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What do I Need to Earn My Nursing License?
Your degree is only part of earning the right to practice. After you finish your program, you still have to get licensed, and that process trips people up: mu…
how-to
Your degree is only part of earning the right to practice. After you finish your program, you still have to get licensed, and that process trips people up: multiple license types, different rules in every state, and overlapping terms like license, certification, and credential. This guide walks through the steps, the state requirements, and the exceptions.
The path works like a driver's license. You complete the training first, then prove it by passing an exam. Across all four nursing roles that require a state license, the level of education stays roughly the same from state to state. What changes are the fees, the continuing education rules, and the testing details.
Nursing careers that require licensure
Four nursing roles require a state-issued license. Each state regulates them a little differently, so make sure the program you choose prepares you for the state where you plan to work.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), called Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) in several states
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas and California
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
You can sometimes work as a nursing assistant without a license, but you usually can't use the CNA title, the pay is lower, and there's less room to move up. Many hospitals and medical centers hire only licensed CNAs. For RNs, you'll need either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before you can start the licensing process, no matter which state you're in.
Five steps to earning your nursing license
1. Find an accredited, state-approved program. Accreditation is the first thing to check. If a program isn't accredited, you can run into trouble getting financial aid, transferring credits, sitting for licensing exams, or earning credentials. Nursing programs are accredited by a handful of agencies, most prominently the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education under the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). A school usually lists its accreditation on its website, often in the "About" section, and you can confirm it through the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs.
2. Apply for a license with your state board. Once you finish an accredited, state-approved program, apply to your state's nursing board, the government agency that oversees nursing licensure. Most states run a single board for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs; a few separate them, and CNAs are often handled by a separate agency. You'll send transcripts, your application, and fees. LPNs, RNs, and APRNs pay application fees in every state. CNAs sometimes pay nothing, sometimes only an exam fee, and that fee is often covered by their training program or employer. Some states require clinical hours; some don't.
3. Register for the NCLEX or other required exam. After you apply, sign up for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized test boards use to decide whether you're ready for entry-level practice. LPNs take the NCLEX-PN; RNs take the more in-depth NCLEX-RN. You can register online or by phone, and you'll submit proof of your education and your state's approval to test, called an Authorization to Test (ATT). Most states grant a 90-day window to sit for the exam once you're authorized.
4. Take and pass the exam. The NCLEX is computer-administered at an approved testing center and adapts to your answers: get a question right and the next one is harder, miss one and the next is slightly easier. The number of questions and the time limit depend on your exam.
5. Complete any additional state requirements. Most states want a few more things before you're fully licensed: a background check with FBI fingerprints, self-reporting of any addiction history or legal trouble, proof of English proficiency, and references from professors or supervisors. Most also require "good moral character," usually demonstrated through your background check and references, and some boards check with former employers. Some states issue a temporary license while your full license is processed, often with restrictions such as working only under supervision. You can usually start applying for jobs once your application is in process, and you'll take on the full scope of your role once the state sends your license.
State nursing licensing requirements
Alabama
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Alabama Board of Nursing
CNAs
State Board Agency Name: Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry
Testing requirements: Nurse Aide Competency exam from Pearson VUE or the Alabama Nurse Aide Competency exam through Prometric
Fees: No application fee. Pay exam fee of either $100 for the written exam of $120 for the oral version.
Continuing Education Requirements: Certifications are kept active if the individual is currently working or has worked within the past 24 months in a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency, or mental health facility.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
State Board Agency: Alabama Board of Nursing
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $85 application fee, $50 temporary license fee, $3.50 transaction fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 CEU, plus 12 hours of independent study every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
State Board Agency: Alabama Board of Nursing
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $85 application fee, $50 temporary license fee, $3.50 transaction fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 24 CEU, plus 12 hours of independent study through CEU
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
State Board Agency Name: Alabama Board of Nursing
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $150
Continuing Education Requirements: At least 24 hours with a minimum of 6 hours must be completed in Pharmacology
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Alaska
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Alaska Certified Nurse Aide Registry
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Alaska Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Nurse Aide Examination from Pearson VUE
Fees: $50 for application, $100 for certification, $60 for fingerprint processing, $50 for examination
Continuing Education Requirements: 160 hours of monetarily compensated work experience and 24 hours of CEUs for two-year license renewal. The Alaska CNA Board stipulates that 12 CEUs are to be completed every 12 months to renew your license.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $275 (permanent license only) or $325 (including temporary permit)
Continuing Education Requirements: Must complete two of the following for license renewal: 30 contact hours, 30 hours professional nursing activities, 320 hours nursing employment
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $275 (permanent license only) or $325 (including temporary permit)
Continuing Education Requirements: Must complete two of the following for license renewal: 30 contact hours, 30 hours professional nursing activities, 320 hours nursing employment
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: Non-Refundable Application Fee: $100, APRN Licensure Fee: $100, Prescriptive Authority Fee: $100, Controlled Substances Prescriptive Authority Fee: $100, Temporary Permit: $100
Continuing Education Requirements: Submit proof of 60 hours of continuing education within the previous two years of the date of your application. Five contact hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Arizona
Licensing Agency: Arizona State Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Arizona Nursing Assistant exam. The exam has a written and a skills component.
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $50 temporary license, $150 application fee, $50 fingerprints
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past five years
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past five years
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years (i.e. LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN, master’s, or doctoral)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $50 temporary license, $150 application fee, $50 fingerprints
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past five years
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past five years
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years (i.e. LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN, master’s, or doctorate)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: Application fee: $150 (required), fingerprint fee: $50 (required), temporary certification fee: $35 (optional), prescribing and dispensing fee: $150 (optional) (for nurse practitioners only)
Continuing Education Requirements: Licensees who are authorized to prescribe or dispense Schedule II controlled substances and have a valid DEA number must complete a minimum of three hours related to opioids, substance abuse/use disorder, or addiction every four-year renewal.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Arkansas
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Arkansas Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Arkansas Nursing Assistant Competency exam
Fees:
- Arkansas will pay testing fees for candidates who are employed in nursing homes or have offers of employment in nursing homes.
- Candidates who are not eligible to have the state cover their testing fees will pay $10 for initial eligibility screening and $79 for the full assessment ($45: clinical skills test; $34: written or oral test).
Continuing Education Requirements: CNAs in Arkansas must complete 12 hours of CE annually.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $30 (temporary license), $125 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past five years
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past five years
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years (i.e. LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN, master’s, or doctorate)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $30 (temporary license), $125 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past five years
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past five years
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past five years
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past five years (i.e. LPN-to-RN, RN-to-BSN, master’s, or doctorate)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: Original license: $125, certificate of prescriptive authority: $160
Continuing Education Requirements:
- Arkansas nurses are required to complete 15 hours of CE to renew a license.
- Arkansas nursing licenses must be renewed before the last day of the licensee’s birth month.
- Renewal applications should include certificates of completed CEs.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
California
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: California Department of Public Health
LPN State Board: California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
RN and APRN State Board: California Board of Registered Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: California Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation Examination
Fees: $90 for written knowledge exam; $105 for oral version
Continuing Education Requirements: If you are a CNA in California, you need to have 48 hours of continuing education (CE) to renew your license.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: Exam $220; license $220
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $50 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license), $49 fingerprints
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years; due on your birthday
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: Application fee: $500. If you want to prescribe as a nurse practitioner in California, you’ll need to apply for a Furnishing Number (application fee: $50).
Continuing Education Requirements: Licensees who are authorized to prescribe or dispense Schedule II controlled substances and have a valid DEA number must complete a minimum of three hours related to opioids, substance abuse/use disorder, or addiction every four-year renewal.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Colorado
Licensing Agency: Colorado Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: National Nurse Aide Assessment from Pearson VUE
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $88 license; $164 renewal
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years (by September 30)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $88; $164 renewal
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years (by September 30)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $75 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Follows national requirements
Clinical Hours Required: None required
You Should Know: As an advanced practice nurse, you must qualify and apply for prescriptive authority. You must complete three graduate semester hours in each of the following courses to qualify:
- Pharmacology (including education on prescribing drugs and controlled substances)
- Pathophysiology
- Physical assessment
You must also document an 1,800-hour preceptorship and mentorship and develop an Articulated Plan. If you receive prescriptive authority, the credential you hold will be RXN-P.
Connecticut
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Nurse Aid Registration
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Board of Examiners for Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Connecticut Nurse Aide Examination through Prometric
Fees: $110 exam fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $180 (includes the cost of a temporary license)
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $180 (includes the cost of a temporary license)
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $200 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 50 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Delaware
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Delaware CNA Registry
LPN and RN State Board: Delaware Board of Nursing
APRN State Board: Delaware Board of Nursing (APRN)
CNAs
Testing requirements: Delaware Nurse Aide Exam though Prometric
Fees: CNA exam includes clinical skills test and knowledge test; $108 if taking the written knowledge test; $118 if taking the oral knowledge test.
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: At least 64 hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $40 temporary license; $141 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years, one of the following:
- 1,000 practice hours within the past five years
- 400 practice hours within the past two years
- Refresher course within the past two years AND CEU-30 including three hours on substance abuse
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $170 application and processing fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years, one of the following:
- 1,000 practice hours within the past five years
- 400 practice hours within the past two years
- Refresher course within the past two years AND CEU-30 including three hours on substance abuse
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $170 application and processing fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 10 hours in pharmacology if you have prescriptive authority
Clinical Hours Required: At least 64 hours of paid work in the past two years
Florida
Licensing Agency: Florida Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Florida Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: $140 exam fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $110 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours including two hours on the laws and rules that govern the practice of nursing in Florida; two hours of education on human trafficking
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $110 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours including two hours on the laws and rules that govern the practice of nursing in Florida; two hours of education on human trafficking
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $210 licensure fee, $100 for prescriptive authority
Continuing Education Requirements: 16 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Georgia
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Georgia Nurse Aide Program
LPN State Board: Georgia Board of Nursing (LPN)
RN State Board: Georgia Board of Nursing (RN)
APRN State Board: Georgia Board of Nursing (APRN)
CNAs
Testing requirements: National Nurse Aide Assessment through Pearson VUE
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $40 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 500 hours worked in two years
You Should Know: Nurses with 500 worked hours don’t need CEU credits.
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $40 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 500 hours worked in two years
You Should Know: Nurses with 500 worked hours don’t need CEU credits
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $75 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Hawaii
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Hawaii Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Hawaii Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: $200 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work over the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: Combined application and license fees: $234 during odd numbered years; $166 during even numbered years (per state’s Compliance Resolution Fund formula)
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years on June 30th of odd years, one of the following:
- 30 contact hours of continuing education activities
- Completion of a board-approved refresher course
- Completion of a minimum of two-semester credits of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
- Participation as a preceptor, for at least one nursing student or employee transitioning into new clinical practice areas for at least 120 hours, in a one-to-one relationship as part of an organized preceptorship program
- Completion as principal or co-principal investigator of a nursing research project that is an institutional review board project or evidence-based practice project that has been preapproved by the board
- Authoring or co-authoring a peer-reviewed published nursing or health-related article, book, or book chapter
- Developing and conducting a nursing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours of actual organized instruction that qualifies as continuing education
- Completion of a board-recognized nurse residency program
- A similar type of learning activity option, provided that the type of activity shall be recognized by the board
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: Combined application and license fees: $234 during odd numbered years; $166 during even numbered years (per state’s Compliance Resolution Fund formula)
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years on June 30th of odd years, one of the following:
- 30 contact hours of continuing education activities
- Completion of a board-approved refresher course
- Completion of a minimum of two-semester credits of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
- Participation as a preceptor, for at least one nursing student or employee transitioning into new clinical practice areas for at least 120 hours, in a one-to-one relationship as part of an organized preceptorship program
- Completion as principal or co-principal investigator of a nursing research project that is an institutional review board project or evidence-based practice project that has been preapproved by the board
- Authoring or co-authoring a peer-reviewed published nursing or health-related article, book, or book chapter
- Developing and conducting a nursing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours of actual organized instruction that qualifies as continuing education
- Completion of a board-recognized nurse residency program
- A similar type of learning activity option, provided that the type of activity shall be recognized by the board
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $194 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours with eight hours in pharmacology
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Idaho
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Idaho Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Idaho Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $25 temporary license, $152 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 15 contact hours of continuing education OR completion of a minimum of one semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education
Clinical Hours Required: 100 hours of practice or simulation practice
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $25 temporary license, $152 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 15 contact hours of continuing education OR completion of a minimum of one semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education
Clinical Hours Required: 100 hours of practice or simulation practice
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $90 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Illinois
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Illinois Department of Public Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Illinois Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Illinois State Nursing Aide Exam
Fees: $75 application and test fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $25 temporary license, $50 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: CEU: 20 hours, every two years by May 31
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $25 temporary license, $50 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: CEU: 20 hours, every two years by May 31
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $125 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 80 hours, with one hour in sexual harassment every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Indiana
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Indiana State Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
CNAs
Testing requirements: Indiana State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $50 temporary license, $60 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $50 temporary license, $60 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $50 Application, $60 prescriptive authority registration
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
Iowa
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Iowa Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Iowa State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $169 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every three years:
• 36 hours of CEUs (license less than three years, 24 CEUs) • Two hours child abuse training
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $169 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every three years:
- 36 hours of CEUs (license less than three years, 24 CEUs)
- Two hours child abuse training
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $81 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work every two years
Kansas
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Kansas Health Occupations Credentialing
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Kansas Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Kansas State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $20 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 12 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $75 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $75 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Kentucky
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Service
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Kentucky Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Kentucky Nurse Aide Exam (written exam and skills test)
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight paid hours of work every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $165 temporary license, $165 permanent license, $12 fingerprint fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Two hours of HIV/AIDS education and one of the following within the past two years (waived for the first renewal after licensure):
- 14 contact hours
- National, practice-related certification or recertification
- Completion of nursing research project as director, principal investigator, or co-investigator
- Publication of nursing-related article
- Professional nursing education presentation
- 120 hours as preceptor
- Seven contact hours plus satisfactory employment evaluation for CE
- Three contact hours of domestic violence education within the first three years after licensure (one time only)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $165 temporary license, $165 permanent license, $12 fingerprint fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Two hours of HIV/AIDS education and one of the following within the past two years (waived for the first renewal after licensure):
- 14 contact hours
- National, practice-related certification or recertification
- Completion of nursing research project as director, principal investigator, or co-investigator
- Publication of nursing-related article
- Professional nursing education presentation
- 120 hours as preceptor
- Seven contact hours plus satisfactory employment evaluation for CE
- Three contact hours of domestic violence education within the first three years after licensure (one time only)
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $165 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 14 hours with five in pharmacology every year
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Louisiana
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Louisiana Department of Health
LPN State Board: Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners
RN and APRN State Board: Louisiana State Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Louisiana Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight paid hours of work every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $200 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $240.75 (temporary license), $140.75 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements:
- Full-time nurses: 5 CEU
- Part-time nurses: 10 CEU
- Inactive nurses: 15 CEU
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $140.75 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work every two years
Maine
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services Division of Licensing and Certification
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Maine State Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Maine State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $75 temporary license, $75 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $75 temporary license, $75 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 50 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Maryland
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Maryland Board of Nursing
LPN and RN State Board: Maryland Board of Nursing
APRN State Board: Maryland Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Maryland State Nursing Aide Exam. Exam has both written test and skills test components.
Fees: $20 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $40 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: 1,000 practice related hours every two years unless you graduated less than five years ago
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $40 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: 1,000 practice related hours every two years unless you graduated less than five years ago
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $50 application fee, $25 certification fee
Continuing Education Requirements: National certification regulations
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Massachusetts
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Massachusetts Nurse Aide Registry Program
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Massachusetts State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam has both written test and skills test components.
Fees: $93 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the last two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $275 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 hours (waived for first renewal) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $275 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 hours (waived for first renewal) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $180 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Michigan
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Michigan Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Michigan Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $64 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 25 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $64 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 25 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $208.80 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 25 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Minnesota
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Minnesota Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Minnesota Nursing Board
CNAs
Testing requirements: Minnesota State Nursing Aide Exam
Fees: $64 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $105 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $105 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $105 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Mississippi
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Mississippi Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Mississippi Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: National Nurse Aide Assessment though Pearson VUE
Fees: $101 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 20 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 20 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $175 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 40 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Missouri
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Missouri Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Missouri Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Missouri State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam has both written test and skills test components
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $55 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $55 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $150 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Montana
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Montana Department of Health and Human Services
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Montana Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Montana State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $77 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $200 application fee. $27.25 background check fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $200 application fee. $27.25 background check fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Nebraska
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services/Division of Public Health/Licensure Unit
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services/Division of Public Health/Licensure Unit
CNAs
Testing requirements: Nebraska State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam has both written test and skills test components.
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $123 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 20 contact hours of board-approved CE within the past two years
Clinical Hours Required: 500 practice hours within the past five years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $123 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 20 contact hours of board-approved CE within the past two years
Clinical Hours Required: 500 practice hours within the past five years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $68 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 40 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 2,080 working hours in the past five years
Nevada
Licensing Agency: Nevada State Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Nevada State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $97.50 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: At least 40 hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $100 application, $200 examination
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours (including four hours on bioterrorism) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $100 application, $200 examination
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours (including four hours on bioterrorism) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $200 application fee; various fees for exam by specialty
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: At least 40 hours of paid work in the past two years
New Hampshire
Licensing Agencies
CNA (LNA) Licensing Agency: New Hampshire Board of Nursing
LPN and RN State Board: New Hampshire Board of Nursing
APRN State Board: New Hampshire Board of Nursing
CNAs (called LNAs in New Hampshire)
Testing requirements: New Hampshire State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $35 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours in the past two years
Clinical Hours Required: 200 hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $20 (temporary license), $120 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 400 hours every two years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $20 (temporary license), $120 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 400 hours every two years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $20 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 60 hours with 30 in your specialty every four years
Clinical Hours Required: 400 hours every four years
New Jersey
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: New Jersey Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: New Jersey Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: New Jersey State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam includes both written test and skills test components.
Fees: $23 skills test, $53 written test, $67 oral or Spanish language test
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least seven hours paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $140 (temporary license), $200 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours (one CEU on organ and tissue donation) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $140 (temporary license), $200 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours (one CEU on organ and tissue donation) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 application fee, $80 or $160 certification fee (depending on the date of your RN license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every five years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
New Mexico
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: New Mexico Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: New Mexico Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: New Mexico Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: $102 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $50 (temporary license), $110 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $50 (temporary license), $110 (permanent license)
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
New York
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: New York State Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: New York Office of the Professions
CNAs
Testing requirements: New York Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: Seven hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $35 temporary license, $143 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Three CEU on infection control and two CEU on child abuse recognition every four years.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $35 temporary license, $143 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Three CEU on infection control and two CEU on child abuse recognition every four years.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $85 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
North Carolina
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: North Carolina Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: National Nurse Aide Assessment through Pearson VUE
Fees: $101 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $150 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements:: 30 contact hours of continued education every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 640 hours of active practice within previous two years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $150 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 contact hours of continued education every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 640 hours of active practice within previous two years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $125 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Maintain national certification
Clinical Hours Required: None required
North Dakota
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: North Dakota Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: North Dakota Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: North Dakota State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $120 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $160 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 12 hours every year
Clinical Hours Required: 400 practice hours within last four years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $160 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 12 hours every year
Clinical Hours Required: 400 practice hours within last four years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $125 application, $75 for prescriptive authority
Continuing Education Requirements: 12 hours in the past two years, 15 hours of pharmacology if you have prescriptive authority
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Ohio
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Ohio Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Ohio Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Ohio State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam includes both written test and skills test components.
Fees: $76 skills test; $24 written test/$34 oral test
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours paid work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $75 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours (including one hour Ohio nursing law) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $75 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours (including one hour Ohio nursing law) every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Oklahoma
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Oklahoma State Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Oklahoma Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Oklahoma Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $95 temporary license, $85 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $95 temporary license, $85 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $70 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Oregon
Licensing Agency: Oregon State Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Nurse Aide Competency exam through Headmaster Testing Service
Fees: $106 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $195 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Seven hours on pain management every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 960 practice hours (within five years)
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $195 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Seven hours on pain management every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 960 practice hours (within five years)
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $150 for licensure, $75 for prescriptive authority
Continuing Education Requirements: 45 hours every two years, at least 15 in pharmacology
Clinical Hours Required: None required
You Should Know: Prescriptive authority is required for APRNs in Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Nurse Aide competency exam through Credentia
Fees: $102 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $35 temporary license, $100 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 30 hours, including three hours of state Department of Public Welfare-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $35 temporary license, $100 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 30 hours, including three hours of state Department of Public Welfare-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 application, $95 for prescriptive authority
Continuing Education Requirements: 48 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Rhode Island
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Rhode Island Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Rhode Island Department of Health
CNAs
Testing requirements: Rhode Island State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $135 license and application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 10 hours, including two hours of substance abuse education.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $135 license and application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 10 hours, including two hours of substance abuse education.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $145 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 10 hours, including two hours of substance abuse education.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
South Carolina
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: South Carolina Bureau of Long Term Care Services
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: South Carolina Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: National Nurse Aide Assessment through Pearson VUE
Fees: $101 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $10 temporary license, $100 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 contact hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $10 temporary license, $100 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 contact hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $170 license fee, $20 for prescriptive authority
Continuing Education Requirements: National certification maintained, 20 hours pharmacotherapeutics if you have prescriptive authority
Clinical Hours Required: None required
South Dakota
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: South Dakota Board of Nursing
LPN and RN State Board: South Dakota Department of Health
APRN State Board: South Dakota Department of Health
CNAs
Testing requirements: South Dakota State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam includes both written test and skills test components.
Fees: $89 for skills test; $70.50 for written knowledge test or $80.50 for oral test
Continuing Education Requirements: 12 hours each year
Clinical Hours Required: At least 12 paid hours every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $25 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license), $43.25 background check fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: 140 practice hours during any 12-month period within the past six years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $25 (temporary license), $100 (permanent license), $43.25 background check fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: 140 practice hours during any 12-month period within the past six years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Follows national rules of certification by specialty
Clinical Hours Required: Follows national rules of certification by specialty
Tennessee
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Tennessee Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Tennessee Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Tennessee State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours of paid work in the last two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $115 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: Proof of practice
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $115 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: Proof of practice
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $210 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Two hours to specifically address substance abuse every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Texas
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Texas Department of Health and Human Services
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Texas Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Texas State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $95 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: Must be actively employed for renewal
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $186 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 20 hours in the area of practice including two hours on bioterrorism
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $186 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Every two years: 20 hours in the area of practice including two hours on bioterrorism
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $100 for APRN license; $150 with prescriptive authority
Continuing Education Requirements: 20 hours every two years; five additional hours in pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs with prescriptive authority
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Utah
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Utah Nursing Assistant Registry
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensure
CNAs
Testing requirements: Utah State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $85 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 CEU hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 400 practice hours within the past two years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $100 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 15 CEU hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 400 practice hours within the past two years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $175 application fee; $240 to include controlled substance license
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Vermont
Licensing Agencies
CNA (LNA) Licensing Agency: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
LPN State Board: Vermont State Board of Nursing
RN State Board: Vermont State Board of Nursing
APRN State Board: Vermont State Board of Nursing
CNAs (Called LNAs in Vermont)
Testing requirements: National Nurse Aide Assessment from Pearson VUE
Fees: $130 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: 400 hours of paid CNA work in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $150 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: One of the following every two years:
• 960 practice hours within the past five years • 400 practice hours within the past two years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $150 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: One of the following every two years:
- 960 practice hours within the past five years
- 400 practice hours within the past two years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $60 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None if license is in good standing
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Virginia
Licensing Agency: Virginia Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Virginia State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam has both written test and skills test components
Fees: None
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
You Should Know: Advanced CNA certification is available: application $25
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $190 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization
- Completion of a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing practice
- Board-approved refresher course in nursing
- Completion of nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study
- Completion of publication as the author or co-author during a renewal cycle
- Teaching a nursing-related course resulting in no less than three semester hours of college credit or specialty certification
- Teaching nursing-related continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours
- 15 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse
- 30 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses relevant to the practice of nursing
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $190 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- Current specialty certification by a national certifying organization
- Completion of a minimum of three credit hours of post-licensure academic education relevant to nursing practice
- Board-approved refresher course in nursing
- Completion of nursing-related, evidence-based practice project or research study
- Completion of publication as the author or co-author during a renewal cycle
- Teaching a nursing-related course resulting in no less than three semester hours of college credit or specialty certification
- Teaching nursing-related continuing education courses for up to 30 contact hours
- 15 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses relevant to the practice of nursing and 640 hours of active practice as a nurse
- 30 contact hours of workshops, seminars, conferences or courses relevant to the practice of nursing
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $125 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 40 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Washington
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Washington State Department of Health
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: Washington State Department of Health-Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Washington State Nurse Aide Exam
Fees: $85 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $120 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 45 hours every three years
Clinical Hours Required: 531 hours every three years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $120 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 45 hours every three years
Clinical Hours Required: 531 hours every three years
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $125 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 30 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 250 hours every two years
Washington, D.C.
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: DC Health CNA Licensing
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: DC Health Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP) Examination administered by Pearson VUE
Fees: $55 written or oral exam
Continuing Education Requirements: Must have worked at least eight hours for pay performing nursing-related services during the certification period and have completed at least 24 hours of continuing education
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $187 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 18 hours of continuing education every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $187 license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours of continuing education every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $230 license fee; $145 prescriptive authority fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours of continuing education, including 15 hours of pharmacology hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
West Virginia
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification
LPN State Board: West Virginia LPN Board
RN and APRN State Board: West Virginia RN Board
CNAs
Testing requirements: West Virginia State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam includes both written test and skills test components
Fees: $125 for the written and skills test combination or $160 for the oral and skills test combination
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: At least eight hours in the past two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $10 temporary license; $75 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years
Clinical Hours Required: 400 hours every two years
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $25 temporary license; $100 permanent license
Continuing Education Requirements: 12 hours, including two hours on mental health conditions, one hour on drug diversion training and best practice prescribing of controlled substances yearly
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $35 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: 24 hours every two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
You Should Know: All continuing education for APRN license renewal needs to be at the CRNA or APRN level. No RN-level courses.
Wisconsin
Licensing Agencies
CNA Licensing Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
LPN, RN and APRN State Board: State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
CNAs
Testing requirements: Wisconsin State Nurse Aide Exam. Exam has both written test and skills test components
Fees: $125 written test or $130 oral test
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: Eight hours under the supervision of RN or LPN every two years
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $10 (temporary license), $75 (new graduates), $82 (out of state nurses)
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $10 (temporary license), $75 (new graduates), $82 (out of state nurses)
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $73 credential fee, $75 state law fee
Continuing Education Requirements: Eight CEU hours each year in clinical pharmacology/therapeutics in your area of practice
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Wyoming
Licensing Agency: Wyoming State Board of Nursing
CNAs
Testing requirements: Wyoming Nurse Aide Exam through Prometric
Fees: $60 application, $60 criminal background check
Continuing Education Requirements: None required
Clinical Hours Required: None required
LPNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-PN
Fees: $195 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- 500 practice hours within the past two years
- 1,600 practice hours within the past five years
- 20 CE units in the past two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
RNs
Testing requirements: NCLEX-RN
Fees: $195 application and license fee
Continuing Education Requirements: One of the following:
- 500 practice hours within the past two years
- 1,600 practice hours within the past five years
- 20 CE units in the past two years
Clinical Hours Required: None required
APRNs
Testing requirements: Nationally recognized exam in area of specialty
Fees: $250 application fee
Continuing Education Requirements: For prescriptive authority 15 contact hours of continuing education in pharmacotherapeutics. Other requirements follow national certification rules.
Clinical Hours Required: None required
Why school accreditation matters
Accreditation keeps educational standards high and curricula current, but it also protects you directly. Attend a non-accredited nursing school and you may not qualify for federal financial aid, your credits may not transfer if you go back to school later, and you may not be eligible for the exams, credentials, or certifications you need. Confirm a school's status with organizations like the AACN and ACEN before you enroll.
A U.S. Department of Education disclosure rule, in effect since July 2020, requires schools to tell prospective students whether a given program qualifies them to work in all 50 states. It exists to keep students from finishing a program only to learn it doesn't meet their state's requirements for employment.
Licensing for foreign-educated nurses
If you've worked as a nurse in another country and want to become an RN in the U.S., you'll have a few extra steps before applying for a license: passing an English proficiency test, taking an exam to confirm you're ready to practice here, and clearing a screening for a work visa.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Your license is generally good only in the state that issued it. Many states, though, belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, which lets a license from one participating state work in the others. As of April 2026, 43 jurisdictions have enacted NLC legislation, according to NCSBN, the organization that administers the compact. Whether you're relocating permanently or taking a two-month travel assignment, your current license will often cover you. New Jersey, for example, lets nurses holding active, unencumbered multi-state licenses from NLC member states practice there on those licenses.
What if your license expires?
RN licenses are generally valid for two years. If you've been out of nursing for a while and want to return, start by checking your state board's rules.
"Most states allow these nurses to take refresher courses, for both the LPN and RN, and some require a skills test," says Robert Rosseter, chief communications officer for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. "Most boards maintain a list of schools that offer the refresher courses."
The same goes for an expired APRN or CNA license: check with your state. Depending on how long it's been, you might owe a late fee, take a course, or sit for an exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to earn a nursing license? You need to finish an accredited, state-approved program, apply to your state board of nursing with transcripts and fees, pass the required licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN for RNs or NCLEX-PN for LPNs), and clear any extra state requirements like a background check with fingerprints. The level of education stays roughly the same across states; fees, continuing education, and testing details are what change.
What is the difference between a license and a certification? A license is the state-issued legal authority to practice in a role, and you cannot work in that role without it. A certification is a voluntary credential that shows advanced knowledge in a specialty, usually earned after licensure through a professional board. You need the license first; certifications build on it.
How long does the NCLEX take and how many questions is it? Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN run up to five hours and use computer-adaptive testing, so the exam delivers between 85 and 150 questions and ends once it can reliably score you above or below the passing standard (NCSBN). First-time pass rates for U.S.-educated candidates were about 91% in 2024.
Can a nursing license from one state work in another? Sometimes. If both states belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, a multistate license from your home state lets you practice in the other member states. As of April 2026, 43 jurisdictions participate (NCSBN). Outside the compact, you apply for licensure by endorsement in the new state.
How long is a nursing license valid? RN licenses are generally valid for two years, then renew with continuing education and a fee. Renewal cycles and continuing education hours are set by each state board, so confirm the rules where you practice.
What happens if your nursing license expires? Start with your state board's rules. Depending on how long it has lapsed, you may owe a late fee, complete a refresher course, or sit for an exam before you can return to practice.