Colorado Nursing License
How to get your Colorado nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Colorado, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Colorado licensing at a glance
| Continuing education | None required (continued-competency model) |
|---|---|
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Colorado (DORA) does not publish fixed license fees — the current amount is shown at checkout in the DPO online portal, so no figure is listed here. RN licenses renew every 2 years, expiring September 30 (odd- or even-numbered year depending on the issue date). No continuing-education hours are required to renew; a nurse inactive for two or more years must demonstrate continued competency. eNLC member issuing multistate licenses (SB18-027). The $200 NCLEX exam fee (Pearson VUE) is separate.
Official resources
- Colorado 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)
Colorado nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Colorado?
- Yes. Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Colorado without a separate application.
- How many continuing-education hours does Colorado require?
- Colorado requires None required (continued-competency model) for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Colorado nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.