A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Colorado
Colorado is currently facing a significant nursing shortage, leading the state's Board of Nursing to implement measures to streamline the process for acquiring new licenses, renewing existing ones, and obtaining licensure by endorsement. Since 2018, Colorado has been part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses from other states to practice here more easily. This article answers frequently asked questions about obtaining your initial registered nurse license in Colorado, renewing your license, and completing continuing education requirements. Topics covered include:
- How to get your Colorado nursing license - Renewing your Colorado nursing license - Associated licensing fees - Continuing education requirements - Contacting the Colorado Board of Nursing
### How to Get Your Colorado Nursing License
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#### Step 1: Education
Your journey to becoming a nurse begins with education. Various nursing degrees are available to help you become a registered nurse. - Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated BSN programs for those who already have a bachelor's degree to earn their BSN.
After completing your education, apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing, register for the NCLEX-RN exam, and move forward in your nursing career.
#### Step 2: Application
Access the application to become a registered nurse in Colorado on the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website. Click "Apply for New License," which takes you to the Board of Nursing’s Applications and Forms page where you choose your license type. The Registered Nurse page allows applications for new licenses by exam or endorsement. Before submitting your application, ensure you have: - Fingerprint and background check - Fee payment - Transcripts - Other healthcare licenses (if applicable) - License verification (if applicable) - Name change information (if applicable) - Declaration of primary state of residence - Answers to general and criminal history questions - Healthcare Professions Profile - Date of initial NCLEX exam
#### Step 3: Transcripts
Colorado requires electronic transcripts, not hard copies. Order them to be sent to you and scan high-quality copies of both sides. Save each transcript in a separate file labeled with your name and school. Upload when prompted during your application.
#### Step 4: Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for a background check using authorized vendors: - IdentoGO Fingerprint Services - American BioIdentity – Colorado Fingerprinting
#### Step 5: Take the NCLEX
After completing your nursing program, pass the NCLEX for your registered nurse license. Register for the exam at Pearson Vue and receive confirmation by email. You can attempt the exam three times within three years, with a 45-day wait between attempts. If unsuccessful after three tries, petition the Board of Nursing to attempt a fourth time within the three-year period, including a self-assessment and improvement plan. The NCLEX-RN exam can be scheduled at your convenience, and Colorado imposes no limits on attempts.
### Renewing Your Colorado Nursing License
#### Step 1: Renewal Application
Colorado RN licenses expire on September 30th every two years. If issued within 120 days of this date, you'll receive a subsequent expiration date. Check your account online for the expiration date and renew six weeks before via the Colorado Renewal Information page.
#### Step 2: Submit Renewal Application
Colorado does not require continuing education for RN license renewal. Access your account on the Department of Regulatory Agencies website, complete the information, and pay the $108 fee. Note: If your Primary State of Residency is another compact state, only apply for Colorado licensure if declaring Colorado as your Primary State of Residency.
### Continuing Education
Colorado's Board of Nursing does not require continuing education for license maintenance, although employers might. APRNs must maintain national certification.
### Licensing Fees
Fees for becoming a nurse in Colorado, whether new or relocating, are listed on the Colorado licensing page. - **Examination fees (new nurses)**: - NCLEX: $200 - Application: $88 - Fingerprint: $51 - **Endorsement fees (existing RN license)**: - Application: $43 (RN/LPN); $75 (APRN) - License verification: $30 - Fingerprint: $51
Colorado is a nursing compact state, allowing multi-state licenses. *Fees may change.
Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing for more information.
