How to get your RN license in Washington

Getting licensed in Washington at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Washington

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the Washington State Board of Nursing and pay the $138 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 Washington State Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Washington RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Washington requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. WABON conducts a criminal background check on all applications and requires an FBI fingerprint-based background check (completed via Live Scan or fingerprint cards, processed through the Washington State Patrol and FBI) for multistate license applicants and for single-state RN-by-exam applicants who have an out-of-state address.

How much does the Washington RN license application cost?

The initial Washington RN license-by-examination application fee is $138. 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 Washington State Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

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

Washington issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. WABON may issue a Temporary Practice Permit (TPP) once all other licensing requirements have been met, valid while the applicant's FBI fingerprint background check is still pending. Confirm the exact conditions with the Washington State Board of Nursing.

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

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