NCLEX-RN requirements in Washington
Everything you need to know to get licensed as an RN in Washington: the board, fees, continuing education, renewal cycle, fingerprint requirements, and NLC compact status.
How to get your RN license in Washington
- Graduate from an approved nursing program. Washington accepts ADN and BSN graduates from programs accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
- Apply to the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. Submit your application, transcripts, and the $$116 licensing fee through the board's online portal at https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission.
- Complete fingerprinting and background check. Washington requires a criminal background check via fingerprinting, typically through L-1 Enrollment Services or IdentoGO.
- 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. Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission issues your license number once your NCLEX results post.
Washington continuing education and renewal
Washington requires 45 continuing education hours per 3-year renewal cycle. Renewals are managed online through Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
State-specific notes: Requires 6 hrs suicide assessment training, 1 hr health equity, 1 hr LGBTQ training.
Is Washington a compact state?
Washington is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs licensed in Washington need to apply for endorsement in any other state where they want to practice. RNs from compact states must obtain a Washington single-state license to work here.
How much does it cost to become an RN in Washington?
Total first-time licensure cost in Washington typically runs $366–$426: $116 state fee + $200 NCSBN NCLEX-RN fee + $50–60 fingerprinting, plus optional NCLEX prep ($10–$500 depending on resource).
Free NCLEX-RN practice for Washington 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.