Registered Nurse / North Carolina
2026 data North Carolina board official source

North Carolina Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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

What the North Carolina data shows for Registered Nurses

North Carolina's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,446 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. North Carolina folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $75, with renewal running $75 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 4 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in North Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,446 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$153
Renewal Fee
$106
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
$75
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$75
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
30 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in North Carolina? ▼
North Carolina requires 2446 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $153. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina? ▼
North Carolina licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2446 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the North Carolina licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to North Carolina from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the North Carolina licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does North Carolina require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
North Carolina does require a background check before issuing a registered nurse license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in North Carolina? ▼
North Carolina ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $106 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in North Carolina? ▼
The initial licensing fee in North Carolina is $75. The renewal fee is $75 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in North Carolina? ▼
In North Carolina, 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.

Related Guides

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

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