NP Advanced Practice

Virginia Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Virginia

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

Initial Cost

$190

Renewal Period

2 years

Practice Authority

restricted

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

Apply on Official Site

Restricted Practice

Restricted practice authority. Under Va. Code 54.1-2957 and 18VAC90-30-86, an NP needs a practice agreement until completing 5,400 qualifying clinical hours (three equivalent years at 1,800 hours/year) and obtaining the Boards' autonomous-practice designation.

Prescriptive Authority: An NP needs a patient care team physician agreement until completing three equivalent full-time years of qualifying clinical experience (1,800 hours/year) and receiving the Boards' autonomous-practice designation; an authorized autonomous NP may prescribe without that agreement.

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	$125
Total	$190

APRNs jointly regulated by Board of Nursing AND Board of Medicine

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)

$80

Prerequisites

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

RN Requirements View Virginia RN Requirements

Virginia NP License FAQs

How much does an NP license cost in Virginia?

Expect about $190 in total initial NP license costs in Virginia, including a $125 application fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Does Virginia require continuing education for NP renewal?

No. Virginia does not require continuing education hours to renew an NP license. The renewal fee is $80.

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

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 Virginia?

The Virginia Board of Nursing handles NP license applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at 804-367-4515.