How to get your RN license in Ohio

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

To get your first RN license in Ohio, you graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Ohio Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes. Ohio requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Ohio law requires all applicants for RN licensure to submit fingerprints, which the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the FBI use to complete a criminal records check.

Getting licensed in Ohio at a glance

Background check: Yes. Ohio requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Ohio law requires all applicants for RN licensure to submit fingerprints, which the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the FBI use to complete a criminal records check.
Application fee: $100 (initial license by examination)
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Ohio Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Ohio

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2Apply for licensure by examination through the Ohio Board of Nursing and pay the $100 application fee.
3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6The Ohio Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Ohio RN licensing FAQ

Does Ohio require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?: Yes. Ohio requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Ohio law requires all applicants for RN licensure to submit fingerprints, which the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the FBI use to complete a criminal records check.
How much does the Ohio RN license application cost?: The initial Ohio RN license-by-examination application fee is $100. 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 Ohio Board of Nursing portal before you pay.
Can I work in Ohio before my RN license is issued?: Whether Ohio issues a temporary or graduate-nurse permit varies; confirm with the Ohio Board of Nursing before you accept a start date, and never practice as an RN until you are authorized.
How do I apply for my first RN license in Ohio?: Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Ohio Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

Related guides

Ohio license renewal & CE requirements

Moving an out-of-state license to Ohio (endorsement)

How to become a registered nurse (national roadmap)

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How to get your RN license in Ohio

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

Getting licensed in Ohio at a glance

Background check: Yes. Ohio requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Ohio law requires all applicants for RN licensure to submit fingerprints, which the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the FBI use to complete a criminal records check.
Application fee: $100 (initial license by examination)
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Ohio Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Ohio

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).

2Apply for licensure by examination through the Ohio Board of Nursing and pay the $100 application fee.

3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.

4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.

5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.

6The Ohio Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Ohio RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Ohio requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Ohio law requires all applicants for RN licensure to submit fingerprints, which the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) and the FBI use to complete a criminal records check.

How much does the Ohio RN license application cost?

The initial Ohio RN license-by-examination application fee is $100. 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 Ohio Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

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

Whether Ohio issues a temporary or graduate-nurse permit varies; confirm with the Ohio Board of Nursing before you accept a start date, and never practice as an RN until you are authorized.

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

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