Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide

Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

Pre-requisites

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

  1. You must meet the education or licensing requirements set by the Colorado 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 Colorado 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 Colorado requires the following steps:

  1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet Colorado 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 and upload official transcripts from your nursing program to state portal, upload citizenship/alien status documentation to state portal.
  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 Colorado. 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 Colorado without having to retake the licensing exam. This can be particularly beneficial for experienced nurses who are looking to relocate or start working in Colorado.

To apply for licensure by endorsement in Colorado:

  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 through the BON’s online portal.
  5. Have your nursing school send over your official transcripts to the BON.
  6. Provide proof of continuing education. The Colorado BON is authorized to require up to 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two 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 Colorado. Applicants can also apply for a temporary nursing permit while they wait for their license by endorsement.

Getting a Multi-state (Compact) License

The default nursing license in the state of Colorado is a multistate license, so getting a license by exam or by endorsement in the state of Colorado automatically confers a multistate nursing license to the licensee.

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 Colorado, 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 Colorado 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

Colorado nursing licenses are valid for two years, and renewals are in both even and odd numbered years, all dependent on the date the license was issued. Licenses expire every September 30th, two years from issuance. 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. Colorado requires 30 CE hours per two-year renewal cycle.

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

Contact Info

Colorado Board of Nursing

Division of Professions and Occupations

1560 Broadway, Suite 1350

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7800

dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us

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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