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Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Ohio

Ohio has a thriving economy and low cost of living, professional and collegiate sports teams, and thriving cultural venues. With respected educational institutions and world-class hospitals, it’s a great place to live and work.

In this article, we will cover:

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

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How to get your Ohio nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Your nursing degree represents hard work and an enormous investment, and it’s the foundation of your career as a registered nurse. Ohio issues licenses to qualified candidates who have completed two- and four-year nursing programs, and publishes a helpful timeline to assist nursing education students as they complete their application.

• 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

The application process begins with setting up an account on Ohio’s eLicense portal. Once you’ve registered, you can complete and submit your Application for Licensure by Examination and pay the $75 application fee. This should be done no more than 60 days prior to completing your nursing program. The eLicense dashboard will verify when your application has been submitted. 

You also need to register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX exam. The registration fee is $200 and this should be submitted no later than the date you complete your nursing program. 

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Students who have attended Ohio nursing programs should provide their application number to their program’s administration so that they can process your Program Completion Letter confirming your graduation. 

Graduates of non-Ohio nursing programs must provide a signed and sealed official transcript directly to the Board at [email protected]. The diploma, certificate, or degree as well as the date of completion must be included in the transcript.

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

Ohio requires both civilian and FBI criminal record checks for licensure. This should be completed no later than 60 days before you have completed your nursing program.  All fingerprint processing is completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

To have your fingerprints processed in Ohio, use the national Webcheck program. Approved facilities can be found here. Once you’ve chosen a site, contact them to schedule an appointment and verify their requirements. You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID. Under “Reason for Fingerprinting” enter ORC 4723.091. Submit your payment and request that the facility select Direct Copy for the Ohio Board of Nursing. Make sure that you tell the Webcheck facility that they should submit electronic copies rather than using the Board’s mailing address.

To have your fingerprints processed out of state, you will need to obtain ink fingerprints from an agency in your location that can provide this service. 

You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID and the fee required by the agency. You should also bring two copies each of the BCI fingerprint card and the FBI fingerprint card and complete the ink fingerprinting on all four cards at your location.  

Make sure that the top left-hand corner of the two FBI cards read “Applicant” and the BCI card reads “BCI.” If the site that you use requires you to use their cards, cross out the word “Applicant” and print “BCI.” 

Complete the top portion of all four cards and use code ORC 4723.091 for the reason for fingerprinting. For employer address, use: 

Ohio Board of Nursing
17 S. High Street, Suite 660
Columbus, OH 43215.

Mail two fingerprint cards (one Applicant and one BCI) to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) with a $47.25 payment (money order, personal check, or business check made out to Treasurer, State of Ohio) for processing. Mail to:

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI)
PO Box 365
London, OH 43140

Keep the other cards for your records in case your submissions were rejected. 

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

The Ohio Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE when you have met all of its requirements. Upon receiving this notification, Pearson will email you your Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-RN exam. The questions on the NCLEX will cover the lessons you learned during your nurse education, 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 pass the NCLEX, your Ohio nursing license will be issued. Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX must register to retake the exam and pay the $200 fee again. Though you must wait 45 days to retake the exam, Ohio does not limit the number of times that you can take the NCLEX.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you hold a current, valid nursing license in another state and you want to be licensed as a registered nurse in Ohio, you must apply for licensure by endorsement. Once you have completed your application, you can receive a temporary permit to practice, effective for 179 days until the remainder of your requirements for licensure have been met and your license has been issued.

To get your license by endorsement:

• Register for an account and apply for licensure by endorsement online via the Ohio eLicense portal. The application fee is $75.
• If your current license is from a state that participates with the NURSYS system, request that verification be sent directly to the Board electronically. If your license is from a non-participating state, request verification of your license be sent directly to the Board at [email protected].
• Provide evidence of completion of a RN pre-licensure nursing education program. This is generally included in the NURSYS report or board verification report, but if not then a transcript or other documentation is required.
• Provide documentation of completion of two contact hours of “Category A continuing education.”
• Ohio requires both civilian and FBI criminal record checks for licensure. This should be completed no later than 60 days before you have completed your nursing program.  All fingerprint processing is completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
  • To have your fingerprints processed in Ohio, use the national Webcheck program. Approved facilities can be found here. Once you’ve chosen a site, contact them to schedule an appointment and verify their requirements. You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID. Under “Reason for Fingerprinting” enter ORC 4723.091. Submit your payment and request that the facility select Direct Copy for the Ohio Board of Nursing. Make sure that you tell the Webcheck facility that they should submit electronic copies rather than using the Board’s mailing address.
  • To have your fingerprints processed out of state, you will need to obtain ink fingerprints from an agency in your location that can provide this service. 
  • You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID and the fee required by the agency. You should also bring two copies each of the BCI fingerprint card and the FBI fingerprint card and complete the ink fingerprinting on all four cards at your location.  
  • Make sure that the top left-hand corner of the two FBI cards read “Applicant” and the BCI card reads “BCI.” If the site that you use requires you to use their cards, cross out the word “Applicant” and print “BCI.”
  • Complete the top portion of all four cards and use code ORC 4723.091 for the reason for fingerprinting. For employer address, use:
    
    Ohio Board of Nursing
    17 S. High Street, Suite 660
    Columbus, OH 43215
    
  • Mail two fingerprint cards (one Applicant and one BCI) to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) with a $47.25 payment (money order, personal check, or business check made out to Treasurer, State of Ohio) for processing. Mail to:

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI)
PO Box 365
London, OH 43140

Retain the other cards for your records in case your submissions were rejected.

How to renew your Ohio nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Ohio nurses must renew their license every two years, with renewal starting July 1. The Board of Nursing emails renewal notifications from late May through June. The fee is $65 plus a $3.50 transaction fee. Renewals that are not received by September 15 will be subject to a late processing fee of $50.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

There are no continuing education requirements for the license renewal period after getting your Ohio nursing license by examination, but after your first renewal you will be required to complete at least 24 contact hours of Continuing Education, including at least one contact hour of Category A for each renewal.  

If you are in your first renewal period of licensure by endorsement and you have only been licensed in Ohio for a year or less, you are only required to fulfill 12 contact hours.

Ohio does not require submission of documentation of continuing education units.

To help you meet your continuing education requirements, Incredible Health offers free Ohio CEU classes. Once completed, you can immediately access a certificate of completion. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

Renewal applications should be submitted via the Ohio eLicense portal.

Ohio nursing licensing fees

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

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Applicaiton fee: $75 (RN/LPN)

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $75 (RN/LPN); $150 (APRN initial licensure)

License renewal fees:

• Application fees: $65 7/1-9/15 odd years, $115 09/16-10/31 odd years (RN/LPN); $135 07/1-09/15 odd years, $185 9/16-10/31 odd years (APRN)

Additionally, Ohio will become a nursing compact state on January 1, 2023, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

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

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Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN: 24 contact hours every 2 years (one of which must be directly related to the laws and rules of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act)

APRN: 24 contact hours every 2 years for each APRN license (varies by certification)

For an APRN-CNP, APRN-CNS, or APRN-CNM, at least 12 of those hours must include CE in advanced pharmacology. The 24 hours of CE required to renew each APRN license are in addition to the 24 hours of CE required to renew the RN license. Refer to the APRN CE page for more information.

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

How to contact the Ohio Board of Nursing

Ohio Board of Nursing
Phone: (614) 466-3947
Fax: (614) 466-0388

Website: https://nursing.ohio.gov/

17 S. High Street
Suite 660
Columbus, OH 43215

More Ohio Resources

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

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / North Carolina

From its sparkling coastline to its breathtaking mountains, North Carolina is as beautiful as it is a great place to live and work. The state’s population is growing, and that’s a result of its mild winters, its booming economy, its excellent healthcare and research facilities, and its plentiful job opportunities.

In this article, we will cover:

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

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How to get your North Carolina nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Whether you earn your nursing degree at one of the many fine programs in North Carolina or from a school that is outside of the state, your journey to becoming a licensed registered nurse begins as you are approaching graduation. Students are encouraged to begin the application process within two months of completing their program. 

• 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

The first step to submitting your application for a North Carolina registered nurse license is to visit the state’s Nurse Gateway to create a username and password. Once you have set up your account, you will be able to log in to your profile and complete the examination application.

Begin by electing ‘Exam Application’ in the Licenses/Certificates dropdown and complete the required information. You will be asked to pay $75.

If you are a graduate of a North Carolina nursing program, electronic school verification will be sent to the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) by your program director within 30 days of program completion. Out-of-state graduates will need to provide a final official transcript directly from their school.

At least two weeks before you complete your program you should register and pay for NCLEX testing through Pearson VUE. The fee is $200.

New graduates are eligible for a Temporary Permit to Practice that will be sent to them automatically upon completion of all the requirements: NCBON online application for licensure by examination, payment of the $38 for the criminal background check (CBC), registration and payment to Pearson VUE ($200), and receipt of their nursing education verification. The temporary permit will be issued within 5 days of completing all requirements and will be valid for 6 months with no renewal option. 

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

Electronic school verification will automatically be sent to the North Carolina Board of Nursing for graduates of North Carolina nursing programs within 30 days of their program completion. Out-of-state graduates must provide a final official transcript that includes their legal name, the degree that they have earned, and the date of completion or conferral. This must be sent directly from the school or through an approved transcript vendor. 

Transcripts can be sent to:

NCBON
Exam Department
P.O. Box 2506
Raleigh, NC 27602-2506

E-scripts can be sent to [email protected].

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

All applicants for Licensure by Examination in North Carolina must submit to a criminal background check. 

North Carolina residents can complete the Live Scan application and have their digital fingerprints transmitted electronically to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the FBI. The background check application is completed within the initial application process. The fee is $38. 

Once submitted, you can access, print, and sign your Live Scan application forms, which include the Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information and the form containing Applicant Information. Most North Carolina Sheriff’s offices are able to process fingerprinting services and transmit your fingerprints via Live Scan directly on your behalf.

Out-of-state applicants should contact their local fingerprinting office to confirm that they can provide a hard copy of your fingerprints. After completing the initial application process and paying the $38 fee, you will be able to access, print, and sign your Live Scan application forms, which include the Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information and the form containing Applicant Information. Print both out and take them with you to the fingerprint agency, which will provide you with a fingerprint card. The completed card must be mailed to the address listed on your forms. Upload your signed copy of the release form in your Nurse Gateway account.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once your application has been successfully submitted, the North Carolina Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE that you are eligible to take the NCLEX and Pearson will send you Authorization to Test via email. The NCLEX exam provides confirmation that you are fully prepared to provide competent nursing care to patients. The test will cover the topics you learned during your nursing 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’ve passed the NCLEX, your permanent license will be issued and will be available on the State Board of Nursing’s website. If you fail to pass the NCLEX, you can retake the test after 45 days. You must register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 fee again, and you must apply to retake the test and pay a $75 fee. North Carolina does not limit the number of times that you can take the NCLEX. You can take it up to eight times per year, but must have passed within three years of completing your nursing school program per the rules of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

To apply for a North Carolina nursing license after being registered in another state, you will need to apply for licensing by endorsement. To complete the application process you will need:

• The name, location, and year of graduation of your nursing program
• The state, year, and license number of your original license by examination
• The state of your current license and your license number
• The dates of employment and position(s) you held with your two most recent nursing employers 
• Social Security number 
• Verification from your original state of license and, if different, the last state where you practiced
• Criminal Background Check conducted by the North Carolina Board of Nursing

Your application can be submitted through the Nurse Gateway after you have created an account. The application fee is $150. If you or your spouse are active-duty military, the state of North Carolina may waive the application fee or provide a credit. 

You may be eligible for a non-renewable temporary license that is valid for six months after you have submitted your endorsement application. 

To verify your nursing license, visit the NURSYS website and select “Request Verification.” You will be charged $30 per license. If your state does not participate with the NURSYS system, contact its nursing board and request that verification be sent directly to the North Carolina Board of Nursing at:

North Carolina Board of Nursing
Post Office Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602-2129

A background check application is contained within the application process. North Carolina residents should complete the Live Scan application and have their digital fingerprints transmitted electronically to the State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. The fee is $38. 

Once the fee has been paid, you can access, print, and sign your Live Scan application forms, which include the Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information and the form containing Applicant Information. Most North Carolina Sheriff offices can process your fingerprints and transmit them via Live Scan directly on your behalf.

Out-of-state applicants should contact their local fingerprinting office to confirm that they can provide a hard copy of your fingerprints. After completing the initial application process and paying the $38 fee, access, print, and sign your Live Scan application forms, which include the Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information and the form containing Applicant Information. Take both with you to the fingerprint agency, which will provide you with a fingerprint card. The completed card must be mailed to the address listed on your forms. Upload your signed copy of the release form in your Nurse Gateway account.

How to renew your North Carolina nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

North Carolina’s nurse licenses are good for two years and expire on the last day of the nurse’s birth month. Failure to renew by that day automatically leads to the license being considered expired, and requires completion of the reinstatement process. The license can be renewed at any time within 90 days of its expiration. The renewal fee is $100.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

North Carolina requires nurses to attest to the completion of a self-assessment of their practice, the development of a learning plan, and the completion of one of the state’s approved learning activity options, which include:

• 15 contact hours of continuing education and 640 hours of active practice
• National Certification or re-certification by a national credentialing body
• 30 contact hours of continuing education
• Completion of a Board-approved refresher course
• Completion of a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
• 15 contact hours of continuing education and completion of a nursing project as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator
• 15 contact hours of continuing education and authoring or co-authoring of a nursing-related article, paper, book, or book chapter
• 15 contact hours of continuing education and conducting a nursing continuing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours

The state does not require nurses to provide evidence of completion of these requirements unless the nurse is audited.

North Carolina nurses can take advantage of the free continuing education units offered on the Incredible Health website. Once completed, the site provides immediate certificates of completion for your records.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

To complete the license renewal process, visit the state’s Nurse Gateway.

North Carolina nursing licensing fees

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

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $75
• Fingerprint processing fee: $38

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $150 (RN/LPN); $25 + $100 per physician for NP non-volunteer status
• Fingerprint processing fee: $38

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN); $50 per physician for NP non-volunteer status

Additionally, North Carolina is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RNs, LPNs, APRN-CNSs, APRN-CNRAs:

One of the following is required every two years:

• Thirty (30) contact hours of continuing education activities; or
• National certification or re-certification by a national credentialing body recognized by the Board (*APRNs must maintain national certification); or
• Completion of a Board approved refresher course; or
• Completion of a minimum of two semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice; or
• Fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education activity and completion of a nursing project as principal or co-principal investigator to include a statement of the problem, project objectives, methods, and summary of findings; or
• Fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education activities and authoring or co-authoring a published nursing-related article, paper, book, or book chapter; or
• Fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education activities and developing and conducting a nursing education presentation or presentations totaling a minimum of five contact hours for nurses or other health professionals to include a copy of program brochure or course syllabi, objectives, content, and teaching methods, and date and location of presentation; or
• Fifteen (15) contact hours of continuing education activities and 640 hours of active practice within the previous two (2) years.

APRN-NPs are required to maintain national certification, which includes meeting continuing education requirements of 50 contact hours each year.

• If authorized to prescribe controlled substances – 1 hour required in controlled substances prescribing practices, signs of abuse or misuse of controlled substances, and controlled substances prescribing for chronic pain management.

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

How to contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing

North Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone: (919) 782-3211
Fax: (919) 781-9461

Website: https://www.ncbon.com/

Mailing address:
PO Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602-2129

Physical address:
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607

More North Carolina Resources

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

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / North Dakota

Life in North Dakota is more than beautiful scenery and friendly people. The state is tax friendly and boasts a low cost of living, has great job opportunities, clean air, and renowned universities. It’s no wonder the state tops so many lists for quality of life.

In this article, we will cover:

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

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How to get your North Dakota nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Whether your nursing degree was earned at one of North Dakota’s board-approved programs of nursing or you studied out of state, the end of your nursing program marks the beginning of your new career. No matter whether you pursued a two-year or four-year degree, your education is the foundation on which everything that lies ahead is built. You can have any of the following degrees:

• 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

Initial registered nurse licenses by examination are available to candidates who have a U.S. Social Security number and who have completed a qualifying nursing education program. The application consists of:

•  Requesting a copy of your official transcripts sent to the board
•  Registering to take the NCLEX online or by phone at 1-866-496-2539 and paying the $200 registration fee 
• Completing the online Initial RN/LPN Exam Application and paying the processing fee of $145
• Completing a criminal history record check 

Once you have completed the items listed above, you can check the Verify section of the North Dakota Board of Nursing website to see whether a Work Authorization has been issued. This authorization is valid for 90 days or until you have received notification of your NCLEX test results, whichever comes first. It allows you to attend orientation or practice as a graduate nurse in North Dakota.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

Once you have completed your nursing program, ask the school to send the official transcript of your grades with the degree posted directly to the Board of Nursing office. Though the Board prefers that transcripts be sent electronically through a secure transcript service such as National Student Clearinghouse, e-script, or Parchment at [email protected], you can print out the Request for Release of Transcript form and ask the school to send a paper copy to:

North Dakota Board of Nursing
919 S. 7th Street #504
Bismarck, ND 58504

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

After submitting your initial application, contact your local law enforcement agency or a private agency that is able to provide fingerprinting services. Make an appointment and request that the agency uses the standard FBI Applicant card FD-258 for fingerprinting. Once your prints have been collected, submit them, along with a money order or cashier check for $41.25 payable to BCI, and a completed, signed, and dated Criminal History Record Check form found here to:

North Dakota Board of Nursing
919 S. 7th Street #504
Bismarck, ND 58504

You must use black ink when filling out the information at the top of the fingerprint cards.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

The NCLEX exam is the last step to be completed on your journey to becoming a licensed registered nurse. It tests your comprehension and retention of the material covered by your nursing program and confirms your readiness to move forward with your nursing career. Topics include:

• 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 completed the application process and all supporting material has been submitted and approved, the North Dakota Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE that you are eligible to take the exam and you will receive an Authorization to Test via email. 

Once you have passed the NCLEX and all other materials have been received and approved, your license will be issued in three business days. If you fail the NCLEX you will receive a diagnostic profile indicating the areas that you need to study and the required documents needed to retest. You can retest 45 days after your most recent test date, and can take the test up to 8 times per year. You must pay the $200 registration fee to NCLEX each time you register for the test.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you are licensed in another state and wish to be licensed in North Dakota, you must submit an application for License by Endorsement. To be eligible, you must have a U.S. Social Security number; must have completed a nursing program; must have completed 400 hours of licensed nursing practice in the last four years or have completed your nursing program in the last four years or have completed a board approved refresher course within the last four years. You also must submit proof of original licensure by examination. 

To complete the application process, do the following:

• Have an official transcript from your nursing education program sent to the board. Ask the school to send the official transcript of your grades with the degree posted directly to the Board of Nursing electronically through a secure transcript service such as National Student Clearinghouse, e-script, or Parchment at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can print out the  Request for Release of Transcript form and ask the school to send a paper copy to:
  
  North Dakota Board of Nursing
  919 S. 7th Street, #504
  Bismarck, ND 58504
  
• Verify your licensure from your original state of license by exam as well as any subsequent state where you may currently hold an active license if applicable. Verification is best obtained through the NURSYSsystem if the state participates. If your license was held in a state that does not participate with NURSYS, print the Verification of Licensure form here, complete it and send it to the state for completion and return to the Board of Nursing.
• Complete the online Initial RN Endorsement application and submit the processing fee of $170.
• Complete a Criminal History Record Check. After submitting your initial application, contact your local law enforcement agency or a private agency that is able to provide fingerprinting services. Make an appointment and request that the agency uses the standard FBI Applicant card FD-258 for fingerprinting. Once your prints have been collected, submit them, along with a money order or cashier check for $41.25 payable to BCI, and a completed, signed, and dated Criminal History Record Check form found here to:

North Dakota Board of Nursing
919 S. 7thStreet #504
Bismarck, ND 58504

You must use black ink when filling out the information at the top of the fingerprint cards.Once you have completed the items listed above, you can check the Verify section of the website to see whether a Temporary Permit has been posted. This permit is valid for 90 days.

How to renew your North Dakota nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

When your initial license is issued it will have an expiration date of December 31 of the following year. Thereafter it will renew on December 31 every two years. Renewal of your registered nursing license costs $140, though later renewals received in January are $280.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

In order to renew your license, you must have or exceeded 400 practice hours within the preceding four years, unless you have completed a refresher course within the preceding year or graduated from a nursing undergraduate or graduate program in the last four years. You are also required to complete a minimum of 12 contact hours during the renewal period, unless this is the first renewal period following obtaining your license through examination. You are not required to submit documentation of your course completion, but must retain records of courses taken in case of audit. 

Incredible Health provides free North Dakota continuing education units to help you fulfill your continuing competency requirements. Once completed, you can immediately access a certificate of course completion. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

You can renew your North Dakota nursing license at the state’s Board of Nursing portal.

North Dakota nursing licensing fees

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

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $145
• Fingerprint processing fee: $41.25

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $170 (RN/LPN); $125 (APRN, $75 Rx authority)
• Fingerprint processing fee $41.25

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $140 (RN); $130 (LPN); $220 (APRN, $75 Rx authority)

Additionally, North Dakota is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 12 contact hours every 2 years

LPN: 12 contact hours every 2 years

APRN: 12 contact hours every 2 years (APRNs authorized to prescribe are required to take 15 contact hours in pharmacology. These contact hours may fulfill the nursing renewal continuing education requirement.

How to contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing

North Dakota Board of Nursing
Phone: (701) 328-9777
Fax: (701) 328-9785

Website: https://www.ndbon.org/

ND Board of Nursing
919 S 7th Street
Suite 504
Bismarck, ND 58504

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