Below are the primary license information and continuing education requirements for nurses licensed in Pennsylvania. Please visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for continuing education credits. Nursing CE page for RNs; Nursing CE page for LPNs; Nursing CE page for APRNs.
Licensing information
Licensing fees by examination (NCLEX exam for 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)
*Fees subject to change
**Most states require a background check but prices are not always listed
Steps to renew your Pennsylvania nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Verification page to confirm your license.
- Complete your Pennsylvania nursing continuing education requirements before your license expires
You can complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.
- Go to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing to enter your renewal application
Visit the Renewal Information page for specific requirements. When Pennslyvania becomes a compact state, you will not need to apply for licensure in Pennsylvania unless you are declaring Pennslyvania as your Primary State of Residency.
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
[ MORE: Earn your CEUs online, 100% free with Incredible Health. ]
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.
Additionally, Pennslyvania 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.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Pennsylvania ]
Contact information
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
Earn your CEUs free
Our easy online CE courses are ANCC-accredited and 100% free for nurses.
