Pennsylvania RN License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania
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
4 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $95 |
| Examination Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprinting | $50 |
| Total | $345 |
Total includes application ($95), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($50). Pennsylvania is an NLC member state (enacted Sept 2023, implemented July 7, 2025).
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $122 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Required Topics
- • General Nursing CE: 28 hours
- • Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting: 2 hours
State Board of Nursing
Verify a Pennsylvania License
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NLC Compact Member
Pennsylvania 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: February 2026