How to get your RN license in Vermont

Getting licensed in Vermont at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Vermont

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the Vermont Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Regulation and pay the $75 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 Vermont Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Regulation issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Vermont Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Regulation. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Vermont? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Vermont RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Vermont requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. A criminal background check is required of all first-time RN applicants: applicants are fingerprinted (using an FD-258 card or at a Vermont Identification Center) and the prints, along with a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate, are sent to the Vermont Crime Information Center for a state and FBI criminal history check.

How much does the Vermont RN license application cost?

The initial Vermont RN license-by-examination application fee is $75. 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 Vermont Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Regulation portal before you pay.

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

Vermont issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Vermont issues a non-renewable 90-day provisional license (per 3 V.S.A. §130) to first-time RN applicants who have otherwise met licensure requirements but are still awaiting verification of licensure or the results of the criminal background check. Confirm the exact conditions with the Vermont Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Regulation.

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

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

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