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Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

The agency that licenses and disciplines nurses in Pennsylvania — how to reach it, what it charges, and what it requires to keep a licence active.

NLC Compact State

What this board regulates

Every nursing credential issued in Pennsylvania, with what it costs to get and what it takes to keep. Initial cost totals application, examination, and fingerprinting fees.

Credential Initial cost Renewal CE hours
CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
$147 —
every 2 yrs
—
LPN/LVN
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
$345 $76
every 2 yrs
None
RN
Registered Nurse
$345 $122
every 2 yrs
30
NP
Nurse Practitioner
$100 $81
every 2 yrs
30
CNM
Certified Nurse-Midwife
$50 $81
every 2 yrs
30
CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
$115 $56
every 2 yrs
30
CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
$100 $81
every 2 yrs
30

Certified nursing assistants are listed on the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry, run by Pennsylvania Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry — a separate agency from the nursing board.

Multistate practice

Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate licence issued by this board lets you practise in other NLC member states without a separate application in each one.

Pennsylvania enacted the NLC in September 2023. Fully implemented July 7, 2025. Multistate licenses now available.

Frequently asked questions

How do I contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing?
Phone: (717) 783-7142. Email: ST-NURSE@pa.gov. Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/nursing. The board is the authoritative source for licence status, disciplinary records, and application questions. Contact it directly rather than relying on third-party summaries, including this one.
What licences does the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing issue?
It handles Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse-Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Certified nursing assistants are listed on the Pennsylvania nurse aide registry, run by Pennsylvania Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry, which is a separate agency from the nursing board.
Is Pennsylvania a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate licence issued here lets you practise in other NLC member states without applying separately in each one.
How do I verify a Pennsylvania nursing licence?
Use the board's public verification tool, which is free and does not require an account. It shows current status, expiration date, and any disciplinary action. Nursys also carries Pennsylvania data, though it can lag the board by up to two business days.
How often do Pennsylvania nursing licences renew?
Renewal cycles vary by credential: CNA every 2 years, LPN/LVN every 2 years, RN every 2 years, NP every 2 years, CNM every 2 years, CNS every 2 years, CRNA every 2 years. Continuing education requirements are set per credential and are listed in the table above.

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 6 official sources • Last verified: June 2026