Maryland RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Maryland

NLC Compact State
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$360
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
30 hours / 2 years

1 Education Requirements

Minimum Degree

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

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

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

Criminal History Record Check
FBI and Maryland State Police background check
Criminal History Record Check required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $100
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $60
Total $360

Total includes application ($100), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($60). Maryland is an NLC compact member state.

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $136

Continuing Education Requirements

30
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Required Topics

  • • General Nursing CE OR 1,000 working hours: 30 hours

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Maryland Board of Nursing
Phone
(410) 585-1900

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NLC Compact Member

Maryland is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. With a multistate license, you can practice in multiple states.

Learn about NLC benefits →

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 4 official sources Last verified: January 2025