NP Advanced Practice

California Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in California

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$500

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

restricted

Official source: licensing in California is administered by the California Board of Registered Nursing. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in California.

Apply on Official Site

Restricted Practice

Restricted practice authority. After three FTE years or 4,600 hours of qualifying California practice, a certified 103 NP may work without standardized procedures in specified group settings. After another three FTE years or 4,600 hours as a 103 NP, a certified 104 NP may practice outside a group setting without those procedures. Other NPs still need standardized procedures.

Prescriptive Authority: Standard NPs furnish drugs under standardized procedures. A Board-certified 103 NP may furnish without those procedures in specified group settings after the first transition; a Board-certified 104 NP may do so outside a group setting after another three FTE years or 4,600 hours as a 103 NP.

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, AANPCB, PNCB, NCC, or AACN

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, National Certification Corporation, or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

3 Background Check

Fingerprint-based criminal background check

FBI and state background check required

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

Contact hours required

2 years

Renewal cycle

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.

RN Requirements View California RN Requirements

California NP License FAQs

How much does an NP license cost in California?

Expect about $500 in total initial NP license costs in California, including a $500 application fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the California Board of Registered Nursing.

How many CE hours do NPs need to renew in California?

California NPs must complete 30 continuing education hours each 2-year renewal cycle. The renewal fee is $150.

How long does it take to get an NP license in California?

Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 8 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues NP licenses in California?

The California Board of Registered Nursing handles NP license applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at 916-322-3350.