RN NLC Compact State

Washington RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Washington

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Total Initial Cost

$388

Renewal Period

1 years

CE Hours Required

8 hours

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

Apply on Official Site

1 Education Requirements

Program Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Additional Requirements

Complete an approved pre-licensure nursing program
Program must be approved by state board or equivalent
Foreign-educated nurses must meet CGFNS requirements

Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program

2 NCLEX-RN Examination

Exam Name

NCLEX-RN

Administered By

Pearson VUE

Exam Fee

$200

Tip: Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the state board.

Need NCLEX-RN prep? Archer Review has a affordable prep, high pass rate.

3 Background Check

FBI background check via Washington State Patrol

FBI background check required

Instructions emailed after application submitted

Via Washington State Patrol

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee	$138
Examination Fee	$200
Fingerprinting	$50
Total	$388

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 1 years)

$138

Continuing Education Requirements

Contact hours required

1 years

Renewal cycle

Required Topics

- General Nursing CE: 6 hours
- Health Equity (including Implicit Bias): 2 hours
- Suicide Assessment, Treatment & Management: 6 hours

Career Advancement

Many RNs advance their careers by pursuing advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Explore NP Licensure APRN Career Guide

Washington RN License FAQs

How much does an RN license cost in Washington?

Expect about $388 in total initial RN license costs in Washington, including a $138 application fee and a $200 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

How many CE hours do RNs need to renew in Washington?

Washington RNs must complete 8 continuing education hours each annual renewal cycle. The renewal fee is $138.

Is Washington a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state?

Yes. Washington is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so eligible nurses with a multistate license can practice in Washington and every other NLC state without extra licenses.

How long does it take to get an RN license in Washington?

Most complete applications are processed in about 2 to 3 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues RN licenses in Washington?

The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission handles RN license applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (360) 236-4703.