Arizona Nursing License
How to get your Arizona nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Arizona State Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Arizona, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Arizona licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $150 (Board application) |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $160 / 4 years |
| Continuing education | No set CE hours — 960 practice hours / 5 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
The $150 is the Board application fee; the $150 NCLEX exam fee (Pearson VUE) and $50 fingerprint clearance card are separate. Renewal is every 4 years (quadrennial), due on or before April 1. Arizona sets no CE-hour requirement for RNs — instead it requires 960 practice hours within the prior 5 years (or an approved refresher/competency program). eNLC member since January 19, 2018.
Official resources
- Arizona State Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Arizona nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Arizona?
- Yes. Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Arizona without a separate application.
- How much does a Arizona nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Arizona is $150 (Board application), and renewal is $160 / 4 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does Arizona require?
- Arizona requires No set CE hours — 960 practice hours / 5 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Arizona nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.