NCLEX-RN requirements in Pennsylvania
Everything you need to know to get licensed as an RN in Pennsylvania: the board, fees, continuing education, renewal cycle, fingerprint requirements, and NLC compact status.
How to get your RN license in Pennsylvania
- Graduate from an approved nursing program. Pennsylvania accepts ADN and BSN graduates from programs accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
- Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Submit your application, transcripts, and the $$122 licensing fee through the board's online portal at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing.
- Background check. Pennsylvania does not require fingerprinting, but a self-disclosure of any prior convictions is required.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN with NCSBN. Pay the $200 NCSBN fee, receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), and schedule with Pearson VUE.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN. The exam is 75 to 145 questions, computer adaptive, up to 5 hours. Results are reported to your state board within 1–2 business days.
- Receive your license. Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing issues your license number once your NCLEX results post.
Pennsylvania continuing education and renewal
Pennsylvania requires 30 continuing education hours per 2-year renewal cycle. Renewals are managed online through Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
State-specific notes: 2 hrs child abuse recognition and reporting required.
Is Pennsylvania a compact state?
Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate license issued by Pennsylvania, you can practice in every other compact state without applying for additional licensure. Your primary state of residency must be Pennsylvania to issue the compact license here.
How much does it cost to become an RN in Pennsylvania?
Total first-time licensure cost in Pennsylvania typically runs $322–$372: $122 state fee + $200 NCSBN NCLEX-RN fee, plus optional NCLEX prep ($10–$500 depending on resource).
Free NCLEX-RN practice for Pennsylvania candidates
Clarity gives every test-taker 10 free NCLEX questions per day with a free account. Premium ($9.99/mo) unlocks 5,000+ questions, the AI tutor, and 5 timed readiness exams modeled on the live NCLEX-RN — accepted at every state board because the NCLEX itself is the same nationally.