Registered Nurse / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Registered Nurses

Pennsylvania sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,568 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 Pennsylvania's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $35, and renewal costs $35 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 2 weeks to process once complete. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
42/100
Registered Nurse · Pennsylvania

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
2,568 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$174
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$61/yr
$121 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,568 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$174
Renewal Fee
$121
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, the license path calls for 2568 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $174 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2568 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Pennsylvania must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $121.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Pennsylvania is $35. The renewal fee is $35 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 2 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 Pennsylvania, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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