Connecticut Nurse License Overview
Getting your Connecticut 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.
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How long does it take to get a Connecticut 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, Connecticut 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) | $180 | $180 |
| Renewal (Annual) | ~$110 | ~$70 |
| Temporary Permit | $50 | $50 |
Key Sections:
Connecticut License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Connecticut 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: Connecticut Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Connecticut Board of Nursing | Connecticut Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC member state) | Yes (eNLC member state) |
| Background Check | Not required for endorsement licensure | Not required for endorsement licensure |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Transcripts required | Transcripts required |
| Application Portal | Connecticut Online Licensing Portal | Connecticut Online Licensing Portal |
| Processing Time | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
CT Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply via Connecticut Online Licensing Portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts required
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation may be requested depending on the disclosure.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Not required for licensure by endorsement
- Individual employers or facilities may still require screening for employment
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Temporary permits available
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for a limited period while full review is pending
Connecticut Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Connecticut
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed hours | No fixed CE hour requirement; competency must be maintained | No fixed total CE hour requirement. Renewal is based on maintaining continued competency under state rules. |
| LPN | No fixed hours | No fixed CE hour requirement; competency must be maintained | No fixed total CE hour requirement. Renewal is based on maintaining continued competency under state rules. |
| APRN | No fixed hours | Advanced practice requirements may vary based on role and prescribing authority | No fixed total CE hour requirement listed here, but APRN practice and prescribing responsibilities may carry additional education expectations. |
Key Notes for Connecticut
- No background checks or fingerprints are needed in order to apply for licensure by endorsement.
- Licenses must be renewed every year
- Certain facilities may require background checks and fingerprints for employment
- Nurses can renew using: Transcripts
- Temporary permits are available.
- A temporary RN or LPN license is valid for 120 days and is non-renewable.
- In order to be eligible for the temporary license, you must hold an active license in another state that can be verified through Nursys.
- APRNs require pharmacology-related CE for prescribing
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Connecticut Nursing License
How much does a Connecticut nursing license cost?
The application fee is $180 for RNs and $150 for LPNs, with renewal costing approximately $110 (RN) and $70 (LPN) annually.
How long does it take to get a Connecticut nursing license?
It typically takes about 3–4 weeks, depending on application completeness.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires mandatory topic-based CE (about 2 hours annually) rather than a high number of total CE hours.