Registered Nurse / Georgia
2026 data Georgia board official source

Georgia 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.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Georgia data shows for Registered Nurses

Georgia sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,459 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-RN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Georgia's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $40, and renewal costs $40 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 3 weeks to process once complete. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
44/100
Registered Nurse · Georgia

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
2,459 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$155
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C-
$54/yr
$107 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 Georgia

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,459 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$155
Renewal Fee
$107
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 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 Georgia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Georgia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Georgia? ▼
In Georgia, the license path calls for 2459 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $155 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Georgia? ▼
Georgia licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2459 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Georgia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Georgia from another state? ▼
Registered Nurse licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Georgia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Georgia require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, Georgia 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 Georgia? ▼
Georgia ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $107 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Georgia? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Georgia is $40. The renewal fee is $40 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Georgia? ▼
In Georgia, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 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 Georgia, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Georgia'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 Georgia's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Georgia overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Georgia 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.