How to get your RN license in New York

Getting licensed in New York at a glance

Steps to get licensed in New York

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and pay the $143 application fee.
3. 3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. 4Complete any criminal background check the New York State Education Department (NYSED) 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 New York State Education Department (NYSED) issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: New York State Education Department (NYSED). Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New York? See licensure by endorsement instead.

New York RN licensing FAQ

Does New York require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Confirm the background-check requirement directly with the New York State Education Department (NYSED); we have not verified it against a board source for New York.

How much does the New York RN license application cost?

The initial New York RN license-by-examination application fee is $143. 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 New York State Education Department (NYSED) portal before you pay.

Can I work in New York before my RN license is issued?

New York issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. NYSED issues a Limited Permit (Graduate Nurse/GN status) letting nursing school graduates practice under RN supervision while their license application/NCLEX-RN result is pending, valid up to 1 year or until 10 days after notice of NCLEX-RN failure, whichever comes first. Confirm the exact conditions with the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

How do I apply for my first RN license in New York?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the New York State Education Department (NYSED), complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

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