Andi Tailleart

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Connecticut

There are many advantages to being a registered nurse in Connecticut. The state has excellent nursing schools and medical facilities, and the median salary paid to nurses in Connecticut is 6% higher than the national average. To guide you through the process of applying for your Connecticut nursing license, we’ve assembled the information below.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your nursing license by exam
• How to get your nursing license by endorsement
• How to renew your Connecticut nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Connecticut Board of Nursing

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How to get your Connecticut nursing license

Step 1: Education

Becoming a registered nurse begins with a solid educational foundation. There are three paths available:

•  Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
•  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
•  Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Connecticut requires applicants for registered nursing licensure to first obtain a nursing degree. Successful completion of any of the state board’s approved programs is the first step to being issued a state license.

Step 2: Apply

There are several steps that registered nurse candidates need to complete before submitting their online application for a license along with the appropriate fee. No paper applications will be accepted. 

• Register on the state’s website.
• Register to take the NCLEX at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex. The fee is $200. 
• Log on to the application site to submit your application and $180 fee. Once you have submitted the application and the Board has received your transcripts, they will have authorization to send the NCLEX-RN test to you electronically. 

Step 3: Transcripts

Candidates should arrange to have their official transcripts sent to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Ave
MS# 12 APP
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134

Step 4: Criminal Record Check 

Connecticut does not require nursing licensure candidates to submit to a mandatory background check. The state certification board does, however, require applicants to submit information pertaining to any past criminal history and individual facilities may require a background check.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

The National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) test is the last test that a registered nursing candidate has to take and pass before being issued a Connecticut state license. Authorization to take the test is provided after registering and paying the $200 fee at the PearsonVue website. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN, you must wait 45 days before scheduling another exam. The state allows candidates to take the exam as many as 8 times per year. The test must be passed within three years of graduation from a nursing program. The NCLEX consists of 75-145 questions, which will cover topics including:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
• Physiological Adaptation

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How to renew your Connecticut nursing license

Step 1: Submit renewal application

Connecticut’s registered nurses need to renew their licenses annually. You will receive notification that your license is up for renewal approximately 60 days before it expires. A second notice will be sent 30 days after expiration if no renewal application has been submitted. 

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

The state of Connecticut has mandated that every six years, all registered nurses need to complete:

• One contact hour on screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression, and grief
• One contact hour on suicide prevention training

One contact hour is defined as at least 50 minutes of instruction. Qualifying courses can be either in-person or online. Nurses attest to satisfaction of the requirement when applying for license renewal and need to keep records of attendance or certificates of completion for at least three years after the year in which the course was taken. These records do not need to be submitted during renewal but need to be provided within 45 days of a request for inspection from the department.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Renewal applications can be completed and license renewal fees paid online here. Nurses who prefer to submit a paper application need to email [email protected] to request a renewal application. 

How to get your nursing license by endorsement

Nurses holding out-of-state licenses seeking a new Connecticut license will need to have the verification of all RN licenses held, whether current or expired,  sent directly to the Connecticut Department of Public Health by the source.

If you have been licensed by a Nursys participating state, this information can be requested via this link. License verification from states that do not participate with Nursys should be requested by sending this verification form to the licensing state and requesting that they submit documentation to:

Connecticut Department of Public Health/RN Licensure
410 Capitol Ave
MS #12 APP
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134

Additionally, an online application and appropriate fees should be submitted online via this link.

Out-of-state nurses seeking a Connecticut license are eligible for a 120-day, non-renewable temporary permit to practice nursing while they are waiting for it to be issued. This temporary permit will be issued within 15 days of the completed application being received and approved.

Licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Connecticut whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Connecticut from another state. For more information visit the Connecticut licensing page.

Licensing fee by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $180

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $180

License renewal fees:

• Application: $110

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

Continuing education requirements

• RN/LPN: Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses actively practicing in Connecticut and applying for license renewal after January 1, 2022, and once every six years thereafter, are required to complete 2 contact hours of training or education on (1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (2) suicide prevention training. 

• APRNs licensed after October 1, 2014, must complete 50 hours of CE every 2 years
  • 5 hours must be in pharmacotherapeutics
  • At least 2 hours of training must address mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans.
  • Must complete at least 1 hour in the following topics:
    • HIV
    • Risk Management
    • Sexual Assault
    • Domestic Violence
    • Cultural Competency
    • Substance abuse, including, but not limited to, prescribing controlled substances and pain management

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. 

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How to Contact the Connecticut Board of Nursing

Connecticut Department of Health Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
Board of Examiners for Nursing
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Fax: (860) 509-8457

Attention all correspondence to the profession in which you are interested.

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/public-health-hearing-office/board-of-examiners-for-nursing/

The office is not open to visitors who do not have an appointment. There is a dropbox if you need to turn something in.

410 Capitol Ave, MS#12 APP
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134-0308

More Connecticut Resources

• Best hospitals in the state
• Best nursing schools in the state
• Average salary for RNs in the state

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. is so much more than just the nation’s capital. Home to some of the country’s most important museums and cultural events, Washington D.C. also boasts renowned hospitals where registered nurses earn top salaries.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Washington D.C. nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Washington D.C. nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Washington D.C. Board of Nursing

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How to get your Washington, D.C. nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

The Washington D.C. Board of Nursing accepts nurses for licensure by examination who have graduated from any of these local nursing programs as well as those that have been accredited by a national nursing organization or the U.S. Department of Education. Whether you pursued a two-year Associate’s degree or a four-year baccalaureate nursing degree, pursuing your nursing education is the first step to being licensed as a registered nurse.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

Washington, D.C. no longer accepts paper applications for nurse licensure. To apply for licensure by examination, start by visiting the DC Health portal and register as a new user. Once you have established an account, you will also be asked to upload the following documents:

• A copy of a U.S. government or state-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license
• A 2”x2” photo of your head and neck, with a plain white background
• Proof of name change if the name on your application is different from the name on any of your supporting documents. Proof can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or spouse’s death certificate.
• Social Security affidavit form if you do not have a Social Security number
• Special accommodation letters if requesting NCLEX accommodations
• Application fee of $237 payable by Visa or Mastercard only

You should also register for the NCLEX-RN exam and pay the $200 registration fee.  

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

You should request that official transcripts be sent from your university or college to the Board of Nursing. These documents can be sent via email to [email protected]. If your school does not send transcripts electronically, your official transcripts can be mailed by the school to:

DC Health – Board of Nursing
Attn: NCLEX Exam
899 North Capitol Street NE
Washington, DC 20002

If you attended a second degree program or an accelerated BSN program, be sure to request official transcripts from all institutions attended.

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

You must submit to a criminal background check Fieldprint. After you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing a code and link that will allow you to schedule an appointment once you have paid the fee.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once you have submitted all required information and it has been approved, the Board of Nursing will contact Pearson VUE and you will receive an email containing your Authorization to Test. At that point you can schedule a time to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This test addresses the following topics to ensure that you are well-prepared for your nursing career:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation

Washington, D.C. will consider your application abandoned and closed if you do not take the NCLEX exam within 90 days of submitting your application. If you do not pass the NCLEX you can register to take the exam again 45 days after your most recent test date.

If you have not passed the NCLEX exam more than twelve months but less than three years after graduation from an approved nursing education program, you are required to complete a review course approved by the Board to be approved to sit for the examination again.

If you do not pass the NCLEX more than three years but less than five years after your graduation, you will be required to complete a Board-approved review course and, upon passing the examination, to take a nursing refresher course to be eligible for a license.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

To switch your active nursing license from another state to Washington, D.C., visit the city’s online license site and register for an account. You will need to be prepared to provide the following:

• A copy of a U.S. government or state-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license
• A 2”x2” photo of your head and neck, with a plain white background
• Proof of name change if the name on your application is different from the name on any of your supporting documents. Proof can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or spouse’s death certificate.
• Social Security affidavit form if you do not have a Social Security number.
• Special accommodation letters if requesting NCLEX accommodations
• Application fee of $280 payable by Visa or Mastercard only

After completing the licensure application, you will also need to do the following:

•  Submit to a criminal background check via Fieldprint. After you have submitted your application, you will receive an email containing a code and link that will allow you to schedule an appointment once you have paid the fee.

Request official verification from your original state of licensure, as well as from your current state of licensure if different. Verification can be requested through NURSYS if your state participates with their process. There is a $30 fee for this service. States that do not participate with the NURSYS verification system should be asked to email verification to the DC Board of Nursing at [email protected]

How to renew your Washington, D.C. nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Washington, D.C. nurses are required to renew their licenses every two years. The deadline to renew is June 30^th each year and the renewal cycle opens in the middle of April, providing approximately ten weeks to complete the process. Nurses who miss the deadline can renew after the June 30^th deadline, but will be charged an additional fee of $85.00.

In addition to fulfilling continuing education requirements, registered nurses are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination (document upload indicating dates and types of vaccines required) and the $195 fee.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

There is a 24 hour continuing competency requirement for renewing a Washington, D.C. registered nurse license. This includes 2 hours in COVID Vaccinations, 2 hours in LGBTQ or Cultural Awareness, and 3 hours in HIV/AIDs. There is no need to submit documentation of your fulfillment of these requirements, but you should retain copies for at least two years in case you are subject to a random audit.

Incredible Health helps you earn your continuing competency credits by offering free Washington, D.C. CEUs. They are easy to access and include immediate certification of completion.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Washington, D.C. only accepts license renewals online. You can access the portal at www.doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals/s/portal-page. The page should be accessed through Google Chrome or Firefox rather than Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Internet Explorer. The license renewal process cannot be performed via cell phone.

Washington D.C. nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in the District of Columbia whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to D.C. from another state. For more information visit the Washington, D.C. licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $187 (RN/LPN)
• Criminal background check fee: $50

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $230 (RN/LPN)
• APRN fees (with one authority): $230 (APRN authority fee); $145 (RN license fee); $145 (each additional APRN authority); $130 (controlled substance authorization fee)
• Criminal background check fee: $50

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $145 (LPN/RN); $263 (APRN)

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 24 contact hours every 2 years (3 of which must be in HIV/AIDS, 2 hours in COVID vaccinations (for RN licenses active on August 11, 2021), and 2 hours of instruction in cultural competency focusing on patients who identify as LGBTQ)

LPN: 18 contact hours every 2 years (3 of which must be in HIV/AIDS, 2 hours in COVID vaccinations (for RN licenses active on August 11, 2021), and 2 hours of instruction in cultural competency focusing on patients who identify as LGBTQ) 

APRN: 24 contact hours every 2 years (15 must be in pharmacology, 3 hours must be in HIV/AIDS, 2 hours in COVID vaccinations (for RN licenses active on August 11, 2021), and 2 hours of instruction in cultural competency focusing on patients who identify as LGBTQ)

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Washington, D.C. Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited. 

How to contact the Washington D.C. Board of Nursing

Washinton, D.C. Board of Nursing
Phone: (202) 442-5955
Fax: (202) 442-4795

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon

899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002

More Washington D.C. Resources

• Best hospitals in the state
• Average salary for RNs in the state

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to some of the country’s best nursing schools as well as the best hospitals. It’s a great place to begin your nursing journey, and nurses who move to the state will find their skills are welcomed and rewarded. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about applying for your very first license as a registered nurse, as well as renewing your license and applying for your license by endorsement.

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In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your nursing license by exam
• How to get your nursing license by endorsement
• How to renew your Pennsylvania nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing

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How to get your license by endorsement

Registered nurses who are already licensed in other states are eligible for licensure by endorsement in Pennsylvania if they’ve graduated from an approved professional nursing education program in the U.S. or Canada and passed the NCLEX-RN or equivalent. The process takes approximately four weeks and the application fee is $120.

• The state of Pennsylvania requires all health-related licensees to complete 3 hours of DHS-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements. Register for this course using the same information that you will provide on your application for licensure. The course provider will submit confirmation of completion of the course to the Board.
• Create an account and submit your application and fee online at www.pals.pa.gov.
• If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, a Criminal History Records Check will automatically be submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police upon submission of your application for a nursing license. If you live or have lived out of state, submit a recent Criminal History Records Check from the state police or whatever state agency manages criminal record information for each state in which you’ve lived, worked, or studied over the past ten years.
• Request an official transcript from the RN educational program that qualified you for your original RN license be sent directly to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
• A Verification of Licensure from each state where you hold a registered nursing license must be sent to the Board indicating that you are in good standing.

How to renew your Pennsylvania nursing license

Step 1: Submit renewal application

Pennsylvania’s registered nursing licenses need to be renewed biennially. Though notices are sent out prior to the expiration date, failure to receive the notice does not serve as an excuse for failure to renew. Applications can be submitted online at www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/login. Registered nurses who are approaching their license expiration are encouraged to leave themselves plenty of time to complete a Board-approved Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting course as it may take time for the provider to send the data to the State Board of Nursing.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

Pennsylvania requires all registered nurses to complete 30 hours of Board-approved Continuing Education in order to renew their licenses. Incredible Health offers Pennsylvania-licensed nurses free continuing education units and instant certificates to help you complete your requirements. Though you do not need to submit your certificates at the time of your renewal, you are required to keep all documentation for five years in case you are randomly selected for an audit.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Applications should be submitted online at www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/login along with the required fee. Renewal licenses are generally issued within 3 calendar days.

Licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Pennsylvania whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Pennsylvania from another state. For more information visit the Pennsylvania licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $95

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fees: $120 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN)

License renewal fees:

• Application fees: $122 (RN); $76 (LPN); $81 (APRN, $41 Rx authority)

Additionally, Pennsylvania has passed legislation that will make it part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) once implementation is announced. Being a nursing compact state allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

Continuing education requirements

RN: 30 contact hours every 2 years, including 2 hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training

LPN: 3 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements

APRN: 30 contact hours every 2 years

• 16 must be in advanced pharmacology
• 2 hours approved child abuse recognition and reporting training
• 2 hours in pain management, identification of addiction, or the practices of prescribing or dispensing opioids

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  Please visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for each profession for specific information:

• Nursing CE page for RNs
• Nursing CE page for LPNs
• Nursing CE page for APRNs  

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How to contact the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Phone: (717) 783-7142 or (833) 367-2762
Fax: (717) 783-0822

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx

Mailing address:
State Board of Nursing
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

Physical address:
One Penn Center
2601 N. 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110

More Pennsylvania resources

• Best hospitals in the state
• Best nursing schools in the state
• Average salary for RNs in the state

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Louisiana

There are plenty of great reasons to live and work in Louisiana. The state has a vibrant culture, remarkable regional food, a welcoming climate, and a low cost of living. Whether you’re a new graduate who has graduated from one of the state’s fine nursing programs or an experienced professional, your Louisiana nursing career begins with applying for a license.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Louisiana nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Louisiana nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Louisiana Board of Nursing

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How to get your Louisiana nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

There are dozens of nursing board-approved Louisiana nursing programs offering diploma programs, Associate degree programs, and baccalaureate programs. Attaining any of these nursing degrees, or completing an accredited out-of-state program, is your first step to being licensed in the state. 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

Louisiana requires all nursing license applications to be submitted via its Nurse Portal, as the state no longer accepts paper applications. 

To apply for your initial registered nursing license by examination, you will need to be prepared to do the following:

• Upload a copy of a government-issued photo ID in PDF format
• Declare that Louisiana is your primary state of residence
• Upload any documents (in PDF format) relating to any “yes” responses to questions on the application
• Pay the application fee of $100 and the criminal background check fee of $39.25 by credit card
• Send the completed criminal background check packet and affidavit of verification to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing by US postal mail
• Upload and submit any accommodation requests and/or verification of out-of-state testing if applicable

After completing the application, candidates should register for the NCLEX-RN examination online or by phone at 1-866-496-2539 and pay the $200 registration fee.

You will not be considered eligible for a Louisiana nursing license if you have any disciplinary actions by any nursing or other health regulatory board, any civil or criminal charges pending, if you are not proficient in English, or if you do not have a U.S. Social Security number.

As part of the application process, registered nurse licensure candidates must submit an original, signed, notarized Affidavit of Verification via U.S. mail to the Louisiana Board of Nursing at:

Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Louisiana offers a 90-day temporary graduate permit that allows you to practice nursing in the state until full licensure is issued. The cost for application for a 90-day temporary permit is an additional $100.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

If you have graduated from a Louisiana-state-approved nursing education program, the administrator of your program will use the Affidavit of Graduation portal to review and approve its graduates to take the NCLEX-RN after graduation. They will prepare a list of applicants from their program and submit it to the board. Graduates from these programs should not submit transcripts.

If you have graduated from an out-of-state nursing education program, submit an Affidavit of Graduation form to the nursing program. An official transcript noting the degree conferred should be sent directly from the school to the Education Department of the Louisiana Board of Nursing at:

Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

To comply with Louisiana’s criminal background check requirement, candidates must download the forms found here after completing their licensure application.  Follow the instructions and submit the completed packet containing the receipt of payment, two authorization forms, and two FBI fingerprint cards directly to the board of nursing via U.S. postal mail. 

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

After you’ve completed the Louisiana state licensing requirements, the board will contact Pearson VUE and they will send you Authorization to Test. Taking the NCLEX-RN exam is the final step on your road to licensure. This national standardized test covers topics that were covered in your nursing education program, including:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

Once you have passed the NCLEX, your Louisiana nursing license will be issued. If you fail, you can submit an application to retake the exam through the Nurse Portal. You will also need to register for the exam again. You cannot schedule a test until 45 days have passed since your original test date. 

Louisiana requires applicants for licensure to pass the exam within four attempts and within four years of graduation, including testing in other states.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you are licensed as a registered nurse in another state and are requesting licensure in Louisiana, you must submit an application for licensure by endorsement through the state’s Nurse Portal. You should be prepared to:

• Upload a copy of a government-issued photo ID in PDF format
• Provide proof that Louisiana is your primary state of residence in the form of a current, unexpired Louisiana driver’s license with a home address; a federal income tax return with a primary state of residence declaration, or military form no. 2058
• Upload any documents (in PDF format) relating to any “yes” responses to questions on the application
• Pay the application fee of $100 and the criminal background check fee of $39.25 by credit card
• Send the completed criminal background check packet and affidavit of verification to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing by U.S. postal mail

When you submit your completed application, you will be asked to have the original state where your nursing board examination was taken and from the state where you are currently licensed submit verification of your license directly to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. This should be done through the NURSYS system unless the state’s Board of Nursing does not participate. If the state does not participate then the Verification of Nursing License form should be provided to them. They should submit the completed form directly to the Louisiana Board of Nursing at:

Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

As part of the application process, registered nurse licensure candidates must submit an original, signed, notarized Affidavit of Verification via U.S. mail to the Louisiana Board of Nursing at:

Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

To comply with Louisiana’s criminal background check requirement, after completing their licensure by endorsement, applicants  must download the forms found here and follow the instructions.  Submit the completed packet containing the receipt of payment, two authorization forms, and two FBI fingerprint cards directly to the board of nursing via U.S. postal mail. 

Louisiana offers a 90-day temporary permit that allows you to practice nursing in the state until full licensure by endorsement is issued. The cost for application for a 90-day temporary permit is an additional $100.

How to renew your Louisiana nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Louisiana requires registered nurses to renew their licenses every two years between October 1 and December 31. Applications for renewal that are received after December 31 will be charged a $50 late fee. Any licenses not renewed by January 31 of the following year will expire.  

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

Louisiana’s State Board of Nursing requires registered nurses renewing their license to complete one of the following options during the two years of their valid license period: 

1. 30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education; or 
2. 900 practice hours as verified by their employer on a form provided by the board: or 
3. Initial RN licensure by examination or endorsement during the previous calendar year; or 
4. Current certification in a specialty area of nursing by a certifying body whose requirements have been approved by the board as being equivalent to or exceeding the above requirements.

You do not need to submit proof of completion of continuing education requirements unless you are notified that you were selected for a random audit. Incredible Health is here to help Louisiana nurses fulfill their continuing education requirements by offering free CEU credits. Once you’ve taken the course, you can immediately download a certificate of completion. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Louisiana nurse licensure renewal application and fee of $61.08 are only accepted online, through the Nurse Portal.  

Louisiana nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Louisiana. These apply whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Louisiana from another state. For more information, visit the Louisiana licensing page. Separate license information for LPNs can be found at the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners. Louisiana is a  which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100
• Criminal background check fee: $39.25

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $100
• Temporary permit: $100
• Criminal background check fee: $39.25

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $100

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN

The renewal period is every 2 years. You must have completed at least 1 of the 2 options below during the 2-year licensure period:

• Minimum of 30 board-approved contact hours of continuing education during the 2-year licensure period; or
• A minimum of 900 practice hours during the 2-year licensure period as verified by the employer on a form provided by the board.

LPN

The renewal period is annual. You must have completed 1 of the following options:

• Practiced nursing 1600 hours (or more) within the calendar year. Obtain a minimum of 5 contact hours of ANCC or State Board of Nursing accredited nursing CE annually for license renewal; or
• Practiced nursing for at least 160 hours but less than 1600 hours within the calendar year. Obtain a minimum of 10 contact hours of ANCC or State BON accredited nursing CE annually for license renewal; or
• Practiced nursing for less than 160 hours during the calendar year. Obtain a minimum of 15 contact hours of ANCC or State BON accredited nursing CE annually for license renewal. Note: Nurses with 15 or more ANCC/BON accredited nursing contact hours do not need to provide proof of nursing practice hours verified by their employer if audited.

APRN

The renewal period is every 2 years. You must complete all of the following:

• 30 CEUs at the advanced level and directly related to the full scope of the advanced practice role and population focus for APRN; and
  • 6 hours in pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs with prescriptive authority
  • APRNs with Controlled Substance Authority need 3 hours as a prerequisite for license renewal. (This is a one-time requirement.)

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free, and conveniently online. The Louisiana State Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  

How to contact the Louisiana Board of Nursing

Louisiana State Board of Nursing

• Phone: (225) 755-7500
• Fax: (225) 755-7584
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.lsbn.state.la.us/
• Address:
  17373 Perkins Road
  Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (for LPNs)

• Phone: (504) 838-5791
• Fax: (504) 838-5279
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.lsbpne.com/
• Address:
  131 Airline Drive, Suite 301
  Metairie, LA 70001

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