Clinical Nurse Specialist License in New York
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in New York, you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. New York is NOT an NLC compact state. Notably, New York does NOT require continuing education for renewal. Estimated costs are approximately $450. Licenses renew every 3 years.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $450 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 3 years
Requirements
Clinical Nurse Specialist license in New York
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $143
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $61
- Total Estimated Cost
- $450
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Clinical Nurse Specialist license in New York. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the New York licensing board.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary in New York
Entry Level
$77,930
Median
$105,600
Experienced
$153,420
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Clinical Nurse Specialist in New York.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$143.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Clinical Nurse Specialist Licensing in New York: What to Know
New York titles the license 'Registered Professional Nurse' and requires a degree and passing the NCLEX-RN. Notably, New York does NOT require continuing education for RN renewal, making it one of the few states without a CE requirement. No blanket criminal record prohibitions exist. New York is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NYS Education Department oversees nursing licensure through the State Board for Nursing. New York City's massive healthcare sector — including NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian, and the NYC Health + Hospitals system — is one of the largest nursing employers in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Clinical Nurse Specialist license cost in New York?
- The estimated total cost is $450, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Clinical Nurse Specialist license in New York?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Clinical Nurse Specialist license in New York?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Clinical Nurse Specialist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.