Registered Nurse License Guide 2026
Registered Nurse licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: pre-license education requirements vary by state, the exam is most commonly administered by Pearson VUE, and published first-attempt pass rates are not consistently published. A background check is required in 11 of 12 states with verified data.
By The LicenseFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Provides direct patient care and coordinates care plans. Requires an ADN or BSN and the NCLEX-RN; licensing is via state boards of nursing.
National overview — RN at a glance
| States with verified data | 12 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | varies by state |
| Most common exam vendor | Pearson VUE |
| Exam passing score | varies by state |
| National pass-rate reference | not published |
| Published state pass rates | not published |
| Exam fee | $200 |
| Application fee | $40–300 |
| Common renewal cycle | every 2 years |
| Background check | 11 of 12 states |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
Arizona
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Exam
- state exam
- Exam fee
- $200
- Application fee
- $300
- Renewal
- 4 yrs
California
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Exam
- state exam
- Exam fee
- $200
- Application fee
- $300
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 30 CE
Florida
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Exam
- state exam
- Exam fee
- $200
- Application fee
- $110
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 24 CE
Georgia
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Exam
- state exam
- Exam fee
- $200
- Application fee
- $40
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 30 CE
Illinois
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Exam
- state exam
- Exam fee
- $200
- Application fee
- $50
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 20 CE
How to get a RN license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure. A criminal background check is required in 11 of 12 verified states.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours are not published in our verified dataset — check your state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by Pearson VUE. Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of $200 and an application fee of $40–300. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 2 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a RN?
Required training hours are not consistently published in our dataset — check your state board for the current figure.
How hard is the Registered Nurse exam?
Most states do not publish first-attempt pass rates — check your state board.
What does a RN license cost?
Exam fees run $200 and application fees run $40–300, not counting education or fingerprinting.
Who administers the Registered Nurse exam?
The most common vendors are Pearson VUE (12 states). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my RN license to another state?
Reciprocity for RN licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into RN licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).