Alaska Nursing License

Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Practicing in Alaska requires an individual Alaska nursing license, even with a multistate compact license.

How to get your Alaska nursing license

  1. Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
  3. Apply to the Alaska Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
  4. Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.

Alaska licensing at a glance

Initial license fee$375 (application + license + fingerprint)
Renewal fee$200 / 2 years
Continuing educationCompetency: 2 of 3 (30 CE / 30 activity / 320 practice hrs) per 2 yrs
Compact (NLC) memberNo

The $375 is collected by the Board at application ($100 application + $200 license + $75 fingerprint); the ~$200 NCLEX exam fee (Pearson VUE) is separate. Alaska has no flat CE mandate — each 2-year renewal requires two of: 30 CE contact hours, 30 professional-activity hours, or 320 nursing-practice hours (or an approved refresher). Not an NLC member — a separate Alaska license is required even with a multistate compact license.

Alaska nursing license FAQ

Does my compact nursing license let me work in Alaska?
No. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so you must hold an individual Alaska nursing license even if you carry a multistate compact license.
How much does a Alaska nursing license cost?
The initial RN licensure fee in Alaska is $375 (application + license + fingerprint), and renewal is $200 / 2 years.
How many continuing-education hours does Alaska require?
Alaska requires Competency: 2 of 3 (30 CE / 30 activity / 320 practice hrs) per 2 yrs for RN license renewal.
How do I verify a Alaska nursing license?
Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.