New Jersey RN Licensing Guide
- Compact State
- Participates in NURSYS
- Renewal every 2 years
Overview
Established in 1912, the New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJBON) protects New Jersey residents' health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that individuals who practice nursing are qualified and competent. It licenses registered nurses, accredits nursing schools, and regulates the nursing profession in the state. Nearly 144,500 registered nurses held a New Jersey nursing license in July 2024.
About
The NJBON combined the previously used "Examination" and "Endorsement" applications into a single "Candidate" application that all applicants must complete. Applicants who've never been licensed or currently hold a license in another state use the same RN Candidate Application, an online application. Candidates who proclaim New Jersey as their primary state of residence (PSOR) may be issued a multistate Compact license if they meet Uniform Licensure Requirements. Resident nurses who don't meet these requirements may be issued a single-state license. Registered nurses licensed in another state who don't claim New Jersey as their PSOR may be issued a New Jersey RN license by endorsement.
Renewal
New Jersey RNs must renew their licenses online biennially on or before May 31 of the renewal year. The NJBON sends New Jersey RN license renewal notices at least 60 days before the licensee's expiration date. If a renewal notice isn't at least 60 days before the expiration date, licensees won't be charged monetary penalties or fines for failing to renew their licenses. Licensed not renewed by the expiration date expire. However, RNs have up to 30 days after their expiration date in which they can renew and pay a late fee. License not renewed within this 30-day window shall be administratively suspended without a hearing.Continuing Education
RNs must attest that they've completed continuing education (CE) requirements during each two-year licensure period. Requirements include a minimum of 30 CE hours, which must contain:
At least one hour on topics covering prescription opioid drugs, such as alternatives to prescription opioids for managing and treating pain and the risks/signs of opioid addiction, abuse, and diversion
One hour of one-time CE covering organ and tissue donation and recovery that addresses the clinical aspects of the donation and recovery process
RNs who complete more than 30 CE hours in any biennial registration period may carry up to 15 of the additional hours into the next biennial period.
Requirements
Fingerprinting Requirements
The NJBON conducts criminal history record background checks on all healthcare professionals before issuing an initial New Jersey nursing license or other authorization to practice a healthcare profession. After the NJBON receives the completed Certification and Authorization Form for a Criminal History Background Check, applicants receive instructions on the fingerprinting process.
In-State Applicants
Applicants living in the New Jersey area receive information on scheduling an appointment with MorphoTrust to have their fingerprints recorded electronically. They must pay a fingerprinting fee of $62.70 using a check or money order made payable to MorphoTrust.
Out-of-State Applicants
Applicants living outside New Jersey receive one state and one federal fingerprint card through the mail. They must have their fingerprints recorded on the cards provided by their local or state police department or other law enforcement agency. Completed cards must be returned to the NJBON with a fee of $58.69 to have their fingerprints scanned into the electronic system by MorphoTrust. The fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to MorphoTrust.
If the Criminal History Background Check reveals a criminal conviction, the NJBON must review the candidate's application.
Contact Information
New Jersey Board of NursingMary E. Fortier EdD, RN, CNL Executive Director PO Box 45010Newark, New Jersey 07101[email protected](973) 504-6430
Multistate
New Jersey is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs with active, unencumbered nursing licenses issued by NLC members may practice in New Jersey under their Compact license. Nurses holding a New Jersey RN license don't automatically have a multistate license. They must apply for a multistate License by Upgrade, allowing them to practice in other Compact states without obtaining additional licensure.
First-time New Jersey applicants should submit an application as an RN Candidate. They will be issued a multistate Compact license if they meet the 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements. Otherwise, they may be issued a single-state New Jersey nursing license. To be eligible for a New Jersey multistate nursing license, applicants must:
Meet the requirements for licensure in New Jersey
New Jersey must be their declared Primary State of Residence
Have a valid United States Social Security number
Have graduated from a board-approved education program or an international education program approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country as verified by an independent credentials review agency
Have passed an English proficiency examination if English isn't the applicant's native language or they graduated from a nursing school not taught in English
Have passed the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or a predecessor exam
Hold or be eligible for an active, unencumbered license
Complete state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks
Have not been convicted or found guilty of a felony offense
Have no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing
Not currently be a participant in an alternative program
Self-disclose current participation in an alternative program
Applicants must also complete a Criminal History Certification of Authorization form anda non-refundable application fee.
Licensure by Endorsement
Registered nurses licensed in another U.S. state, territory, or possession may apply for a New Jersey nursing license by endorsement without examination if they meet the state's licensure requirements. Application requirements include submitting:
A completed application detailing the applicant's education and experience in nursing
Written or electronic verification of their licensure status from every U.S. state, territory, or possession in which the applicant has ever been licensed
Non-refundable payment of application, initial license, and alternative to discipline surcharge fees totaling $200
An application and fee for a temporary courtesy license, if applicable and eligible
Must provide proof they've engaged in nursing practice for at least two of the last five years immediately preceding the date of application
Must complete a Criminal History Certification of Authorization form
Licensure by Exam
Graduate nurses seeking a New Jersey RN license must pass the NCLEX-RN before being licensed to practice professional nursing. They must submit to the NJBON:
A completed application detailing the applicant's education and experience in nursing and indicating whether they're seeking a multistate or single-state license
Written certification from the registrar or program administrator attesting they've completed all requirements for graduation from a registered nursing program accredited by the NJBON or another state BON
Certification must include graduation date and degree or diploma conferred
Non-refundable payment of application, initial license, and alternative to discipline surcharge fees totaling $200
Licensure for Foreign Educated Nurses
Graduates of nursing programs outside the United States must complete the five elements required for New Jersey RN licensure for foreign-educated applicants.
Transcript review by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
Must request the Full Education Course by Course Report
Proof they achieved a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam
Completed licensure application for graduates of foreign nursing programs detailing the applicant's education and experience in nursing
Completed Criminal History Background Check clearance
Passing the NCLEX-RN licensing examination
Register for the NCLEX online or call Pearson VUE at (866) 496-2539
Items foreign-educated applicants must submit to the NJBON include:
Official Application for Licensure by Examination for Foreign Graduates
An original color 2” x 2” passport-style photograph
Copy of Social Security card
Copy of birth certificate or other immigration documents
Non-refundable payment of application, initial license, and alternative to discipline surcharge fees totaling $225, payable to the New Jersey Board of Nursing
Certification and Authorization Form for a Criminal History Background Check
Timing
Although the NJBON doesn't explicitly state the length of time it takes to earn a new Jersey RN license on its website, many external sites claim it takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks after the Board receives all required licensure documents.
Temporary Nurse License
A registered professional nurse may obtain a temporary courtesy license if they've never held a New Jersey nursing license. They must:
Currently hold an RN license in good standing in another U.S. state or territory with licensure requirements equivalent to those in New Jersey
Not be a New Jersey resident
Not have committed an act in another jurisdiction that would have resulted in denial, suspension, or revocation of a New Jersey nursing license
Not be the subject of an investigation by a professional or occupational licensing entity in another jurisdiction
Be the spouse of an active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who's been transferred to New Jersey and legally domiciled in New Jersey or has moved to New Jersey for a permanent change of station
To apply for a temporary courtesy license in New Jersey, applicants must submit:
Official Application for a Temporary Courtesy License detailing the applicant's education and experience in nursing
Original 2” x 2” color passport photo
Copy of the military ID belonging to the applicant or the applicant's active duty spouse
Copy of military orders assigning the military individual to New Jersey
Copy of birth certificate or other immigration documents
Certification and Authorization Form for a Criminal History Background Check
Completed New Jersey and FBI fingerprint cards, if applicable
List of nursing employers providing proof that applicant engaged in nursing practice in another jurisdiction for at least two of the last five years immediately preceding the date of application
Includes any time spent discharging official duties in the Armed Forces or for a Federal agency
Written or electronic verification of nursing license from all states of licensure
Non-refundable payment of application, initial license, and alternative to discipline surcharge fees totaling $140 made payable to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, and if applicable, fingerprinting fee made payable to MorphoTrust
Temporary courtesy licenses are valid for one year, but licensees may apply to the NJBON for an extension of an additional year through a renewal application.
Fees
Application for Licensure by Exam/Endorsement: $200
Application Fee: $75
Initial License Fee: $120
Alternative to Discipline Surcharge: $5
Application for Licensure of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Programs: $225
Application Fee: $100
Initial License Fee: $120
Alternative to Discipline Surcharge: $5
Biennial New Jersey RN License Renewal
Active: $120
Inactive: $65
Late License Renewal (Up to 30 days): $50
Plus Appropriate Renewal Fee
Reinstatement Fee: $100
Duplicate License: $35
Written Verification of Licensure: $25
Verification for Endorsement: $30
Copy of Nurse Practice Act: $5
Background Check: Varies
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Frequently asked questions
Does RN licensure renewal in New Jersey require continuing education?
Yes RN licensure renewal in New Jersey requires continuing education. RNs must complete at least 30 continuing educations (CE) hours every two years.
Is New Jersey a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
Does New Jersey require fingerprinting for a background check?
Yes New Jersey requires fingerprinting for a background check.
How often do you need to renew your RN license in New Jersey?
You must renew your RN license in New Jersey every two years, on or before May 31 of the renewal year.
Does New Jersey offer a temporary RN license?
Yes New Jersey offers a temporary RN license to license by endorsement applicants.