NP Advanced Practice

Maine Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Maine

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$100

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

full

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

Apply on Official Site

Full Practice Authority

Full practice authority. 32 M.R.S. 2102(2-A) requires 24 months of supervised practice or qualifying clinic or hospital employment until the Board adopts practice-standard rules.

Prescriptive Authority: NPs may prescribe and dispense drugs. Until the board adopts practice-standard rules, new NPs must first practice 24 months under a supervising physician or NP, or at a clinic or hospital with a physician medical director.

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	$100
Total	$100

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$100

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

2 years

Renewal cycle

Pharmacology: 15 hours required

Prerequisites

To become a Nurse Practitioner in Maine, you must first hold an active RN license. Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.

RN Requirements View Maine RN Requirements

Maine NP License FAQs

How much does an NP license cost in Maine?

Expect about $100 in total initial NP license costs in Maine, including a $100 application fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Maine State Board of Nursing.

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

Maine NPs must complete 50 continuing education hours each 2-year renewal cycle. The renewal fee is $100.

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

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 Maine?

The Maine State Board of Nursing handles NP license applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at 207-287-1133.