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Registered Nurse
Total cost: $372-$386
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
8 hrs
CE Hours
96 hours of active nursing practice in the 12 months before renewal
Practice Hours
$372-$386
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
ACEN or CCNE or Board-approved program
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 per NCSBN policy
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: 10/100
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
Available
Compact Privileges
Washington is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), allowing RNs with a multistate license to practice in all other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Enacted April 2023.
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 ARNP licensure
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state recognition required
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 Includes $16 UW HEAL-WA surcharge and $8 Washington Center for Nursing surcharge | $91 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $0 |
Background Check Fee Live Scan fingerprinting in WA: $48.25; by mail from outside WA: $34.25 | $36 |
Renewal Fee Annual renewal; includes surcharges | $91 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($138), NCLEX ($200), background check ($34-$48) | $372-$386 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified1 year (annually on the licensee's birthday)
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
96 hours of active nursing practice in the 12 months before renewal
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$91
Annual
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.
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Compare Washington with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
$65 one-time fee for initial multistate licensure or upgrade from single-state (per board vote Sept 2023; effective Jan 31, 2024)
Washington joined the NLC on July 24, 2023, making it a relatively new compact state.
The state uses annual renewal on the nurse's birthday, unlike most states which renew biennially.
8 CE hours required annually, including mandatory 2 hours on health equity.
96 hours of active nursing practice required annually.
The body was formerly the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission; renamed to Board of Nursing upon joining the NLC.
Multistate license upgrade fee is $65 for existing Washington license holders.
Suicide prevention training is required for multistate license holders practicing in Washington.
RN renewal fee is $138 (single-state), which includes $16 HEAL-WA surcharge and $8 WCN surcharge.
Registered Nurse requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Washington
See how Washington compares: Registered Nurse License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ eNLC Compact State — Washington 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
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
Registered Nurse Schools in Washington
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Washington? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Registered Nurse license to Washington →
Washington requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, Washington offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.