Registered Nurse / Connecticut
2026 data Connecticut board official source

Connecticut Registered Nurse License Requirements

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

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

What the Connecticut data shows for Registered Nurses

To practice as a registered nurse in Connecticut, the state licensing board requires 2,676 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 Connecticut's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $100, and renewal costs $100 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 4 weeks to process once complete. Maintaining the license requires 20 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 Requirements in Connecticut

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,676 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$193
Renewal Fee
$134
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$100
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$100
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
20 hrs
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Connecticut licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the license path calls for 2676 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $193 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut?
To become a licensed registered nurse in Connecticut, you must meet the state's requirements including 2676 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Connecticut licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Connecticut from another state?
Reciprocity for registered nurses nationally works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Connecticut. Verify the specifics with the Connecticut licensing board.
Does Connecticut require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for registered nurse licensing in Connecticut. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Connecticut?
Connecticut ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $134 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Connecticut?
The initial licensing fee in Connecticut is $100. The renewal fee is $100 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

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