Registered Nurse / Arizona
2026 data Arizona board official source

Arizona Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Arizona data shows for Registered Nurses

To practice as a registered nurse in Arizona, the state licensing board requires 2,832 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Arizona's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Budget $150 to get started, plus $70 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 5 weeks once your application is complete. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
38/100
Registered Nurse · Arizona

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,832 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$221
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$77/yr
$154 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Arizona

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,832 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$221
Renewal Fee
$154
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Arizona licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arizona licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Arizona? ▼
Arizona's requirements cover 2832 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-RN exam, and an initial fee of $221. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Arizona? ▼
Arizona licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2832 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Arizona licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Arizona from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for registered nurses: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Arizona licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Arizona require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, Arizona requires a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Arizona? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Arizona must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $154.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Arizona? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Arizona is $150. The renewal fee is $70 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Arizona? ▼
In Arizona, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Arizona, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Arizona's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Arizona's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Arizona overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Arizona licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.