Pennsylvania Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
Pennsylvania Nurse License Overview
Getting your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania 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 | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | Included | Included |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $297.00 | $297.00 |
| Fingerprinting | ~$22.00 – $40.00 | ~$22.00 – $40.00 |
Key Sections:
Pennsylvania License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Pennsylvania 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: Pennsylvania Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (NLC State) | Yes (NLC State) |
| Background Check | Required (Criminal background check; FBI fingerprinting if applicable) | Required (Criminal background check; FBI fingerprinting if applicable) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) | Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed; reviewed and may affect licensure depending on severity | Must be disclosed; reviewed and may affect licensure depending on severity |
| Processing Time | 2–6 weeks | 2–6 weeks |
PA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Verification is completed through Nursys for participating states.
- If your original state does not participate in Nursys, you must request manual verification directly from that state board.
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants must have completed an approved nursing program and may be required to submit:
- Official transcripts
- Proof of graduation
- Additional documentation if educated outside the U.S.
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Pennsylvania requires a criminal background check.
- May include: Pennsylvania State Police clearance and FBI fingerprinting (if applicable).
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Eligible endorsement applicants may receive a temporary practice permit while their application is being processed.
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Allows you to work while permanent endorsement is being finalized.
- Valid for a limited period (as determined by the board).
- 3.
Background Check Requirement
- Temporary permits are typically issued after initial requirements are met.
- Full background check clearance may still be required for permanent licensure.
- 4.
Implications
- Applicants may be able to begin working before full licensure is issued if a temporary permit is granted.
- 5.
Processing Time
- Processing times may vary depending on verification method (Nursys vs manual), completeness of submitted documents, and background check processing.
Pennsylvania Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Pennsylvania
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | 30 hours + 2 hrs Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting (included within the 30 hours) | 30 hours + 2 hrs Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting (included within the 30 hours) |
| LPN | No general CE hour requirement | 2 hrs Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting | 2 hrs Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting |
| APRN | Varies by certification body | Must meet national certification requirements + state-specific requirements if applicable | Must meet national certification requirements + state-specific requirements if applicable |
Mandatory CE Requirements
Pennsylvania requires specific mandatory training as part of the CE cycle. RNs must complete 30 contact hours every 2 years, with Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting included within those hours. LPNs have no general CE hour requirement but must complete the Child Abuse training every renewal cycle.
Required Mandatory Trainings
- RNs: 2 Hours: Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (included within the 30-hour requirement)
- LPNs: 2 Hours: Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (required every renewal cycle)
Key Notes for Pennsylvania
- RNs: Must complete full CE hours (30 hours every 2 years)
- LPNs: Only mandatory requirement is Child Abuse training
- Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting is required every renewal cycle for both RNs and LPNs
- APRN requirements are typically tied to national certification bodies (not just the state)
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Pennsylvania Nursing License
How much does a Pennsylvania nursing license cost?
Pennsylvania nursing license renewal typically costs $122 for RNs and $76 for LPNs every two years.
How long does it take to get a Pennsylvania nursing license?
Processing times vary, and the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing does not provide a specific timeline. Approval depends on how quickly your application and required documents are processed.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Pennsylvania?
Nurses must complete 30 contact hours every two years, plus mandatory child abuse and opioid-related training where applicable.