A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Georgia

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Georgia

Georgia may be the land of peaches but don’t forget pecans and Georgia peanuts. There is also the World of Coca-Cola, and the famous food goes on and on. This state boasts numerous museums and parks like Forsyth Park which houses a picture-perfect fountain. Georgia does have a small but beautiful coastline so bring your bathing suit!

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Georgia nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Steps to renew your Georgia nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Contact information

How to get your nursing license in Georgia

Step 1: Education

There are several different educational paths that you can take to becoming a registered nurse, including:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or
• 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.

Whichever type of nursing degree you choose, licensure in the state of Georgia requires graduation from an approved nursing education program.  The Georgia Secretary of State provides a list of state-approved programs, but transcripts from any U.S.-approved nursing education program will be accepted.

Step 2: Apply

• Before filling out and submitting the Georgia Board of Nursing Licensure by Examination application, the state recommends registering with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX exam and with GAPS/Gemalto. Once both registrations have been processed, applicants can download, complete and sign the application, have it notarized, and submit it either by mail or online.
• All documents can be sent in a 9 x 12 envelope (do not fold into a smaller envelope) to:
  
  Georgia Board of Nursing
  237 Coliseum Drive
  Macon, Georgia 31217
  
• The application should include the application fee, official college transcripts, proof of graduation from a Board Approved Nursing program, registration with Pearson and eligibility to take the NCLEX, a completed Background Consent Form, registration with GAPS/Gemalto, and other applicable documents.
• The state of Georgia now requires payment of a document processing fee. The online processing fee is $5.00 and the mail-In processing fee is $10.00.

Step 3. Transcripts

Hard copies of your official college transcripts can be sent with the notarized application packet, or can be sent electronically directly from the accredited school to [email protected] A transcript exchange service can also be used.

Step 4: Fingerprints

Applicants for a registered nursing license in Georgia are required to submit fingerprints for background checks. The Georgia Board of Nursing uses Gemalto Systems/Georgia Applicant Processing Services to administer this testing. Applicants visiting the site can register for the service and find fingerprint locations that are convenient to their location. You must register with this service before submitting your application.

Step 5. Take the NCLEX

An accredited nursing program prepares you for taking the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) test. Passing the NCLEX is an indication of your readiness to provide high-quality nursing care to patients. To take the NCLEX, register via the PearsonVue website and submit the appropriate fee.

If you don’t pass the NCLEX, you can take it again. How?

Submit a paper application to the Board of Nursing for nursing licensure by re-examination, as well as a $40 fee plus a $10 mail-in processing fee.

You may apply for reexamination at any time after failing the exam, but will not be eligible via Pearson until 45 days have passed.  The state of Georgia requires you to pass NCLEX within 3 years of graduation from your nursing program.

The NCLEX costs $200 each time you take the exam. It consists of 75-145 questions, and you are given five hours to complete it.

• Application fee: $75 + $10 processing fee
• Multistate upgrade: $50
• APRN initial authorization fee: $75 + $10 processing fee

Licensing fees

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

Fee by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $40 + $10 processing fee

Fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

Renewal fee:

• Application fee: $65

Georgia is a nursing compact state, 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.

Steps to renew your Georgia nursing license

Step 1. Submit renewal application

Georgia’s registered nursing license is good for two years and renew on January 31^st of the year that it expires. Your license will display your official expiration date.

Step 2. Fulfill continuing competency requirements

In order to keep your Georgia registered nurse license active, the state requires that you fulfill continuing education/competency requirements. The state offers five options, one of which must be completed during the renewal period. The options include completion of 30 continuing education hours by a Board-approved provider; maintenance of certification or recertification by a recognized certifying body; and completion of an accredited program of study in nursing or an affiliated field. To help you achieve this goal, Incredible Health offers free continuing education units for Georgia nursing licensees.

All continuing education documentation should be submitted via CE Broker.

You can also complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.

Step 3. Submit your renewal application

Renewal applications are processed via the Georgia online licensing site. The cost of renewing your Georgia registered nursing license is $65.

If your nursing license is from a compact state

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

If your nursing license is from a non-compact state

If you have an active nursing license in another U.S. state that is not a compact state, you can apply for a Georgia nursing license by endorsement.

Before submitting your application, register with GAPS/Gemalto to start the background check process. Gemalto will send you an email confirming your registration and providing you with instructions for next steps. You can download your application for Georgia licensing by endorsement here, complete the application and have it notarized.

Your application should include:

• A copy of your active license
• Your official college transcripts that led to your initial licensure
• Verification of both your original licensure and your active licensure
• Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application or of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application, or complete a board-approved re-entry program. 
• Background Check  
• Background Consent Form
• Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable) 
• Court Documents 
• Letter of Explanation 
• Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline 
• Secure & Verifiable Document
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• Immigration Documents (If applicable)
• Any other additional information requested by the Board of Nursing

Continuing education requirements

RN/APRN

Complete one of the following options every two years:

1. Completion of 30 continuing education hours by a Board-approved provider
2. Maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board
3. Completion of an accredited academic program of study in nursing or a related field as recognized by the Board
4. Verification of competency by a health care facility or entity licensed under O.C.G.A. §31-7 or by a physician’s office that is part of a health system and at least five hundred (500) hours practiced as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the Board
5. Completion of a Board-approved reentry program or graduation from a nursing education program

LPN

Complete one of the following options every two years:

1. Completion of 20 continuing education hours by a Board-approved provider
2. Completion of an accredited academic program of study in registered professional nursing, as recognized by the Board

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

Contact information for the Georgia Board of Nursing

Georgia Board of Nursing
Phone: (404) 424-9966 or (844) 753-7825
Choose “Option One”
Fax: (877) 371-5712

Email: [email protected]

Mail:
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217

More Georgia Resources

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