Texas RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in Texas

NLC Compact State
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$378
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
20 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 Texas Board of Nursing approved nursing program or equivalent approved program from another jurisdiction

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 criminal background check via fingerprinting
FBI and Texas DPS background check
Fingerprints submitted through IdentoGO
Results sent directly to Texas BON

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $110
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $43
$25
Total $378

Total includes application ($110), NCLEX ($200), fingerprinting ($43), and Jurisprudence Exam ($25). Texas is an NLC compact member state - multistate license available.

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $68

Continuing Education Requirements

20
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Required Topics

  • • General Nursing CE: 20 hours
  • • Targeted CE (if applicable): 0 hours

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Texas Board of Nursing
Phone
(512) 305-7400

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NLC Compact Member

Texas 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: December 2025