North Carolina Nursing License
How to get your North Carolina nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the North Carolina Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is North Carolina, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
North Carolina licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $75 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $100 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | 30 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial $75 (by examination); biennial renewal $100. 30 CE contact hours are required per 2-year cycle, or 15 hours plus 640 practice hours as an alternative. eNLC member.
Official resources
- North Carolina 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)
North Carolina nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in North Carolina?
- Yes. North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in North Carolina without a separate application.
- How much does a North Carolina nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in North Carolina is $75, and renewal is $100 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does North Carolina require?
- North Carolina requires 30 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a North Carolina nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.