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A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Colorado

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CATEGORIES Continuing Education

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Colorado

Colorado is facing a serious nursing shortage, and as a result the state’s Board of Nursing is doing everything it can to make applying for first-time licensure, license renewal, and license by endorsement as easy and accessible as possible. In 2018 it joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, making it easier for nurses from other states to provide care in the state. 

Below you will find the answers to all of your questions about how to apply for your first license as a registered nurse in Colorado. We have also provided information for renewing an existing license and the continuing education requirements that you must fulfill

In this article, we will cover:

How to get your Colorado nursing license

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Step 1: Education

The first step in your nursing journey begins with completing your nursing education. There are multiple nursing degrees available, and each of these paths will lead you to becoming a registered nurse.

Once you have completed your education you will be eligible to submit an application to the Colorado Board of Nursing, to take the NCLEX-RN exam, and to move ahead to a fulfilling career.

Step 2: Apply

The application to become a licensed registered nurse in the state of Colorado is accessed via the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website. On the agency’s web page you can click on Apply for New License and it will take you to the Board of Nursing’s Applications and Forms page, where you can select the type of nursing license you need. The Registered Nurse page provides access to applications for an original license by both exam or endorsement.

Your application should not be filled out and submitted until you are able to provide all of the following:

  • Fingerprint and background check
  • Fee
  • Transcript
  • Other healthcare licenses held (if applicable)
  • License verification information (if applicable)
  • Name change information (if applicable)
  • Declaration of primary state of residence
  • General and criminal history screening questions
  • Healthcare Professions Profile information
  • Date of initial NCLEX exam

Step 3. Transcripts

The state of Colorado does not accept hardcopy transcripts sent by mail. They ask that you upload an electronic copy of your transcript as part of your application process. You should order your transcripts to be sent directly to you prior to filling out your application. Official transcripts must contain the signature of the University Registrar, the degree conferred, and all coursework with course name, credit hours, and grade.

Upon receipt, scan and save a high-quality copy of your transcript, front and back pages. Save each school’s transcript in a separate file with your name and the institution name in the file title. When requested in the application, upload your document. 

Step 4: Fingerprints

Prior to your license being issued, your fingerprints must be submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation so they may conduct a background check. The state uses two approved vendors:

Step 5. Take the NCLEX

Once you have graduated from a nursing program, the final step in obtaining your registered nurse license is to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) test. Register for the exam at Pearson Vue. Once you’ve registered you will receive an acknowledgement email. 

Candidates for an original nursing license in Colorado are permitted to take the exam three times within three years of their first attempt. They must wait 45 days between exams before retaking the exam. If you fail the exam three times you can petition the Board of Nursing to request permission to take it a fourth time as long as it is still within three years of your first attempt. The petition must include your self-evaluation as to why you have been unable to pass the test, as well as the steps you are taking to address those issues. 

The NCLEX-RN exam can be scheduled at the applicant’s convenience, and the state of Arizona does not limit the number of times that a student needs to take the exam in order to pass.

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How to renew your Colorado nursing license

Step 1. Submit renewal application

Colorado’s registered nurse licenses expire on September 30th of each year, every two years. If your license is issued within 120 days of September 30th, you will be issued a license with the subsequent expiration date.  The expiration date is available on your online account, and you can apply for renewal six weeks prior to expiration.
Visit the Colorado Renewal Information page for more specifics.

Step 2. Submit your renewal application

Colorado has no continuing education or competency requirements. Renewing your Colorado registered nurse licensure can be done by accessing your account on the state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies website, completing the required information, and submitting the $108 fee.

Note: Colorado is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in Colorado unless you are declaring Colorado as your Primary State of Residency.

Continuing education requirements

The Colorado Board of Nursing does not require nurses (RN, LPN, ARPN) to take any continuing education units in order to maintain their Colorado nursing license (though some employers may have requirements).

APRNs must maintain national certification.

Licensing fees

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

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses)

  • NCLEX fee: $200
  • Application fee: $88
  • Fingerprint processing fee: $51

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

  • Application fee: $43 (RN/LPN); $75 (APRN)
  • License verification: $30
  • Fingerprint processing fee: $51

Colorado is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

How to reach the Colorado Board of Nursing

Colorado Board of Nursing
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Fax: (303) 894-2821

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing
Address:
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202

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Written by Andi Tailleart

Andi joined Incredible Health in April 2021, after earning her Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology from Arizona State University. She has written for blogs, non-profit organizations, and academic papers. Andi is responsible for editing blog content for the Incredible Health website and thoroughly enjoys helping nurses get the information they need to succeed.

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