Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
The agency that licenses and disciplines nurses in Washington — how to reach it, what it charges, and what it requires to keep a licence active.
Contact the board
What this board regulates
Every nursing credential issued in Washington, 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 | $251 | $95
every 1 yr | — |
| LPN/LVN Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse | $343 | $93
every 1 yr | 8 |
| RN Registered Nurse | $388 | $138
every 1 yr | 8 |
| NP Nurse Practitioner | $130 | $130
every 2 yrs | 30 |
| CNM Certified Nurse-Midwife | $130 | $130
every 2 yrs | 30 |
| CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist | $130 | $130
every 2 yrs | 30 |
| CRNA Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $130 | $130
every 2 yrs | 30 |
Certified nursing assistants are listed on the Washington nurse aide registry, run by Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission - Nurse Aide Registry — a separate agency from the nursing board.
Multistate practice
Washington 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.
Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in July 2023. With a multistate license issued by Washington, you can practice in all other NLC member states without obtaining additional licenses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I contact the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission?
What licences does the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission issue?
Is Washington a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
How do I verify a Washington nursing licence?
How often do Washington nursing licences renew?
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 6 official sources • Last verified: June 2026