New Hampshire RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire

NLC Compact State
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$370
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

FBI fingerprint and criminal record release
FBI fingerprint background check
Criminal record release required
4-6 weeks for background check results

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $120
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $50
Total $370

Total includes application ($120), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($50). New Hampshire is an NLC compact member state.

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $120

Continuing Education Requirements

30
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Required Topics

  • • General Nursing CE: 30 hours
  • • Active Practice: 400 hours

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Phone
(603) 271-2152

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NLC Compact Member

New Hampshire 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 3 official sources Last verified: January 2025