Alabama Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide

Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

Pre-requisites

The general prerequisites to obtaining a nursing license in the state of Alabama are as follows:

  1. You must meet the education or licensing requirements set by the Alabama Board of Nursing. 
  2. You must submit an online application with the required fees.
  3. You must provide citizenship or lawful presence documentation to the Alabama Board of Nursing.
  4. You must undergo a state and Federal criminal background check.

Remember, a permanent license won't be issued until the background check results are received.

License by Exam

Getting licensed as a nurse by examination in the state of Alabama requires the following steps:

  1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet Alabama licensure requirements and Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) eligibility.
  2. Confirm You Meet Education Requirements: Hold a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing for RNs, or Diploma/Certificate for LPNs from a program approved by the state Board of Nursing.
  3. Prepare Appropriate Documentation: Request official transcripts from your nursing program, upload citizenship/alien status documentation.
  4. Pay Fees: You must pay the associated application fees, testing fees, and background check fees.
  5. Submit to Fingerprinting/Background Check: Provide fingerprints for criminal record checks (if required).
  6. Pass the NCLEX Exam: Register and pass the NCLEX exam to demonstrate nursing competence.
  7. Respond to Deficiency Notices: Act promptly to avoid application withdrawal; otherwise, a new application and fee will be required.

After completing the above steps, you’ll be on your way to being licensed as a nurse by exam in the state of Alabama. Now you need to check your application status. Monitor updates through the online nurse portal provided by the state board for about 30 business days.

License by Endorsement

Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows nurses who hold an active license in another state to obtain a nursing license in Alabama without having to retake the licensing exam. This can be particularly beneficial for experienced nurses who are looking to relocate or start working in Alabama.

To apply for licensure by endorsement in Alabama:

  1. You must fill out the appropriate application form and pay the associated fees (includes application, license, and fingerprint processing).
  2. Confirm your residency status in the United States.
  3. Submit to a state and federal background check. (fingerprinting may be required)
  4. Verify your nursing license with the ABN (can be done through Nursys®).
  5. Have your nursing school send over your official transcripts to the ABN.
  6. You will also need to provide proof of having earned twenty-four (24) contact hours of Continuing Education (CE) within the past twenty-four (24) months.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be on your way to getting a nursing license by endorsement in the state of Alabama. Applicants can also apply for a temporary nursing permit while they wait for their license by endorsement.

Getting a Multi-state (Compact) License

The state of Alabama is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, so if you’re licensed as a nurse in a different state, you don’t need to pay for an additional license.

First, you must confirm that you are a resident of the state of Alabama with the ABN, or you must have a valid multistate license from another NLC state. If you aren’t a resident of Alabama, or don’t have a multistate license from another NLC state, you cannot obtain a multistate nursing license in Alabama.

To get a multistate nursing license in the state of Alabama, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Submitting the appropriate application and paying the associated fees.
  2. Graduating from a state board approved nursing program.
  3. Confirm you passed the NCLEX.
  4. Submitting fingerprints for state and federal background checks.
  5. Being a valid resident of the United States.

Follow the above steps, and you’ll be on your way to getting a multistate nursing license in Alabama.

Getting a Temporary License

If you need to work while your nursing license is being processed or you are unable to complete the entire licensing process due to a temporary situation, you may be eligible for a temporary nursing license.

To qualify for a temporary nursing license in Alabama, you must:

  1. Complete an online application via the state board provided portal.
  2. Pay the required fees.
  3. Provide documentation of your qualifications.
  4. Meet any other requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Nursing.

You will not be able to practice while your application is being processed, but you will be able to work while your license is being evaluated.

Renewing your License

Alabama nursing licenses are valid for two years, and renewals are due in even-numbered years. Licenses expire September 30th of even-numbered years. Your renewal won't be complete until you receive a confirmation number, so make sure to renew well in advance of your expiration date. This is done electronically and you can pay online. If at any time your license lapses between renewal periods, you will not be able to practice nursing.

To renew your license, you will need to:

  1. Complete an online application through the state board’s online portal.
  2. Pay the required fees associated with the online application.
  3. Provide proof of continuing education credits. Alabama requires 24 contact hours of CE per two-year renewal cycle.

Remember, licenses are only issued once all of the requirements are fulfilled and all paperwork is sent to the ABN and processed.

Associated Costs & Fees

You can see a breakdown of the costs and fees associated with obtaining a nursing license in the state of Alabama here.

Contact Info

Alabama Board of Nursing

RSA Plaza, Suite 250

770 Washington Ave.

Montgomery, AL 36104

1-800-656-5318

abn@abn.alabama.gov

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Wanderly strives to keep this information up to date but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness as nursing licensure requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and continuing education obligations vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Nurses are strongly encouraged to visit their state's official nursing board website or contact the board directly to confirm current requirements prior to submitting any application.

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