Alaska Nurse License Overview
Getting your Alaska nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
Stay Compliant Without the Stress
Track your credentials and monitor your license
Get free CEs + track your remaining contact hours with CerTracker
Everything you need to renew your license, in one place.
How long does it take to get a Alaska Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Alaska does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Background Check | ~$50–$75 | ~$50–$75 |
Key Sections:
Alaska License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Alaska RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Alaska Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Alaska Board of Nursing | Alaska Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | No (Not part of eNLC) | No (Not part of eNLC) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting via approved vendors) | Required (Fingerprinting via approved vendors) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys or directly from your original state board of nursing | Via Nursys or directly from your original state board of nursing |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing (CBPL) Online Portal | Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing (CBPL) Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Temporary License | Available | Available |
| Processing Time | Varies (depends on application completeness, fingerprint processing, & verification of credentials) | Varies (depends on application completeness, fingerprint processing, & verification of credentials) |
AK Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Alaska Board of Nursing online portal
- You may also submit a signed and notarized paper application
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Fingerprinting is required
- Must be completed using an approved fingerprint card
- Fingerprints must be taken by an authorized agency
- 3.
License Verification
- Request verification of licensure via Nursys from: your original state (or Canadian province) of licensure and your current state of employment
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, request verification directly from that board
- 4.
Employment Verification / Competency
- Provide proof of at least 320 hours of nursing employment within the past 5 years
- If unable to meet this requirement, you must: meet Board-approved continuing competency requirements OR complete a Board-approved refresher course
- 5.
Education & Documentation
- Submit required application documents
- Additional documentation may be required depending on your background
- 6.
English Proficiency (If Applicable)
- Required for applicants where English is not the primary language
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Temporary licenses may be issued once required documents are received, except: employment verification and English proficiency verification (if applicable)
- 2.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have a pending endorsement application
- Must meet initial submission requirements
- 3.
Validity & Use
- Valid for up to 180 days (6 months)
- Non-renewable
- 4.
Important Notes
- All remaining required documents must be submitted before the temporary license expires
- Failure to complete requirements before expiration may affect licensure status
Alaska Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Alaska
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | Not fixed (competency-based) | Some first-time renewals may be exempt from competency proof depending on issuance timing | Must complete one Board-approved competency method each renewal cycle (e.g., 30 CE hours, 320 employment hours, refresher course, or national certification) |
| LPN | Not fixed (competency-based) | Some first-time renewals may be exempt from competency proof depending on issuance timing | Same requirements as RN — must complete one Board-approved competency method each renewal cycle |
| APRN | Varies by certification | Maintain national certification | Must meet both Board and certifying body requirements |
Key Notes for Alaska
- Alaska does not require a fixed number of CE hours if another competency method is used
- You only need to meet one competency option per renewal cycle
- Approved competency options include: 30 contact hours of CE, 320 hours of nursing employment, completion of a Board-approved refresher course, national certification or recertification, or graduation from a nursing program (if applicable within the cycle)
- CE must be relevant to nursing practice and completed through approved or accredited providers
- All requirements must be completed before renewal
- The Board may audit compliance records — licensees are subject to random audits
- Failure to meet competency requirements may result in inability to renew your license
Get your unlimited free CEs with CerTracker
Managing your
Alaska nursing license doesn't have to be stressful.
Track everything in one place with CerTracker and get automated reminders
Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Alaska Nursing License
How much does an Alaska nursing license cost?
Renewal Fee (RN/LPN): $200. Additional fees may apply for late renewal or reinstatement.
How long does it take to get an Alaska nursing license?
Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks after all required documents are received. Processing may take longer if background checks or verifications are incomplete.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Alaska?
Alaska does not require a fixed number of CE hours. To renew, you must complete one of the following competency options: 30 contact hours of continuing education (CE), OR 320 hours of nursing employment, OR a Board-approved refresher course, OR national certification or recertification.