CNS
Advanced Practice
Texas Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Texas
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$100
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
reduced
Reduced Practice
Reduced practice authority with some limitations
Prescriptive Authority: Collaborative agreement required; Jurisprudence Exam mandatory
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AACN
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
3 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Total | $100 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $70 |
Continuing Education Requirements
20
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle
2 jurisprudence/ethics every 3rd renewal; 400 practice hours required
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Texas, you must first hold an active RN license. Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
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Readiness Checklist
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Practice Map
Where can you practice?
Other APRN Types in Texas
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 1 official sources • Last verified: January 2026