Becoming a nurse is a rewarding career path that requires dedication and commitment to the field. However, one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring nurses is the nursing license exam fees. These nursing license costs can vary depending on the state and the type of exam, and they can add up to a significant amount of money.
In this blog post, we'll explore the different nursing license fees and what you can expect to pay, as well as some tips for managing these costs.
Whether you're a student preparing to take the exam or a seasoned nurse looking to renew your license, understanding the cost of renewing a nursing license and the nursing license cost is needed.
So let's dive in!
Smart’n: A Revolutionary Approach to Covering Nursing School Expenses
Smart’n is a website that is dedicated to reducing the financial stress that nursing students face. To achieve this goal, we take a percentage of every paid Smart’n membership and use it to fund grants for nursing students. This way, we can support our members financially and help them focus on their studies.
Smart’n provides an excellent opportunity for nursing students to earn some extra cash while getting ready for their NCLEX exam. Smart’n’s nursing scholarship grants can be a tremendous relief for those who struggle to make ends meet and need some financial assistance to support their studies.
Becoming a Smart’n member is completely free, and all nursing students who are currently studying at a licensed nursing school in North America are eligible to apply for the grants.
Cost of nursing license by the state
Here are the costs for getting nursing licenses or renewing nursing licenses in different states:
Alabama nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Alabama
$100 for single-state licenses is needed.
Cost to renew nursing license in Alabama
$203.50 is needed for multistate licenses.
Alaska nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Alaska
The NCLEX-RN tests are $200 each. Additionally, applicants must pay a $100 fee for temporary permission and a $200 licensing fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Alaska
The two-year license renewal fee is $200, though a prorated rate of $100 is available for those whose license was issued after December 1st of the preceding odd year.
Arizona nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Arizona
In addition to the $200 exam fee, the NCLEX-RN license fee is $100.
Cost to renew nursing license in Arizona
There is a $160 renewal cost.
Arkansas nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Arkansas
The initial licensure fees begin at $100 and are in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Arkansas
Renewals of licenses cost $100.
California nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in California
Candidates must pay a $300 application cost in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN price.
Cost to renew nursing license in California
Renewals are $190 each.
Colorado nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Colorado
Candidates must pay a $88 application fee in addition to the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam.
Cost to renew nursing license in Colorado
RN licenses must be renewed every two years for a charge of $108.
Connecticut nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Connecticut
The NCLEX-RN tests are $200 each.
Cost to renew nursing license in Connecticut
The renewal cost for nurses is $110.
Delaware nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Delaware
Test takers for the NCLEX-RN must pay the $170 application price in addition to the $200 exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Delaware
The renewal fee is $160.00, plus a $3.00 convenience fee.
Florida nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Florida
Candidates for the NCLEX-RN exam must pay a $110 application cost in addition to the $200 exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Florida
Renewals are $75 each.
Georgia nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Georgia
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and applicants must also pay a $40 application fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Georgia
The fee to renew a license is $65.
Hawaii nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Hawaii
Candidates must pay a $40 application fee in addition to the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.
Cost to renew nursing license in Hawaii
RNs must also pay a $176 renewal fee.
Idaho nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Idaho
Candidates must pay a $90 application fee in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Idaho
Additionally, they pay a $90 renewal fee.
Illinois nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Illinois
The cost of the NCLEX-RN exam is $200. The application fee for a license is $91.
Cost to renew nursing license in Illinois
The renewal fee is $80.
Indiana nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Indiana
In addition to the $50 application cost, nursing candidates must pay $200 for the NCLEX-RN examination.
Cost to renew nursing license in Indiana
They must pay a $50 renewal charge.
Iowa nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Iowa
In addition to the $93 initial application fee, the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200 to take.
Cost to renew nursing license in Iowa
They also have to pay the $99 renewal cost at least 30 days before their license expires.
Kansas nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Kansas
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the application costs $100 for single-state licensure and $125 for multistate licensure.
Cost to renew nursing license in Kansas
Nurses must pay an $85 renewal fee in order to renew their licenses.
Kentucky nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Kentucky
Candidates must pay a $125 application fee in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Kentucky
Renewals are $65 each.
Louisiana nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Louisiana
Candidates must also pay $100 for the application and $39.25 for the background check in addition to the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.
Cost to renew nursing license in Louisiana
They must pay the $100 renewal cost.
Maine nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Maine
The NCLEX-RN tests are $200 each. There is a $75 application fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Maine
Nurses must pay a $75 renewal fee in order to be eligible.
Maryland nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Maryland
Candidates must pay both a $100 application fee and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam price.
Cost to renew nursing license in Maryland
They must pay the $136 renewal charge.
Massachusetts nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Massachusetts
Candidates must pay a $230 application cost in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Massachusetts
The cost of renewal is $120.
Michigan nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Michigan
In addition to the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam, candidates must also pay a $208.80 licensure application fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Michigan
The renewal fee is $128.50.
Minnesota nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Minnesota
In addition to the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam, candidates must also pay a $105 application fee and a $33.25 background check charge.
Cost to renew nursing license in Minnesota
They must pay an $85 renewal fee.
Mississippi nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Mississippi
The $200 NCLEX-RN exam price, the $75 criminal background check charge, and the $100 application fee must all be paid by applicants.
Cost to renew nursing license in Mississippi
Renewals are $100 each.
Missouri nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Missouri
They must pay the $200 exam price for the NCLEX-RN as well as the $55 application charge and the $41.75 background check fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Missouri
The renewal fee is $60.
Montana nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Montana
Applicants for the NCLEX-RN exam normally pay a $100 application fee in addition to the $200 exam price.
Cost to renew nursing license in Montana
They pay the $100 renewal cost.
Nebraska nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Nebraska
In addition to the $123 application price and the $45.25 background check fee, candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.
Cost to renew nursing license in Nebraska
There is a $123 renewal cost.
Nevada nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Nevada
Applicants must also pay a $100 application fee in addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Nevada
Renewals of RN licenses are $100 to process.
New Hampshire nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in New Hampshire
The application price is $120, and the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200.
Cost to renew nursing license in New Hampshire
They must pay the $80 renewal fee.
New Jersey nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in New Jersey
In addition to the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee, candidates must pay an additional $80 application fee and a $120 license fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in New Jersey
Nurses must pay a $120 renewal fee.
New Mexico nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in New Mexico
The background check is $44, the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the application fee is $150.
Cost to renew nursing license in New Mexico
Nurses must pay a $110 renewal fee to renew their RN licensure.
New York nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in New York
Candidates must pay $143 for licensing, $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam, and $35 for a limited permit if necessary.
Cost to renew nursing license in New York
Nurses must pay the $73 license renewal fee in order to be eligible for renewal.
North Carolina nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in North Carolina
In addition to the $75 application fee, candidates must pay the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in North Carolina
A $100 renewal fee is charged.
North Dakota nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in North Dakota
The necessary fees are $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam, $145 for the application, and $41.25 for the criminal background check.
Cost to renew nursing license in North Dakota
They pay the $140 renewal fee.
Ohio nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Ohio
Prospective nurses must pay a $75 application fee as well as the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Ohio
They must pay the $65 renewal charge and any associated late fees.
Oklahoma nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Oklahoma
The costs include the licensure fee of $85 and the $200 cost of the NCLEX-RN exam.
Cost to renew nursing license in Oklahoma
Nurses pay a $75 renewal fee.
Oregon nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Oregon
Candidates must also pay the $160 license by examination cost and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Oregon
They must pay the $145 renewal cost.
Pennsylvania nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Pennsylvania
Candidates must pay the $200 NCLEX-RN exam price.
Cost to renew nursing license in Pennsylvania
The fee for a renewal is $122.
Rhode Island nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Rhode Island
The $200 NCLEX-RN exam price is paid by test-takers. Additionally, applicants must pay the $135 license fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Rhode Island
Nurses must pay the $135 renewal cost.
South Carolina nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in South Carolina
Candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.
Cost to renew nursing license in South Carolina
Nurses must pay the $75 renewal charge.
South Dakota nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in South Dakota
Both the $100 application cost and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam price must be paid by candidates.
Cost to renew nursing license in South Dakota
There is a $115 renewal cost.
Tennessee nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Tennessee
Candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN.
Cost to renew nursing license in Tennessee
They must pay the $100 renewal cost.
Texas nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Texas
The $200 NCLEX-RN exam is included in the fees.
Cost to renew nursing license in Texas
The fee to renew a license is $68.
Utah nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Utah
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the application is $60.
Cost to renew nursing license in Utah
Renewals of RN licenses cost $68.
Vermont nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Vermont
Candidates must pay the $200 exam fee for the NCLEX-RN. Fees for the initial RN application are $75.
Cost to renew nursing license in Vermont
$190 is the renewal fee.
Virginia nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Virginia
Candidates must pay both the $190 application fee and the $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee.
Cost to renew nursing license in Virginia
There is a $140 renewal cost.
Washington nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Washington
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the initial licensure and processing cost $72.
Cost to renew nursing license in Washington
The renewal cost is $120.
Washington, D.C. nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Washington, D.C.
The $200 NCLEX-RN exam fee and the $187 license fee must be paid by prospective nurses.
Cost to renew nursing license in Washington, D.C.
It costs $145.
West Virginia nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in West Virginia
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the license application fee is $70.
Cost to renew nursing license in West Virginia
They must pay a $67 renewal fee.
Wisconsin nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Wisconsin
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, and the initial licensure and processing cost $72.
Cost to renew nursing license in Wisconsin
The renewal cost is $57.
Wyoming nursing license fees
Nursing license cost in Wyoming
The NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, licensure costs $130, and a criminal history check costs $60.
Cost to renew nursing license in Wyoming
They must pay the $110 renewal cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a registered nurse requires passing the nursing license exam, which comes with its own set of fees. It's important for aspiring nurses to be aware of these costs and plan accordingly. Additionally, nurses must also be mindful of renewal fees to maintain their licenses and continue practicing.
While these fees can be a financial burden, they are necessary to ensure that healthcare professionals are qualified and competent to provide safe and effective patient care. Ultimately, the investment in obtaining and maintaining a nursing license is well worth it for the rewarding and fulfilling nursing job opportunities that come with it. By understanding the costs associated with obtaining and renewing a nursing license, nurses can better prepare and plan for their career journey.
FAQs
1- How do I get a US nursing license?
To obtain a nursing license in the United States, you'll typically need to follow these general steps:
Education: Complete a nursing education program that meets the requirements of the state where you intend to practice. There are three primary educational paths to becoming a registered nurse (RN) in the US: a. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program offered by universities and colleges. b. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program usually offered by community colleges. c. Diploma in Nursing: A hospital-based program typically spanning two to three years.
NCLEX-RN Examination: After completing your nursing education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It tests the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level nursing practice.
Licensure Application: Once you pass the NCLEX, you'll need to apply for a nursing license in the state where you wish to practice. The specific nursing license requirements and application process vary by state, so consult the website of the state's Board of Nursing for detailed instructions.
Background Check: Many states require a criminal nursing background check as part of the licensure process. This step may involve fingerprinting and providing additional documentation or information. The purpose is to ensure patient safety and protect the public.
License Issuance: Once your application is reviewed and approved, the state nursing board will issue your nursing license. You will be notified of your license number and the expiration date.
2- Can a foreigner be a nurse in USA?
If you are a Registered Nurse in your home country and wish to work in the United States, you can determine your eligibility by reaching out to the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). They will assess your qualifications and provide guidance. Once you have decided on a specific location in the US where you intend to work, you can proceed by applying to the respective state's Board of Nursing and taking the NCLEX exam.
