How to get a nursing license: NCLEX, NLC compact, and state boards

LS
By Lindsay Smith, AGPCNP
Updated June 2, 2026

Reviewed for clinical accuracy · Methodology: NIH, NCBI, AANP guidelines

A nursing license is the legal authorization to practice nursing in the United States, issued by your state’s board of nursing. Before you can care for a single patient, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass the NCLEX exam — the national licensure examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Every RN and LPN/LVN in the US holds a state-issued license tied to their primary state of residence.

Quick answers:

  • The NCLEX-RN costs $200 (Pearson VUE registration fee); state application fees are separate
  • The 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US-educated candidates was 85.27% (NCSBN)
  • 40 states are currently NLC compact members — a compact license lets you practice across all of them without additional applications
  • Most nurses receive their license 1–4 weeks after passing the NCLEX, depending on state

What are the requirements to work as a nurse?

The NCSBN sets the framework, but your state board of nursing enforces it. To become licensed, you need:

  1. Graduation from a board-approved nursing program (LPN, ADN, BSN, or higher)
  2. NCLEX exam — NCLEX-RN for RNs, NCLEX-PN for LPNs/LVNs
  3. State application — submitted to your state board with required documentation
  4. Background check — criminal history review required in all states
  5. Disclosure — any criminal convictions, substance use disorders, or functional deficits must be reported

Your state board handles licensing, renewal, and discipline. The NCSBN provides the exam and national standards; your board is the licensing authority.


The NCLEX exam

What is the NCLEX?

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the standardized test all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed in the US. There are two versions:

  • NCLEX-RN — for registered nurse candidates; 75–145 questions, computer adaptive testing (CAT)
  • NCLEX-PN — for practical/vocational nurse candidates; 85–150 questions, CAT

The exam uses computer adaptive testing, which means the difficulty of each question adjusts based on your previous answers. The exam ends when the computer can determine with 95% confidence whether you’re above or below the passing standard — which is why some candidates finish in 75 questions and others use the full 145.

What is the Next Generation NCLEX?

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) launched on April 1, 2023 — the most significant change to the exam in decades. If you’re testing now, you’re taking the NGN.

The NGN was redesigned to measure clinical judgment rather than memorized facts. NCSBN developed the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM), a six-step framework:

  1. Recognize cues
  2. Analyze cues
  3. Prioritize hypotheses
  4. Generate solutions
  5. Take actions
  6. Evaluate outcomes

Each NGN case study presents a realistic patient scenario followed by six questions, one per CJMM step. The exam now includes innovative item types beyond traditional multiple choice:

  • Extended drag and drop
  • Matrix multiple choice / multiple response
  • Cloze (drop-down) — fill in the blank from a dropdown list
  • Highlight — identify relevant data in a clinical note
  • Bow-tie items — condition, actions, and parameters linked in one question
  • Trend items — assess how a patient’s status is changing over time

A major scoring change: traditional NCLEX items were dichotomous (all correct or all incorrect). NGN items use partial credit scoring, which better reflects clinical reasoning in complex, multi-part questions.

How much does the NCLEX cost?

The Pearson VUE registration fee is $200 for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. This is separate from your state board application fee, which varies by state (see the state boards section below). Most candidates pay $250–$450 total between the two fees.

What is the NCLEX pass rate?

According to NCSBN’s 2024 annual statistics:

  • First-time US-educated NCLEX-RN candidates: 85.27%
  • Repeat US-educated NCLEX-RN candidates: approximately 45–53%
  • First-time internationally educated NCLEX-RN candidates: 46.74%

Pass rates fluctuate by quarter — Q1 and Q2 (January–June) historically run higher because spring graduates are better-prepared than fall re-testers. If you’re a first-time test-taker with a solid study plan, the odds are in your favor.

How to schedule the NCLEX

  1. Apply for licensure through your state board of nursing (see the state boards section)
  2. Register with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/nclex and pay the $200 fee
  3. Your state board approves your eligibility and notifies Pearson VUE
  4. Pearson VUE sends your Authorization to Test (ATT) by email — typically within 2–6 weeks of completing your application and meeting all eligibility requirements
  5. Schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE candidate portal; the ATT is valid for 90 days
  6. Take the exam at a Pearson VUE test center

You cannot schedule your exam until you have your ATT. Don’t delay submitting your state board application — the ATT clock starts there, not at Pearson VUE registration.


From graduation to first paycheck: the full timeline

Most nurses are working 6–10 weeks after graduation, though the range is wide depending on state processing speed and how quickly you move through each step.

StepWhat happensTypical timeframe
1. GraduateComplete your nursing programDay 0
2. Apply to state boardSubmit application, transcripts, background check, feesWeek 1–2
3. Register with Pearson VUECreate account, pay $200 exam feeWeek 1–2 (can do simultaneously)
4. Receive ATTState board approves eligibility, Pearson VUE sends email2–6 weeks after application
5. Schedule and take NCLEXBook your slot, test at Pearson VUE centerWithin 90-day ATT window
6. Quick Results (optional)Unofficial pass/fail available for $7.952 business days post-exam
7. Official results + license issuedState board confirms and issues license1–4 weeks after passing
8. Start workingLicense number visible in state nurse lookupSame day license issued

Key point on quick results: Pearson VUE’s Quick Results service ($7.95) gives you an unofficial pass/fail result two business days after your exam. It’s reliable, but it is not a license authorization — you cannot legally practice nursing until your state board issues your license number.

What to do while waiting for your ATT: Many hospitals will hire you as a graduate nurse (GN) with a conditional offer pending licensure. Ask HR whether they can give you a start date contingent on licensure — most will. You can also work as a patient care technician, CNA, or in a non-clinical role while waiting.


The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)

What is the NLC?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states to recognize each other’s nursing licenses. If you live in a compact state and hold a license there, that license is automatically a multistate license — you can practice in any of the other 40+ compact member states without applying for an additional license.

The compact was first launched in 2000. In 2018, it was updated to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which added uniform eligibility requirements including a federal background check. All current NLC members operate under the eNLC framework.

Current NLC member states (40 states as of 2026)

RegionMember states
WestArizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
MidwestIndiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
SouthAlabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
NortheastConnecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Pennsylvania joined the NLC in July 2025. Connecticut joined in October 2025.

Four additional states have enacted NLC legislation but are not yet operational: Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Implementation timelines vary by state — check nursecompact.com for current status.

States still outside the NLC: California, Illinois, and Alaska do not participate. Nurses practicing in these states must hold a separate state license.

How to tell if you qualify for a multistate license

To hold a multistate license, you must:

  1. Live in a compact state — your primary state of residence (where you vote, pay taxes, and hold your driver’s license) must be an NLC member
  2. Hold a license in good standing — no current discipline, restrictions, or encumbrances
  3. Pass a federal background check — required under the eNLC
  4. Graduate from an approved program — NCSBN-accredited program required

There is no separate “compact license” application. When you meet the requirements and receive your license in a compact state, it is automatically a multistate license. The license is tied to your home state — if you move to another compact state, you must apply for a new license in that state, and your previous multistate license becomes a single-state license.

If your state is not in the NLC

If you live in a non-compact state (California, Illinois, Alaska, or states with pending implementation), you hold a single-state license. To practice in another state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement in that state (see section below).


License by endorsement: moving to a new state

Licensure by endorsement is the process of obtaining a nursing license in a new state using your existing license — without retaking the NCLEX. It applies in two situations:

  1. You’re moving from a non-compact state to any state (compact or not)
  2. You’re moving from one compact state to another and want to establish your new home state license

Step-by-step endorsement process

Step 1: Verify your current license through Nursys Most state boards require verification of your existing license through Nursys.com, the national nurse license verification system. Confirm your license is active and in good standing before applying.

Step 2: Apply to the new state board Each state has its own application portal. Select “Registered Nurse by Endorsement” (or LPN equivalent). You’ll complete a form, upload documents, and pay the application fee — typically $100–$250.

Step 3: Submit required documents Most states require: official transcripts from your nursing program, Nursys verification of your current and original licenses, fingerprints for a state and federal background check, and proof of any required continuing education.

Step 4: Background check processing Fingerprint-based background checks add time to the process. Most states use either IdentoGO or a similar vendor. Submit fingerprints promptly once you receive instructions.

Step 5: Wait for approval Processing times vary considerably:

  • Texas, Florida, and most Midwest states: 3–4 weeks
  • California: 6–12 weeks (notably slow)
  • High-volume periods (spring/summer) add time in all states

Temporary or walk-away permits: Some states issue a temporary practice permit while your endorsement application is pending. This lets you start working before the full license arrives. Ask your target state board whether they offer this — not all do.

Total typical timeline: Plan for 4–8 weeks for most states, or 10–12 weeks for California. Start the endorsement process 2–3 months before your planned move date.


License renewal

Renewal cycle

Most states require license renewal every two years, though a handful use different schedules:

  • Annual: Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, West Virginia
  • Every two years: Most states (the standard)
  • Every three years: Iowa, New York
  • Every four years: Arizona

Your state board will send a renewal reminder before your expiration date. Renew online through your state board’s portal — the process takes 15–30 minutes and requires payment of the renewal fee.

Continuing education requirements

CE requirements vary significantly. Some states require zero hours; others require 30+ per renewal period. A few states mandate specific topics such as medication errors, domestic violence, or infection control regardless of specialty.

General ranges:

  • 0 CE hours required: Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Vermont, Virginia, and others
  • 15–20 CE hours: Arkansas (15), Massachusetts (15), Minnesota (24 RN / 12 LPN), Michigan (25), Texas (20)
  • 24–30 CE hours: Most states fall in this range
  • Specialty requirements: Florida requires HIV/AIDS (1 hour, initial licensure), medical errors prevention (2 hours), domestic violence (2 hours every third renewal)

Always verify current requirements with your state board — CE requirements change, and the figures above may not reflect recent updates.

What happens if your license lapses

A lapsed license is not a suspended license, but practicing with an expired license is illegal and can result in discipline. Most state boards have a reinstatement or reactivation process:

  • Lapsed under 1 year: Typically requires back renewal fee, late penalty, and any outstanding CE
  • Lapsed 1–5 years: May require additional CE hours, competency verification, or a refresher course
  • Lapsed 5+ years: Many states require a nursing refresher program (typically 80–120 hours didactic + clinical hours)

If your license has lapsed and you’re returning to practice, contact your state board directly before doing anything else.


Nursing boards by state

The information below reflects data from each state board. Fees and CE requirements change periodically — verify current requirements directly with your state board before applying or renewing.

Alabama State Board of Nursing

Address: 770 Washington Avenue RSA Plaza, Suite 250 Montgomery, AL 36130-3900 Phone: (334) 293-5200 Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $85 License renewal (every two years), RN: $75

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 24 contact hours for every renewal period

Alaska State Board of Nursing

Address: Dept. of Comm. & Econ. Development Div. of Occupational Licensing 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1500 Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: (907) 269-8161 Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $334 License renewal (every two years), RN: $175

Continuing Education Requirements: Two of the following: 30 contact hours 30 hours of professional nursing activities 320 hours of nursing employment

Arizona State Board of Nursing

Address: 4747 N. 7th St. Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85014 Phone: (602) 771-7800

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $300 License renewal (every four years), RN: $160

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Address: University Tower Building 1123 S. University, Suite 800 Little Rock, AR 72204-1619 Phone: (501) 686-2700

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $100 License renewal (every two years), RN: $75

Continuing Education Requirements: 15 practice-focused continuing education contact hours, or a current nationally recognized certification, or a minimum of one college credit course in nursing with a grade of C or better during the licensure period.

California State Board of Registered Nursing

Address: 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150 PO Box 944210 Sacramento, CA 95834 Phone: (916) 322-3350

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $150 License renewal (every two years), RN: $140

Continuing Education Requirements: 30 contact hours per renewal period

Colorado State Board of Nursing

Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone: (303) 894-2430

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $88 License renewal (every two years), RN: $123

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing

Address: Dept. of Public Health 410 Capitol Avenue PO Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 Phone: (860) 509-8000

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $180 License renewal (annual), RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Delaware State Board of Nursing

Address: Cannon Building 861 Silver Lake Blvd. Cannon Building, Suite 203 Dover, DE 19904 Phone: (302) 744-4500

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $124 License renewal (every two years), RN: verify with state board

Continuing Education Requirements: 30 contact hours every renewal period

District of Columbia State Board of Nursing

Address: Department of Health 899 N. Capitol Street, N.E., 1st Floor Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 442-5955

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $187 License renewal (every two years), RN: $145

Continuing Education Requirements: 24 contact hours for RNs and 18 contact hours for LPNs every renewal period

Florida State Board of Nursing

Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C01 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3251 Phone: (850) 488-0595

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $175 License renewal (every two years), RN: $80

Continuing Education Requirements: 1 hour HIV/AIDS (initial licensure only) 2 hours relating to the prevention of medical errors 24 hours of continuing education related to nursing 2 hours of domestic violence education every third renewal

Georgia State Board of Nursing

Address: 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217-3858 Phone: (478) 207-2440

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $175 License renewal (every two years), RN: $80

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Hawaii State Board of Nursing

Address: King Kalakaua Building 335 Merchant Street, Room 301 Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808) 586-3000

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $40 License renewal (every two years), RN: $160

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Idaho State Board of Nursing

Address: 280 N. 8th Street, Suite 210 PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720 Phone: (208) 577-2476

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $90 License renewal (every two years), RN: $90

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Illinois Department of Professional Regulation

Address: James R. Thompson Center 100 West Randolph, 9th Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: (312) 814-4500

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $91 License renewal (every two years), RN: $50

Continuing Education Requirements: LPN: 20 hours of approved continuing education RN: 20 hours of approved continuing education APN: 50 hours of approved continuing education

Indiana State Board of Nursing

Address: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency 402 W. Washington Street, Room W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Phone: (317) 232-2960

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $50 License renewal (every two years), RN: $50

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Iowa State Board of Nursing

Address: River Point Business Park 400 S.W. 8th Street Suite B Des Moines, IA 50309-4685 Phone: (515) 281-3255

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $143 License renewal (every three years), RN: $99

Continuing Education Requirements: For renewal of a three-year license: 36 contact hours. For renewal of a license issued for less than three years: 24 contact hours.

Kansas State Board of Nursing

Address: Landon State Office Bldg. 900 SW Jackson, Suite 1051 Topeka, KS 66612-1230 Phone: (785) 296-4929

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $75 License renewal (every two years), RN: $60

Continuing Education Requirements: 30 contact hours each renewal period for nurses at all levels of practice.

Kentucky State Board of Nursing

Address: 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300 Louisville, KY 40222 Phone: (502) 329-7000

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $110 License renewal (every two years), RN: $50

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 14 contact hours every two years. Two of the required hours must be AIDS CE; three hours of domestic violence CE required within 3 years of Kentucky licensure.

Louisiana State Board of Nursing

Address: 17373 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Phone: (225) 755-7500

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $142.50 License renewal, RN: $80–$105 depending on date of renewal

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: 5, 10, or 15 contact hours every year, based on employment status

Maine State Board of Nursing

Address: 161 Capitol Street 158 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 Phone: (207) 287-1133

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $75 License renewal (every two years), RN: $75

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Maryland State Board of Nursing

Address: 4140 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 Phone: (410) 585-1900

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $100 License renewal (annual), RN: $73

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Massachusetts State Board of Nursing

Address: Board of Registration in Nursing 239 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02114 Phone: (617) 973-0900

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $230 License renewal (every two years), RN: $120

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 15 contact hours every renewal period

Michigan Board of Nursing

Address: Ottawa Towers North 611 W. Ottawa, 4th Floor Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 373-9280

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $54 License renewal (every two years), RN: $60

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 25 contact hours every renewal period

Minnesota State Board of Nursing

Address: 2829 University Avenue SE Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone: (612) 617-2270

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $115.50 License renewal (every two years), RN: $93.50

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: 24 contact hours every renewal period LPNs: 12 contact hours every renewal period

Mississippi State Board of Nursing

Address: 713 Pear Orchard Road, Suite 300 Ridgeland, MS 39157 Phone: (601) 957-6300

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $100 License renewal (every two years), RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Missouri State Board of Nursing

Address: 3605 Missouri Blvd P.O. Box 656 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656 Phone: (573) 751-0293

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $45 License renewal (every two years), RN: $60

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Montana State Board of Nursing

Address: 301 South Park PO Box 200513 Helena, MT 59620-0513 Phone: (406) 841-2345

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $200 License renewal (every two years), RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: 24 contact hours every renewal period

Nebraska Health and Human Services System

Address: Dept. of Regulation & Licensure, Nursing Section 301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509 Phone: (402) 471-3121

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $123 License renewal (every two years), RN: $123

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: 20 contact hours every renewal period

Nevada State Board of Nursing

Address: License Certification and Education 4220 S. Maryland Parkway Suite B300 Las Vegas, NV 89119

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $100 License renewal (every two years), RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period

New Hampshire State Board of Nursing

Address: 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16 Concord, NH 03301 Phone: (603) 271-2323

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $120 License renewal (every two years), RN: $80

Continuing Education Requirements: All nurses: 30 contact hours every renewal period

New Jersey State Board of Nursing

Address: P.O. Box 45010 Newark, NJ 07101 Phone: (973) 504-6430

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $200 License renewal (every two years), RN: $120

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period

New Mexico State Board of Nursing

Address: 6301 Indian School Road NE Suite 710 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Phone: (505) 841-8340

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $110 License renewal (every two years), RN: $93

Continuing Education Requirements: All nurses: 30 contact hours every renewal period

New York State Board of Nursing

Address: State Education Building 89 Washington Avenue 2nd Floor West Wing Albany, NY 12234 Phone: (518) 474-3817 Ext. 120

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $143 License renewal (every three years), RN: $50

Continuing Education Requirements: 2-hour course on child abuse (one-time requirement for registration) 4-hour course on infection control every four years

North Carolina State Board of Nursing

Address: 4516 Lake Boone Trail Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 782-3211

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $75 License renewal (every two years), RN: $92

Continuing Education Requirements: All nurses: 30 contact hours every renewal period

North Dakota State Board of Nursing

Address: 919 South 7th Street, Suite 504 Bismark, ND 58504 Phone: (701) 328-9777

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $110 License renewal (every two years), RN: $90

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 12 contact hours every renewal period

Ohio State Board of Nursing

Address: 17 South High Street, Suite 400 Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: (614) 466-6940

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $75 License renewal: verify with state board

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: 24 contact hours per renewal period

Oklahoma State Board of Nursing

Address: 2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 Phone: (405) 962-1800

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $85 License renewal (every two years), RN: $75

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Oregon State Board of Nursing

Address: 17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road Portland, OR 97224-7012 Phone: (971) 673-0685

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $160 License renewal (every two years), RN: $145

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: Complete the one-time Pain Management continuing education requirement

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

Address: PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 Phone: (717) 783-7142

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $35 License renewal (every two years), RN: $65; LPN: $60

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period; LPNs: None

Rhode Island State Board of Nursing

Department of Health Three Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908 Phone: (401) 222-5960

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $135; LPN: $90 License renewal (every two years), RN: $135

Continuing Education Requirements: All nurses: 10 contact hours every renewal period

South Carolina State Board of Nursing

Address: Synergy Business Park Kingstree Building 110 Centerview Drive Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: (803) 896-4300

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $90 License renewal (every two years), RN: $50

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period

South Dakota State Board of Nursing

Address: 4305 South Louise Ave., Suite 201 Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115 Phone: (605) 362-2760

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $100 License renewal, RN: $90

Continuing education requirements: None

Tennessee State Board of Nursing

Address: 227 French Landing, Suite 300 Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: (615) 741-3111

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $115 License renewal (every two years): RN: $210

Continuing Education Requirements: No CE hours required; license renewal requires proof of continued competence.

Texas Board of Nurse Examiners

Address: 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460 Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 305-7400

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $186 License renewal (every two years), RN: $70

Continuing Education Requirements: 20 contact hours per renewal period

Utah State Board of Nursing

Address: Heber M. Wells Building 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: (801) 530-6701

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $100 License renewal (every two years), RN: $58

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs: Have practiced at least 400 hours during the two years preceding renewal, or completed 30 contact hours, or practiced at least 200 hours and completed 15 contact hours during the two years preceding renewal.

Vermont State Board of Nursing

Address: 89 Main Street 3rd Floor Montpelier, VT 05620-3402 Phone: (802) 828-2396

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $90 License renewal (every two years), RN: $95

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Virginia State Board of Nursing

Address: Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233-1463 Phone: (804) 367-4400

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $190 License renewal: verify with state board

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission

Address: Department of Health PO Box 47890 Olympia, WA 98504-7864 Phone: (360) 236-4030

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $92 License renewal (annual), RN: $101

Continuing Education Requirements: RNs and LPNs: Seven contact hours in HIV-AIDS education

West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses

Address: 101 Dee Drive, Suite 102 Charleston, WV 25311 Phone: (304) 558-3596

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $51.50 License renewal (annual), RN: $65

Continuing Education Requirements: 12 contact hours per renewal period

Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing

Address: 1400 E. Washington Avenue P.O. Box 8935 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: (608) 266-2112

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $90 License renewal (every two years), RN: $86

Continuing Education Requirements: None

Wyoming State Board of Nursing

Address: 130 Hobbs Avenue, Suite B Cheyenne, WY 82002 Phone: (307) 777-7601

Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $135 License renewal (every two years), RN: $110

Continuing Education Requirements: 20 contact hours, or 500 practice hours every two years, or 1,600 practice hours every five years, or completion of a refresher program.