North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide

North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

License by Exam

Licensure by Examination is the most common pathway to obtaining a nursing license in North Carolina. It is designed for individuals who have completed an approved nursing education program and are ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

To begin the process, aspiring nurses must:

  1. Submit an application to the North Carolina State Board of Nursing. This application includes verifying their education and submitting any necessary transcripts or documents.
  2. Once the application is reviewed and approved, candidates will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE, the company that administers the NCLEX. This ATT allows them to schedule their exam at a designated testing center.

If successful, they will then receive their nursing license by mail.

License by Endorsement

Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows nurses who are already licensed in another state to obtain a nursing license in North Carolina.

To apply for licensure by endorsement, you will need to:

  1. Submit an application to the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). The application includes providing your personal information, education history, and verification of your current license from another state.
  2. Pay the required fees.

Once your application is received and reviewed, the NCBON will determine if you meet the requirements for licensure in North Carolina. These requirements may include passing a criminal background check and submitting any necessary documentation such as transcripts or verification forms from previous employers.

If approved, you will be issued a nursing license in North Carolina which allows you to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse within the state's boundaries.

Getting a Temporary License

Temporary Licensure in North Carolina is a valuable option for nurses who need to practice in the state on a temporary basis. Whether you are moving to North Carolina for a short-term assignment or providing assistance during a crisis, temporary licensure allows you to work while your permanent license is being processed.

To obtain temporary licensure, you will need to:

  1. Submit an application and provide documentation of your current nursing license from another state. You may also be required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check. 
  2. Pay the required fees.

Once approved, you will receive a temporary license that allows you to practice as a nurse in North Carolina for up to six months.

Renewing your License

Keeping your nursing license current is essential to continue practicing as a nurse in North Carolina. The state requires nurses to renew their licenses every two years, and the process is relatively straightforward. Licenses are valid for two (2) years and must be renewed by the last day of your birth month in the year they expire.

To begin the renewal process, you will need to:

  1. Complete the online application for license renewal. 
  2. Submit documentation demonstrating that you have completed continuing education requirements.
  3. You must choose one of the following during your renewal period:
    • 30 contact hours of continuing education related to nursing practice, OR
    • 15 contact hours of CE PLUS 640 hours of active nursing practice in the past 2 years, OR
    • National certification or recertification by a Board-recognized credentialing body, OR
    • Board-approved refresher course, OR
    • 2 semester hours of post-licensure academic nursing education, OR
    • 15 contact hours of CE PLUS a nursing project (principal or co-investigator), OR
    • 15 contact hours of CE PLUS authoring/co-authoring a nursing article, paper, book, or chapter, OR
    • 15 contact hours of CE PLUS developing & presenting nursing CE totaling at least 5 contact hours.
  4. Pay the required fees.

Once your application has been reviewed and approved by the Board, you will receive confirmation that your license has been renewed. It's important to keep this confirmation in a safe place as proof of licensure.

Contact Info

North Carolina State Board of Nursing

4516 Lake Boone Trail

Raleigh, NC 27607

(919) 782-3211

general@ncbon.com

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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