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Registered Nurse
Total cost: $430
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
Yes
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
15 hrs
CE Hours
None
Practice Hours
$430
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
Board-approved nursing program; ACEN or CCNE accreditation recognized
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
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: 12/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse Exam)
Browse study guides
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
Yes
Multistate License
Not Available
Compact Privileges
Massachusetts has enacted NLC legislation (Nov 2024) but implementation is pending. Multistate licenses are NOT yet available. RNs must obtain a separate Massachusetts license until implementation is complete.
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 authorization through Board of Registration in Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state recognition through Board of Registration in Nursing
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 Initial RN licensure by examination fee; credit card only accepted | $230 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Background Check Fee Massachusetts Board of Nursing does not require fingerprints for initial licensure or endorsement | $55 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; late fee of $57 applies if renewed after birthday. Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs. | $120 |
Total Initial Fees $230 application + $200 NCLEX = $430 (no separate background check fee) | $430 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years (expires on licensee's birthday in even-numbered years)
Renewal Period
15 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$120
Late fee of $57 applies after birthday; reinstatement fee is $180 + renewal fee
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
Yes
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 Massachusetts with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Massachusetts is NOT an NLC member state. The state does not require fingerprinting or criminal background checks for nursing licensure, which is unusual among states. The $230 application fee is higher than average. License expires on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years. Mandatory one-time Alzheimer's/dementia training and ongoing Chapter 260 sexual/domestic violence CE are required.
Massachusetts is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact; separate licensure is always required.
Application fee of $230 for initial licensure by examination is among the higher state fees.
License expires on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years; renewal opens 90 days before.
15 CE contact hours per 2-year renewal cycle required; must include sexual/domestic violence training (Chapter 260).
One-time Alzheimer's/dementia training required at initial licensure or first renewal.
Massachusetts does NOT require fingerprinting or background check for licensure.
Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
Credit card is the only accepted form of payment.
Late renewal fee is $57; reinstatement fee is $180 plus renewal fee.
Registered Nurse requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $430 | 110–224 wks | |
| Connecticut | $430 | 110–224 wks | → |
| Maine | ~$325 | 110–224 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $398 | 110–224 wks | → |
| New York | $343 | 110–224 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Massachusetts
See how Massachusetts compares: Registered Nurse License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ eNLC Compact State — Massachusetts is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Licensed registered nurses from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Compare registered nurse requirements across all states →
Registered Nurse licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Massachusetts compare to other states for registered nurse? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your registered nurse license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
Registered Nurse Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Registered Nurse license to Massachusetts →
Transfer your Registered Nurse license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →
Massachusetts requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, Massachusetts offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.