Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide

Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

Pre-requisites

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

  1. You must submit an online application with the required fees.
  2. You must provide citizenship or lawful presence documentation to the Arizona Board of Nursing.
  3. You must submit a full set of fingerprints for the State and undergo a Federal criminal background check.

Remember, a permanent license won't be issued until fingerprint results are received, which may take 8-12 weeks.

License by Exam

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

  1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet Arizona's 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 Arizona Board of Nursing.
  3. Prepare Appropriate Documentation: Request official transcripts (out-of-state), upload citizenship/alien status documentation.
  4. Pay Fees: Non-refundable fees - $150.00 application fee paid to the Board, $150.00 NCLEX fee paid to Pearson VUE and $50.00 fingerprinting fee (if needed).
  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. Disclose Criminal Charges: Report any charges to the Arizona State Board of Nursing within 10 days.
  8. 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 Arizona. 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

Getting licensed as a nurse by endorsement in the state of Arizona is a multi-step process which requires the following actions to be taken:

  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 your fingerprints for a state and federal background check.
  4. Verify your nursing license with the AZBN (can be done through Nursys®).
  5. Have your nursing school send over your official transcripts to the AZBN.
  6. Confirm you’ve practiced as a nurse for at least 960 hours in the past 5 years.

Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be on your way to getting a nursing license by endorsement in the state of Arizona. 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 Arizona 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 Arizona with the AZBN, or you must have a valid multistate license from another NLC state. If you aren’t a resident of Arizona, or don’t have a multistate license from another NLC state, you cannot obtain a multistate nursing license by endorsement in Arizona.

To get a multistate nursing license in the state of Arizona, 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.
  6. Confirm you have no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing.

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

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 in Arizona.

To qualify for a temporary nursing license in Arizona, 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 Arizona 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

RN and LPN licenses in Arizona are renewed every two years (biennially). Licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years. 

To renew your license, you will need to:

  1. Complete an online renewal application through the state board’s online portal.
  2. Pay the required renewal fees associated with the online application.
  3. Arizona does NOT require a specific number of CE contact hours for RN or LPN renewal, but uses a continued competency model. To renew your license, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
    • You must have practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years, OR
    • Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years, OR
    • Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years, OR
    • Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, Master's degree in nursing, or Doctorate in Nursing).

Once you can confirm with the AZBN that you meet at least one of the above criteria, fill out the appropriate renewal application and pay the associated fees, you’ll be on your way to renewing your nursing license in the state of Arizona.

Contact Info

Arizona State Board of Nursing

1740 West Adams Street, Suite 2000

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 771-7800

verifications@azbn.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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