How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in California?

The estimated total cost is $549, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.

How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in California?

The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 2-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.

What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in California?

You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). N/A

Nurse, Registered License in California

To become a registered nurse in California, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and pay approximately $549 in fees including a $300 application fee, $49 fingerprint fee, and $200 NCLEX fee. California is NOT an NLC compact state. Applications take about 8 weeks to process. Temporary permits are available.

Exam: NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
Total Cost: $549 (est.)
Timeline: 2-4 years (education) + 2-3 months (licensing)
Renewal: Every 2 years

Requirements

Nurse, Registered registration in California

gold

Veterans Benefits

N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee: $300
Exam Fee: $200
Renewal Fee: $190
Total Estimated Cost: $549

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Registered Nursing

Website 9163223350 Email

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Nurse, Registered license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Application Fee

$300

Exam Fee

$200

Renewal Fee

$190

Total Estimated Cost

$549

Education / School Cost

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

Include first renewal fee ($190)

Application FeeEst.$300

Exam FeeEst.$200

Total Estimated Cost$500

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.

Nurse, Registered Salary in California

Entry Level

$100,120

Median

$140,330

Experienced

$208,880

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse, Registered in California.

1

Submit Your Application

File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$300.
2

Receive Your License

Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 2-3 months (licensing).

Nurse, Registered Licensing in California: What to Know

California explicitly lists its fees: Exam Application $300 (CA graduate), $350 (other state graduate), $750 (international graduate). Renewal is $190 biennially, and fingerprinting costs $49. California is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so all nurses must hold a California-specific license. The Board of Registered Nursing processes applications in approximately 8 weeks. Temporary licenses and interim permits are available while awaiting permanent licensure. California has one of the highest nursing demands in the nation, particularly in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. California nurses consistently earn among the highest salaries nationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in California?: The estimated total cost is $549, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in California?: The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 2-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in California?: You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). N/A