How to get your RN license in Alabama

Getting licensed in Alabama at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Alabama

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the Alabama Board of Nursing and pay the $125 single-state ($225 multistate) application fee.
3. 3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. 4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. 5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6. 6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.
7. 7The Alabama Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Alabama Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Alabama? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Alabama RN licensing FAQ

Does Alabama require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Yes. Alabama requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Effective January 1, 2020, all applicants for multistate (Compact) licenses and all endorsement applicants must submit to a fingerprint criminal background check (via Gemalto/board process). The board does not state a fingerprint requirement for single-state examination applicants; since Alabama is an eNLC state, most new graduates apply multistate and should expect fingerprinting.

How much does the Alabama RN license application cost?

The initial Alabama RN license-by-examination application fee is $125 single-state ($225 multistate). This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the Alabama Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

Can I work in Alabama before my RN license is issued?

Alabama issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. A first-time applicant for licensure by examination (in any jurisdiction) may request a non-renewable temporary permit once a complete application (including citizenship documentation, official transcript, and any regulatory-question supporting documentation) has been submitted. The permit carries the Nursing Graduate-RN Program (NG-RNP) title, is valid up to 180 days, and allows practice under a licensed RN's direct supervision until the exam is passed, the permit expires, a license is issued, or licensure is denied. Issuance is not automatic, and holding temporary permits in multiple jurisdictions at once is not allowed. Confirm the exact conditions with the Alabama Board of Nursing.

How do I apply for my first RN license in Alabama?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Alabama Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

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