Registered Nurse / Vermont
2026 data Vermont board official source

Vermont 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 Vermont data shows for Registered Nurses

Vermont sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,041 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 Vermont's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $190, and renewal costs $60 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 5 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.

For registered nurses, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
57/100
Registered Nurse · Vermont

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
2,041 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee B-
$82
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$28/yr
$55 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 Vermont

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,041 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$82
Renewal Fee
$55
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Vermont licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Vermont?
Vermont's requirements cover 2041 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-RN exam, and an initial fee of $82. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Vermont?
Vermont licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2041 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Vermont licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Vermont 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 Vermont. Verify the specifics with the Vermont licensing board.
Does Vermont require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing?
Yes, Vermont 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 Vermont?
To stay licensed as a registered nurse in Vermont, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $55.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Vermont?
The initial licensing fee in Vermont is $190. The renewal fee is $60 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Vermont?
In Vermont, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Vermont, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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