West Virginia RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in West Virginia

NLC Compact State
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$302
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
12 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 and West Virginia State Police fingerprint background check
FBI and West Virginia State Police background check required
IdentoGO is exclusive Live Scan provider
Fingerprinting required for all applicants

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $52
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $50
Total $302

Total includes application ($52), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($50). West Virginia is an NLC compact member. Fee waivers available. RN board is separate from LPN board.

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $67

Continuing Education Requirements

12
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Required Topics

  • • General Nursing CE: 12 hours

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
West Virginia Board of Registered Professional Nurses
Phone
(304) 744-0900

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NLC Compact Member

West Virginia 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