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Registered Nurse
Total cost: $544-$559
Governing Authority
Board of Nursing (under DCCA / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
NCLEX Required
No
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
30 hrs
CE Hours
None
Practice Hours
$544-$559
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
ACEN or CCNE
Accepted Degree Types
Program Length
2-4 years depending on degree type
Clinical Hours
500 hrs
Prerequisite Education
High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs
Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedNCLEX-RN Required
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
CAT Format
75-145 Questions
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Passing Standard
$200
NCLEX Fee
Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
45-day waiting period between attempts; must re-register and pay fee for each attempt
The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) administered by the NCSBN. The exam adapts to each candidate, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 145 questions. A jurisprudence exam on state-specific nursing laws may also be required depending on the state.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the NCLEX-RN.
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse Exam)
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NCLEX-RN Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NCLEX-RN
Passing Score
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Format
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $200Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NCLEX-RN.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NCLEX-RN
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Study guides and practice tests for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
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NLC / eNLC Membership
Mostly verifiedNLC Member State
No
Multistate License
Not Available
Compact Privileges
Hawaii is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs must obtain a separate Hawaii license to practice in this state. Active/pending NLC legislation has been introduced.
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.
Permitted Activities & Career Pathways
VerifiedAllowed
Patient Assessment
Allowed
Care Planning
Allowed
Medication Administration
Allowed
IV Therapy
Allowed
Delegation to LPN
Allowed
Delegation to CNA
Allowed
Telehealth
Restricted Activities
Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MSN or DNP required; national certification (ANCC or AANP) and state APRN licensure
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state recognition varies
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
DNP required (effective 2025); NBCRNA certification required for CRNA practice
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
MSN or DNP required; AMCB certification required for CNM practice
Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application component of total endorsement/exam fee | $40 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee License component fee | $36 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprinting through Fieldprint or approved vendor; fee paid separately to vendor. One-time process. | $30 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal by June 30 of odd years. Includes license fee, Compliance Resolution Fund, and Center for Nursing fee. | $196.00 |
Total Initial Fees Includes endorsement fee ($234), NCLEX ($200), temporary permit ($50), and fingerprinting ($50-$75). Exam applicant fees differ. | $544-$559 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years (biennial; renew by June 30 of every odd-numbered year)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$196.00
Regulatory Board
Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our registered nurse license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NLC Member
No
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Hawaii with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Hawaii has a unique fee structure where endorsement fees vary based on when in the licensing cycle the license is issued ($234 vs $166). Fingerprinting is a one-time process even across multiple license types. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing fee ($60) is a special surcharge unique to Hawaii. Failure to renew results in license forfeiture, not just lapse.
Hawaii is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact; separate licensure required.
NLC legislation has been introduced but not enacted.
30 CE hours required per biennial renewal cycle.
Fingerprinting is a ONE-TIME process, even across multiple nurse license types.
Hawaii State Center for Nursing fee of $60 included in all applications/renewals (increased from $40 in 2022).
Endorsement fees vary based on timing within the licensing cycle ($234 or $166).
If license not renewed by June 30, it is forfeited (2-year restoration window).
No BSN requirement for RN licensure.
Licenses not renewed by expiration date are unlicensed; RN/LPN may restore within 2 years; failure beyond 2 years results in license termination
Registered Nurse requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (you) | $544-$559 | 110–224 wks | |
| California | $549-$999 | 110–224 wks | → |
| Alaska | $575 | 110–224 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Hawaii
See how Hawaii compares: Registered Nurse License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Hawaii is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Registered Nurse licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the eNLC →
Related Guides
Compare registered nurse requirements across all states →
Registered Nurse licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Hawaii compare to other states for registered nurse? See the full comparison →
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Registered Nurse Schools in Hawaii
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Hawaii? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Registered Nurse license to Hawaii →
Hawaii requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. All licensing is managed through the Board of Nursing (under DCCA / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.