet one of these requirements 500 practice hours over the last five years and 20 hours of continuing education, a board-approved refresher course in the last five years, or a certification in the nursing field.

Nevada

Nevada Board of Nursing requires applicants to meet the following license and NCLEX requirements to be eligible for a nursing license.

• Submit an application form and pay a fee of $100
• Nursing degree or diploma from an approved school of nursing
• Pass the NCLEX
• Official transcript
• Fingerprint for background check
• Social security number

Nevada is not a compact state.

But, for nurses interested in working in Nevada, there’s room for licensure through endorsement.

The application fee for the license is $105.

According to the nursing board, nurses must renew their licenses every two years by completing 30 hours of CE, including 4 hours on bioterrorism.

Nursing license renewal is $100.

New Hampshire

According to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, aspiring registered nurses and licensed practical nurses must meet the following requirements.

• Register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX exam
• Upload state-issued driver’s license
• Official transcript emailed to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
• Complete a background check
• Pay the application fee of $148

As for licensure by endorsement, your license must be verified by your home state, complete a criminal background check and upload your driver’s license.

Licensure by endorsement application fee is $105

And since this is an NLC state, nurses with active licenses in other NLC states don’t need to apply for licenses in New Hampshire.

License renewal is $108, and the requirements include 400 hours of active nursing practice within the last four years and 30 CE hours within the last two years of the application date.

New Jersey

New Jersey Board of Nursing requires nursing applicants to:

• graduate from an approved nursing program
• complete NCLEX examination
• submit a criminal background check
• pay a $200 licensing fee

Licensing by endorsement is $200.

When it comes to keeping the license active, nurses must complete 30 continuing education hours.

The CE courses must be approved by ANCC.

The licensing renewal fee is $120.

New Mexico

For registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses to register with the New Mexico Board of Nursing, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Graduate from a board-approved course
• Register for and pass the NCLEX
• National criminal background check
• Submit official transcripts
• Pay licensing fee of $150

Suppose you are interested in licensing by endorsement. You’ll pay $150.

As for license renewal, the fee is $110, and RNs and LVNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education within two years before the license expires.

New York

According to the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions, license requirements for registered professional nurses are as followers:

• Complete a nursing education program approved by NYSED
• Complete infection control and child abuse reporting coursework
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination
• Demonstrate you are of good moral character
• Send an application fee of $143

RNs with active licenses in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement in New York by paying $143, completing coursework in infection control and child abuse reporting, and verifying their license.

New York nurses are required to renew their licenses every three years.

The renewal process entails paying $73 and completing 3 hours of continuing education in a state-approved infection control course and 2 contact hours in a child abuse course every three years.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Board of Nursing outlines RN and LVN licensing requirements as follows:

• Graduate from a board-approved RN or LPN nursing education program
• Pass the NCLEX
• Complete a criminal background check
• Pay a non-refundable fee of $75

North Carolina also offers licensing by endorsement, where candidates pay $150.

For this option, interested nurses must submit information on their current license, nursing program graduation, employment history, social security number, license verification from the state of issuance, and criminal background check.

North Carolina license renewal procedures involve paying $100 and meeting the continuing competence requirements.

North Dakota

Aspiring nurses in North Dakota seek nursing licenses through the North Dakota Board of Nursing.

The requirements for this license, according to the board, are below.

• Complete the nursing education program
• Submit fingerprints
• Submit a transcript from nursing school
• Register, take, and pass the NCLEX
• Pay the license processing fee of $145

Licensing by endorsement costs $170.

Interested parties must verify their license from their primary state of work, complete criminal history check, and submit an official transcript directly from their nursing school.

The license renewal cost in North Dakota is $140, which is required every two years.

The CE requirements are complete 400 hours of practice in the following four years or 12 hours of CE within two years.

Important to note is that North Dakota is a compact state.

Ohio

Ohio Board of Nursing is the body in charge of nursing licenses in Ohio.

The board requires interested nurses to meet the following license and NCLEX requirements to apply for licensure.

• Graduate from an Ohio board-approved nursing education course
• Submit a program completion letter from your nursing school
• Complete background check
• Make a payment of $75
• Pass the National Council Licensure Exam

Ohio is an NLC state.

To earn a license by endorsement in Ohio, nurses must show proof of graduating from a nursing course approved by the NCSBN and verify their current license.

The fee for a license by endorsement is $75.

In Ohio, license renewal takes place every two years.

Within this period, nurses must complete 24 hours of CE, where an hour should cover nursing law.

Oklahoma

According to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, nursing students applying for nursing licenses by examination must meet the following criteria.

• Verify citizenship status
• Complete an approved diploma or degree in nursing programs
• Pass the national council licensure test
• Provide transcript
• Submit fingerprint for background check
• Pay $85

Oklahoma is a nursing licensure compact state, so nurses with active licenses from other compact states can work in Oklahoma without applying for licensure.

RNs and LPNs seeking to change their primary state of residency to Oklahoma can apply for licensure by endorsement, where they’ll be required to pay $85.

Also, the board requires nurses to show proof of continuing education, a verified license, a complete background check, and proof of citizenship.

As for license renewal, the fee is $75.

The requirements include 520 hours of active nursing practice or 24 hours of continuing education in the past two years preceding license renewal.

Oregon

Oregon State Board of Nursing requires applicants to meet the following when applying for a nursing license.

• Complete education from an Oregon board-approved school of nursing
• Pass the NCLEX
• Submit fingerprint for criminal history background check
• Pay the licensing fee of $160
• Send transcripts directly to the Oregon State Board of Nursing

The fee for application by endorsement is $195.

Applicants must show proof of completing at least 960 hours of practice within the last 5 years and confirm licensure verification through Nursys.

License renewal in Oregon is every two years.

To renew their licenses, nurses must complete 7 contact hours of CE in a pain management course and 960 hours in active practice, plus pay a fee of $145.

Pennsylvania

To become an RN or LVN in Pennsylvania, you must apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.

Here is a list of the nursing board requirements for applicants.

• Submit fingerprint for background check
• Pay licensing fee that starts at $95
• Graduation confirmation from a Pennsylvania-approved nursing program
• Pass the nursing exam

Registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses with active licenses can get licensure in Pennsylvania by endorsement at $120.

License renewal is $122, and nurses must complete 30 hours of CE.

Three of those hours should be in approved child abuse training.

Nurses in Pennsylvania are required to renew their licenses every two years.

Rhode Island

Prospective nurses in Rhode Island apply for licensure through the Department of Health.

To be an RN or LVN in Rhode Island, nursing students must:

• Complete background check
• Graduate from a state-approved or nationally accredited nursing program
• Meet good moral conduct requirements
• Pass NCLEX-RN exam
• Proof that Rhode Island is their primary state of residence
• Pay the license processing fee of $135

There’s also an option for license by endorsement, which costs the same as licensing by examination.

Rhode Island nurses’ licenses expire after two years

Licensing renewal requires RNs and LVNs to complete 10 hours of CE with at least 2 hours in substance abuse training and one-time training in Alzheimer’s disease.

The licensing renewal fee is $135.

South Carolina

Nursing students applying for RN or LVN licensure in South Carolina must meet the following requirements from the South Carolina Board of Nursing to become licensed.

• South Carolina state board of nursing approved nursing course
• Passing grade in the national council licensure test
• Background check
• Proof of citizenship
• A licensing fee of $90

Nurses seeking licensure by endorsement should submit evidence of active nursing practice, license verification from the state of practice, and a $100 fee.

License renewal is every two years.

And nurses must complete 30 hours of CE, a nursing course, a national certification/recertification, or a certification of competency and hours of practice from an employer.

The renewal processing fee is $75.

South Dakota

Prospective nurses here apply for licensure through the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

To become an RN or LPN in South Dakota, here’s what you require.

• Submit fingerprint for criminal history background check
• Graduate from a South Dakota nursing board-approved RN or LVN programs
• Pay licensing fee of $100
• Take and pass the national council licensure exam

Apart from licensing by examination, nurses can register for licensure by endorsement.

This option requires nurses to complete a background check, show proof of work experience, submit a verified license from the original state of practice and provide transcripts from their nursing education program.

In South Dakota, nursing licenses expire every two years.

Hence, nurses must complete a board-approved fresher course or 140 hours in nursing practice within the last year or 480 practice hours in the last six years.

Every two years, nurses part with $115 for license renewal.

Tennessee

Tennessee Board of Nursing offers single-state as well as multi-state nursing licenses.

Prospective nurses interested in single-state licenses by examination should meet the following requirements.

• Complete Tennessee Board of Nursing-approved nursing program
• Upload current passport photograph, declaration of citizenship, and driver’s license
• Transcripts sent directly to the board
• Submit fingerprint for background check
• Register and pass the NCLEX
• Pay a fee of $100

The fee for a nursing license by endorsement is $115.

This requires proof of licensing from the previous primary state of license and education qualification.

And like many states, Tennessee nurses’ licenses expire after two years, and the only way to keep the license active is by renewal.

The renewal fee is $100 and must be accompanied by 10 hours of CE.

Texas

Licensing and NCLEX requirements for prospective nurses in Texas are as follows.

• Undergo an FBI criminal background check
• Graduate from Texas Board of Nursing approved nursing school
• Register, take, and pass the NCLEX exam
• Submit your social security number
• Pay a fee of $75

Application by endorsement is $150.

Applicants must show proof of work experience, graduation from an approved nursing program, and passing the NCLEX.

Every two years RNs are required to pay $68, while LVNs pay $45 for license renewal.

Apart from the payment, nurses must also complete 20 hours of CE in their practice areas.

Utah

Utah Division of Professional Licensing requires prospective nurses to meet the following requirement to be eligible for a nursing license.

• Pass the NCLEX test
• Submit transcript directly from nursing school
• Submit fingerprint card
• Make a payment of $90

Nurses with an equivalent LVN or RN license from another state in the US can apply for a license by endorsement in Utah if they have at least one year of experience.

Other requirements include fingerprint submission, license verification, and a payment of $68.

The nursing license expires after two years.

The continuing competency requirement for license renewal includes 30 hours of approved CE, 400 hours of practice, or 200 hours of practice plus 15 hours of approved CE.

Vermont

The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation requires prospective nurses to fulfill the following for nursing licensure.

• Graduate from an approved nursing education
• Pass the national council licensure examination
• Submit your social security number
• Send official school transcripts
• Submit fingerprint for background check
• Pay licensing fee of $60

As a compact state, Vermont also offers multi-state licenses for interested parties.

RNs and LVNs seeking to work in Vermont from other states can apply for licensure by endorsement.

To get a nursing license through this route, they must prove active nursing for the last three years and verify their license.

The cost for registration by endorsement is $150.

Regarding license renewal, nurses must meet 400 hours of nursing practice within two years or 960 hours of practice in the last five years.

The license renewal will cost you $95.

Virginia

Aspiring nurses in Virginia can get nursing licensure through the Virginia Board of Nursing.

The board highlights the following as the pre-requisite for licensure.

• Criminal background check
• LVN or RN state-approved nursing education program
• Pass NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
• Pay a licensing fee of $190 for an RN license and $170 for an LPN license

Virginia is an NLC state, providing both single-state and multi-state licenses.

RNs and LPNs interested in working in Virginia can apply for licensure by endorsement, in which case the fee is the same as licensure by examination.

Licensure renewal is every two years.

RNs pay $140, while LPNs pay $120.

The nursing board gives nurses several options to meet the license renewal requirements.

Washington

In Washington, nursing students apply for licensure through the Nursing Commission of the Washington State Department of Health.

Prospective nurses should submit:

• certificate of completion directly from the program director to the nursing commission
• official transcripts from school directly to the nursing commission
• fingerprint for background check
• a payment of $135 for RNs and $90 for LVNs

Nurses can apply for licensure by endorsement in the state of Washington by showing proof of current license, graduation from an approved nursing program, and completion of 7 hours of AIDs education course.

As for license renewal, LPNs and RNs must complete 96 hours of practice and eight CE hours.

The licensing renewal fee for RNs is $135, and LVNs pay $90

West Virginia

West Virginia RN Board stipulates that nurses interested in working in West Virginia as RNs or LVNs must meet these requirements to earn a license.

• Complete board-approved nursing program
• Pass NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN examinations
• Undergo a criminal background check
• Meet the requirements of good moral character
• Submit official transcripts
• Pay a fee of $70

West Virginia is an NLC state, and a nurse with a multi-state license can work in other compact states.

Also, licensed nurses seeking to work in West Virginia can do so by providing verification of their license and paying $100.

Regarding license renewal, RNs in West Virginia renew their licenses yearly, while LVNs renew every two years.

The licensing requirements include 12 CE hours and a payment of $67.

Wisconsin

Prospective nurses in Wisconsin must apply for licensure with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Applying for a nursing license by examination requires nursing students to meet the following requirements.

• Complete an ADN or BSN program approved by the Wisconsin board of nursing
• Submit official school transcripts
• Submit fingerprint for a criminal check
• Take the NCLEX and pass
• Pay $72

As for licensure by endorsement, the fee is $73.

Applicants should submit the application form and verification of licensure.

Wisconsin nurses’ licenses expire every 28 February of even-numbered years.

Nurses should pay a fee of $57 and fill out a Nursing Workforce Survey to renew their licenses.

Wyoming

Wyoming State Board of Nursing requires prospective nurses to meet the following requirements to work as RNs or LVNs.

• Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program
• Register, take, and pass the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN examination
• Send the transcripts directly to the Wyoming Board of Nursing
• Submit fingerprint for a criminal background check
• Pay a fee of $190

For nurses who are already licensed in other states, the fee for licensure by endorsement is $195 for RNs and $180 for LVNs.

Apart from the fee, the nurses should also show proof of active nursing practice or continuing education.

As for license renewal, the fee is $110 for RNs and $90 for LVNs.

The requirements for renewal include 30 CE hours, 400 hours of nursing practice, or 200 hours of practice and 15 hours of CE.

Conclusion

The NCLEX requirements by state vary.

Again, the requirements are often updated.

Therefore, your best bet is to visit your state board of nursing for a full list of requirements, whether you are a first-time applicant or seeking license renewal.

With the requirements in check, you can start your nursing license application and be on your way to a fulfilling career in nursing.

NCLEX Requirements by State FAQs

Reference

NCSBN

NursingSchoolHub.com

Nurse.org

BestColleges

NurseJournal

Nursing License Map

Incredible Health