Ohio Nursing License
How to get your Ohio nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Ohio Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Ohio, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Ohio licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $75 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $65 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | 24 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial $75; biennial renewal $65 (RNs renew in odd years). 24 CE contact hours are required per cycle, at least 1 hour in Category A (Ohio nursing law and rules); your first renewal after initial licensure is exempt. eNLC member.
Official resources
- Ohio 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)
Ohio nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Ohio?
- Yes. Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Ohio without a separate application.
- How much does a Ohio nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Ohio is $75, and renewal is $65 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does Ohio require?
- Ohio requires 24 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Ohio nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.