Registered Nurse / West Virginia
2026 data West Virginia board official source

West Virginia 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 West Virginia data shows for Registered Nurses

West Virginia's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,284 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. West Virginia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $100, and renewal costs $60 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 4 weeks to process once complete. The license also carries an ongoing 12-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 Requirements in West Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,284 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$125
Renewal Fee
$85
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
$60
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
12 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia requires 2284 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $125. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in West Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in West Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 2284 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the West Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to West Virginia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for registered nurses: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the West Virginia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does West Virginia require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
West Virginia 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 West Virginia? ▼
West Virginia ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $85 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in West Virginia? ▼
The initial licensing fee in West Virginia is $100. The renewal fee is $60 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in West Virginia? ▼
In West Virginia, 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.