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Montana RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Montana

NLC Compact State
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$340
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
None required

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

Fingerprint via Montana Department of Justice
FBI and Montana DOJ background check
Fingerprinting required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $100
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $40
Total $340

Total includes application ($100), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($40). Montana is an NLC compact member state. CE requirement repealed November 2023.

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $100

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Montana Board of Nursing
Phone
(406) 444-6880

Verify a Montana License

Look up any Montana nurse license for free. Step-by-step guide with the official state board tool.

Open Montana License Lookup

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NLC Compact Member

Montana 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