CNS License Requirements by State
Select a state to view detailed Clinical Nurse Specialist licensing requirements, including certification options, prescriptive authority, and title protection.
Note: CNS recognition and scope of practice varies significantly by state. Some states recognize CNS as APRNs with prescriptive authority, while others do not.
Alabama
NLC Alaska
Arizona
NLC Arkansas
NLC California
Colorado
NLC Connecticut
NLC Delaware
NLC Florida
NLC Georgia
NLC Hawaii
Idaho
NLC Illinois
Indiana
NLC Iowa
NLC Kansas
NLC Kentucky
NLC Louisiana
NLC Maine
NLC Maryland
NLC Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
NLC Missouri
NLC Montana
NLC Nebraska
NLC Nevada
New Hampshire
NLC New Jersey
NLC New Mexico
NLC New York
North Carolina
NLC North Dakota
NLC Ohio
NLC Oklahoma
NLC Oregon
Pennsylvania
NLC Rhode Island
NLC South Carolina
NLC South Dakota
NLC Tennessee
NLC Texas
NLC Utah
NLC Vermont
NLC Virginia
NLC Washington
West Virginia
NLC Wisconsin
NLC Wyoming
NLC CNS Certification Options
Clinical Nurse Specialists can obtain certification through ANCC or specialty organizations like AACN for critical care. Certification requirements vary by specialty area.
Read our APRN guide →Need Your RN First?
An active RN license is required before pursuing CNS certification. View RN requirements for your state to get started.
View RN state requirements →