How to get your RN license in Colorado

Getting licensed in Colorado at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Colorado

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the Colorado Board of Nursing.
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. 6The Colorado Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Colorado RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Colorado requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Colorado Board of Nursing Rule 1.1(D)(5) requires applicants to submit fingerprints for a state and national criminal history record check via the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and FBI, processed through approved vendors (IdentoGO or American BioIdentity/Colorado Fingerprinting).

How much does the Colorado RN license application cost?

Colorado publishes its initial application fee on the Colorado Board of Nursing portal. Budget for it plus the separate NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and a fingerprint/background-check vendor fee.

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

Colorado does not issue a temporary permit for new-graduate applicants, so you generally cannot practice as an RN until your license is issued. The Board's official FAQ states applicants may not practice until their license has been issued; Colorado only issues limited "Special" or "Student" permits (for out-of-state licensed nurses doing patient/procedure-specific work, or nontraditional-program students needing in-state clinical hours), not a general temporary/graduate-nurse permit to practice while an initial exam application is pending.

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

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Colorado 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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