Oklahoma Nursing License

Oklahoma is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. One multistate license covers Oklahoma — no separate application if your compact home state issued it.

How to get your Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
  4. Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
  5. If your primary residence is Oklahoma, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.

Oklahoma licensing at a glance

Initial license fee$85
Renewal fee$75 / 2 years
Continuing education24 hours / 2 years (or a practice/certification alternative)
Compact (NLC) memberYes

Initial $85; biennial renewal $75 (birth-month cycle). No flat CE mandate — 24 CE contact hours or one alternative (520 practice hours, specialty certification, a refresher course, or 6 academic credit hours) per 2-year cycle. eNLC member since January 2018.

Oklahoma nursing license FAQ

Does my compact nursing license let me work in Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Oklahoma without a separate application.
How much does a Oklahoma nursing license cost?
The initial RN licensure fee in Oklahoma is $85, and renewal is $75 / 2 years.
How many continuing-education hours does Oklahoma require?
Oklahoma requires 24 hours / 2 years (or a practice/certification alternative) for RN license renewal.
How do I verify a Oklahoma nursing license?
Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.