West Virginia Nursing License
How to get your West Virginia nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the West Virginia RN Board for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is West Virginia, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
West Virginia licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $70 by exam / $125 by endorsement |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $90 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | 12 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial $70 by examination ($125 by endorsement); biennial renewal $90. 12 CE contact hours are required per 2-year cycle; new licensees must also complete 3 hours on safe opioid prescribing and drug diversion within their first year. eNLC member.
Official resources
- West Virginia RN Board — 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)
West Virginia nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in West Virginia?
- Yes. West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in West Virginia without a separate application.
- How much does a West Virginia nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in West Virginia is $70 by exam / $125 by endorsement, and renewal is $90 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does West Virginia require?
- West Virginia requires 12 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a West Virginia nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.