California RN License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in California
1 Education Requirements
Minimum Degree
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Requirements
- Complete an approved pre-licensure nursing program
- Program must include theory and clinical practice
- Foreign-educated nurses must have credentials evaluated by CGFNS
Graduate from a California Board of Registered Nursing approved nursing program or a nursing program approved by another state board of nursing
2 NCLEX-RN Examination
Exam Name
NCLEX-RN
Administered By
Pearson VUE
Passing Standard
Pass/Fail (Adaptive)
Tip: Register for the NCLEX 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
4 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $300 |
| Examination Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprinting | $49 |
| $100 | |
| Total | $549 |
Total includes application ($300), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($49). Temporary license adds $100.
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $190 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Required Topics
- • General Nursing CE: 30 hours
- • Implicit Bias Training: 2 hours
State Board of Nursing
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Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 4 official sources • Last verified: December 2025