How to get your RN license in Connecticut

Getting licensed in Connecticut at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Connecticut

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and pay the $180.00 application fee.
3. 3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. 4Complete any criminal background check the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing requires.
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 Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Connecticut RN licensing FAQ

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

Confirm the background-check requirement directly with the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing; we have not verified it against a board source for Connecticut.

How much does the Connecticut RN license application cost?

The initial Connecticut RN license-by-examination application fee is $180.00. 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 Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing portal before you pay.

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

Connecticut issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Connecticut allows "temporary practice of graduate nurses, pending the results of the licensing examination for a period not to exceed 90 calendar days after the date of graduation, provided that such graduate nurses are working in hospitals or other organizations where adequate supervision is provided," which automatically ends if the applicant fails the NCLEX-RN. Confirm the exact conditions with the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.

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

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

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