Registered Nurse (RN) License in West Virginia
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in West Virginia, you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. West Virginia is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $350, among the lowest in the nation. The state faces significant nursing shortages.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $350 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurse (RN) registration in West Virginia
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $50
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $50
- Total Estimated Cost
- $350
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse (RN) license in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia licensing board.
Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in West Virginia
Entry Level
$53,060
Median
$79,990
Experienced
$106,830
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in West Virginia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$50.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing in West Virginia: What to Know
West Virginia's COS data primarily discusses pandemic-era reinstatement policies for inactive-retired nurses, reflecting the acute nursing shortages the state faces. CE is required for renewal, a degree and state exam (NCLEX-RN) are required. West Virginia is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The state faces some of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation, particularly in Appalachian communities. WVU Medicine and Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) are the state's largest healthcare systems. West Virginia has among the lowest licensing costs in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse (RN) license cost in West Virginia?
- The estimated total cost is $350, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse (RN) license in West Virginia?
- 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 Registered Nurse (RN) license in West Virginia?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse (RN) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.