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

North Dakota Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the North Dakota data shows for Registered Nurses

North Dakota sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,108 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 North Dakota's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $100, and renewal costs $75 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 3 weeks to process once complete. Maintaining the license requires 12 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 North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,108 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$94
Renewal Fee
$64
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
$75
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
12 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in North Dakota? ▼
In North Dakota, the license path calls for 2108 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $94 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2108 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the North Dakota licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to North Dakota 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 North Dakota. Verify the specifics with the North Dakota licensing board.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for registered nurse licensing in North Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $64 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in North Dakota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in North Dakota is $100. The renewal fee is $75 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in North Dakota? ▼
In North Dakota, 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

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.