California Nurse Practitioner License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in California
Reduced practice authority with some limitations
Prescriptive Authority: Standardized procedures with physician required for controlled substances; Furnishing Number $400 initial, $168 renewal
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Nurse Practitioner program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AANPCB
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board
3 Background Check
4 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $500 |
| Total | $500 |
All APRN credentials are certificates added to RN license, not separate licenses
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $150 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Same as RN base
Prerequisites
To become a Nurse Practitioner in California, you must first hold an active RN license. California requires a state-specific RN license.
State Board of Nursing
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Other APRN Types in California
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 1 official sources • Last verified: January 2026