The nursing profession stands at a crossroads defined by technological innovation, evolving demographics, and an ever-growing need for specialty care. As healthcare systems change, so do nurse certifications, state-specific regulations, and interstate practice requirements. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nursing job opportunities will be projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, contributing more than 193,000 new jobs to an already demanding industry.

With this growth comes the need for specialization more than ever. Nurse Certifications confirm expertise while guaranteeing that the era of modern healthcare systems that strive to offer evidence-based, high-quality patient care continues to set the bar high, if not higher than before. However, the process of securing a license is still formidable.

Inconsistent licensing requirements enforced by state nursing boards hinder the ability of nurses to enter the profession precisely when they are needed most. Telehealth has grown, adding further complexity to traditional roles and leaving nurses wondering where and how they might be able to practice. Other mobility obstacles include cross-state licensing barriers, which make it difficult for nurses to respond to shortages and career opportunities across state lines.

So whether you have just graduated as a nurse or have obtained years of experience, this guide will give you the perspective needed to create a flexible, future-proof nursing career.

Section I: What is a Nurse Certification?

1.1 Nurse Certifications: Professionalism and Quality of Patient Care

A nurse certification is a professional credential that validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise in a specific area of practice. Unlike a nursing license, which grants permission to practice, a certification demonstrates advanced competency beyond basic licensure.

For example, Critical Care Registered Nurses (CCRNs) have to be skilled in operating specialized medical equipment, interpreting complex medical data, understanding patient parameters, and analyzing lab values. This certification guarantees that nurses are well-equipped to provide superior care for not only patients but their families in critical moments.

The impact of certification is evident: research indicates that CCRN®-certified nurses lead to a 15% reduction in ICU mortality rates. Their capacity to catch the first warning signs and act quickly can be the difference between life and death for a patient.

1.2. Why Nurse Certifications Matter

Nurse Certifications, at their core, are a guarantee of patient-centred care. Specialized credentialed nurses also serve as a bridge between healthcare providers, improving treatment outcomes and guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals. The result? Healthcare teams work at the top of their licenses—because we are empowering them with everyday tools for success, ultimately improving the quality and safety of patient care.

72% of hospitals recruit certified nurses preferentially into specialized units such as emergency or cardiac care, according to recent research published in the Journal of Nursing Administration. This makes perfect sense — nurse certifications provide proof of a nurse’s capability to manage complex cases and minimize expensive mistakes.

For example, healthcare professionals with Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics (RNC-OB) credentials are more prepared to handle high-risk pregnancies in labor and delivery. Their expertise reduces delivery-related problems and improves outcomes.

What’s more, patient satisfaction is another critical determinant. Patients treated by certified nurses have greater trust in their providers, according to a 2020 study. Additionally, in the field of oncology specifically, those patients treated by Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN) report more specific guidance on treating side effects — and their own anxiety level diminishes as their confidence in the care experience increases.

Section 2 —State Nursing Board Approvals

2.1. Licensure Requirements

Graduating from a nursing program approved by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is the first step toward becoming a licensed nurse.

Such accreditation means the program meets national standards — and nurses from such programs can sit for the NCLEX licensing exams. The two standardized exams used by future nurses are the NCLEX. The NCLEX-RN is for prospective registered nurses, while the NCLEX-PN is for those striving to be licensed practical nurses.

It’s a series of adaptive computer tests of clinical judgment and basic nursing skills you need to practice as a nurse. Although the specific passing score varies from state to state, they all meet minimum safety standards for the profession. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers the tests.

Once you pass the NCLEX, the paperwork process begins! Applicants must order official transcripts from their college and submit fingerprints for a comprehensive criminal background check. This has a filter for problems like felony convictions or substance violations that could disqualify candidates.

Although application fees vary from state to state, they usually include processing, background checks, and that oh-so-desired initial license. Delays usually occur when paperwork is incomplete, or background checks reveal lingering issues that necessitate additional paperwork or legal scrutiny.

This licensure route has obstacles in place, but it is meant to provide a level of practice that is beneficial for both nurses and patients. Knowing what steps to take and when can help make the transition from nursing grad to practicing license holder a little smoother.

2.2 State-Specific Variations

Beyond the standardized tests, other requirements surface state-to-state. Dozens of mandate jurisprudence exams test practitioners on in-state statutes, rules, and ethical codes. Texas, for instance, requires the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, which focuses specifically on the Texas Nursing Practice Act, board rules, and obligations to report misconduct. 

In California, a nurse takes a test on knowledge of the scope of practice and mandatory reporting and patient consent, among other topics. These tests are an assurance that nurses understand both the legal responsibilities of their work and the implications of doing that work where they are located.

The specifics of these background checks also vary widely. (While every state conducts in-state checks, states such as Colorado or Nevada require the more stringent FBI fingerprint-based screening for federal criminal records.) These can also take longer, particularly for applicants with multi-state histories. In contrast, states like Florida and Illinois issue temporary permits so graduates can work under supervision while awaiting approval.

These provisional licenses usually last 90 to 180 days and can restrict settings, excluding positions such as independent home health. The red tape can feel unending, but localizing operations state-by-state provides as much autonomy as possible in terms of standards, salaries, and scope according to regional needs. Narrowing first to base federal guidelines and only then filling in state particulars helps new nurses focus on requirements. Eventually, that provisional permit is replaced by a formal license to practice.

2.3 Endorsement for Out-of-State Nurse Certifications

Nurses tending to get licenses in a new state refer to the process as an endorsement. This means asking your initial licensing board to confirm your information, which is typically done through the Nurses Integrated Database or a direct submission of a Verification of Licensure (VOL) form. Although some states require additional documentation, such as:

• New York mandates proof of employment or recent hours worked.
• Florida requires a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course.
• Illinois requires training in implicit bias awareness.

 

Nurses who fail can also require refresher courses and supervised clinicals. Some states, such as Oregon and Washington, even ask for letters of reference attesting to competence from employers or colleagues. It’s not uncommon for delays to occur — if:

• The originating state’s board is slow to process verifications.
• The nurse’s current credits do not meet the new state’s requirements.

 

However, by anticipating these challenges, nurses can streamline their transition between states. Diligence in preparing the required documents ensures smooth endorsement processing and uninterrupted career progression.

Section 3 — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

3.1 What Is Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

The NLC is revolutionary for nursing and allows nurses to practice across state lines with one multistate license from their home state. Previously, nurses had to carry separate licenses for the states they would work in, which meant long wait times, bureaucratic roadblocks, and wasted money.

With the NLC, it means that if a nurse is licensed in one compact state, they can immediately begin working in another compact state — either in person or via telehealth — without additional licensing.

The NLC was created in 2000, and in 2018, it was improved by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which included tougher regulations such as an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check and uniform eligibility standards. There are now more than 40 states in the compact, which has greatly increased nurse mobility.

The NLC proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as nurses from compact states rushed to overworked hospitals nationwide. The compact helped speed up staffing solutions in critical care units, emergency rooms, and telehealth services. However, a handful of states, such as California, continue to resist participation, citing concerns over maintaining state-specific licensing standards.

Want to register for the NLC? Check the NCSBN’s website or pester your state board. Just remember: The NLC isn’t a trend. It’s a revolution. And it’s here to stay.

3.2 Why is there NLC: Flexibility and More Opportunities

The NLC improves access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. In Tennessee, for example, a nurse can sign up for shifts in Kentucky without obtaining a second license, which keeps hospitals adequately staffed. This flexibility also serves disaster response by allowing nurses to quickly be deployed in states facing public health emergencies or natural disasters without going through bureaucratic delays.

The NLC has also been a huge boon for telehealth. As telemedicine expands, nurses can deliver patient care to residents across three states, bypassing licensing barriers. The compact provides continuity of care, especially for patients who move or want to receive specialized treatment from out-of-state providers.

For nurses, the NLC means lower licensing fees — potentially hundreds of dollars saved by keeping an additional state license. It also lays the groundwork for career options, enabling nurses to work in premier hospitals or healthcare systems across states without the headache of dealing with complex licensure processes.

Early concerns that the NLC would lower nursing standards have been disproven by the eNLC’s rigorous background checks and uniform qualifications, which have, in fact, improved patient safety and regulatory oversight.

For example, states with similar compacts, such as Kansas, have improved nurse retention by allowing nurses to practice across state lines without a license with another, meaning they are less likely to leave the profession. The NLC provides qualified professionals with more time to deliver care instead of adding additional layers of paperwork.

3.3 The NLC — What States Are Involved?

As of 2023, the NLC covers over 40 states, though participation is uneven. The South and Midwest have not rejected it so much — states like Texas, Florida, and Colorado have broadly accepted the compact. The Northeast is a mixed bag. Pennsylvania and Ohio just came on board, but New York and Massachusetts, for example, still require individual state licenses.

In the West, California is the lone holdout; officials there argue that the state’s unique licensing requirements mean the compact does not apply to it. Thus far, only Hawaii has expressed interest in this area, owing to the continuing shortage of nurses.

NLC eligibility is based on a nurse’s primary residence. In NLC states, a multistate license allows the nurse to work in any other NLC state. Only if the nurse lives in a non-compact state (Connecticut, for instance) do they need a new license in every state and position they work in — including remote work.

If you’re a travel nurse or considering a multi-state career, understanding how to maintain licensure across state lines is crucial. For a step-by-step guide on compliance, check out Your Guide to Maintaining Licensure Across State Lines as a Travel Nurse.

 

3.5 The Future of the NLC

The compact’s momentum is unstoppable. Hawaii’s dalliance with membership to save its rural clinics. Minnesota’s legislature is preparing a bill. Even the APRN Compact, which would allow nurse practitioners to work across state lines, is moving forward (but so far, only three states have signed on).

The writing’s on the wall for nurses: The NLC is the future. It’s tearing down walls, putting care where it’s needed, and putting professionals in a position to chase opportunities without jumping through unnecessary hoops.’ Skeptics can whine all they want — but when a blizzard hits Buffalo and nurses from Tennessee swoop in to help, no one is complaining about “regulatory standards.”

Recently, Vermont passed legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact, further expanding access for nurses seeking multi-state licensure. Read more about Vermont’s decision and what it means for nurses in the state here.

Section 4— Nurse Certifications Special Considerations

4.1 International Nurses And Their Licensure And Credentialing In The Us

International nurses who want to practice in the United States face the hurdle of a series of demanding steps to prove their education, skills, and language abilities meet American standards.

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) plays a starring role in this process through their VisaScreen® Certification — a requirement for those applying for occupational visas. This checks whether overseas expertise is equivalent to US software programs, accreditation leaves unhindered, and English criteria are met.

In fact, there is no such thing as non-negotiable English testing in most states. The TOEFL and IELTS rule the roost here. Minimum scores vary but generally reflect CGFNS guidance:

• TOEFL iBT: 83–87 overall (26+ in speaking is required in some states, including New York)
• IELTS Academic: Overall score 6.5-7.0, with no section below 6.5 speaking

 

Nurses from countries where English is not an official language frequently take prep classes with outfits like Kaplan or BenchPrep to facilitate clinical vocabulary and neutralize accents. States like Texas and Florida also require transition-to-practice programs that underscore the particulars of American healthcare.

A key challenge? Note: Even internationally licensed nurses with no American history, for instance, must undergo F.B.I. criminal background checks to work in California. Michigan, however, may defer for Canadian nurses already practicing in the state under NAFTA.

4.2 Military Spouses: Licensure & Mobility

Those laws, such as the Military Spouses Licensing Relief Act, give military spouses expedited access to licensure in 44 states. Virginia, for instance, grants temp licenses in as little as 10 business days to qualifying military spouses. Submitting evidence of a current out-of-state license and orders initiates the priority process. Common items included in the documentation are:

• A notarized copy of the service member’s orders
• Confirmation of an active, unrestricted license
• Lower licensing fees (eg $50 versus $150 standard)

 

Unfortunately, pitfalls still remain. Some states don’t allow for advanced positions such as Nurse Practitioners to receive similar considerations- even with relocation. As a result, it creates awkward full reviews.

Organizations such as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) provide guides to help resolve these obstacles, with an emphasis on contacting the boards early to avoid delays. A few proactive steps will take nurses a long way to ease into the mobile military lifestyle!

4.3 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

After completing their training, APRNs—Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)—are required to first achieve national credentialing through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). 

But the actual line of combat runs through collaborative practice agreements. In many restrictive states such as Texas, APRNs are required to have written supervision contracts with physicians in order to prescribe medications or order tests.

These agreements often require monthly reviews of charts and procedures for referrals, resulting in bottlenecks. In contrast, 25+ states currently implement Full Practice Authority (FPA), which allows APRNs to work autonomously—a practice model supported by the National Academy of Medicine to help close care gaps (especially in underserved, rural areas).

4.4. Key Considerations for APRNs

APRNs have a huge potential to open up access to care via telehealth and prescriptive authority—but state-by-state rules require vigilance. For example:

• In Florida, a 3-hour course on controlled substance guidelines is required to prescribe controlled substances.
• For APRNs working in telehealth, malpractice insurance needs to cover states under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) where APRNs practice. Failing to consider multi-state coverage exposes to liability, even in a legally compliant practice.
• Continuing education (CE) requirements also diverge sharply: Illinois requires 15 hours of pharmacology every two years, others pain management, and still others ethics.

 

Being ahead isn’t just checking boxes. It’s about navigating a patchwork of laws — which states respect autonomy, which states require collaboration, and which state is on the verge of Make-Or-Break. By planning strategically, APRNs can move across city, county, or state lines to provide what they do best and what their patients increasingly require.

Section 5: State-by-State Nursing Board Directory

Tracking down state-specific steps and nurse certifications can be a winding road. So, let’s break down the  registration steps across different states:

Alabama

First up – Alabama. The Alabama Board of Nursing expects applicants to complete an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and “be subjected to state + federal background checks. That will cost about $100 upfront and $85 every two years thereafter. The big perk? Alabama is a participant in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows registered nurses to practice in other streamlined member states.

Arizona

In the southwest, nursing compact membership makes for a friendlier approach to flexibility in Arizona. Arizona’s Board is still focused on meeting the marks of nursing education, exams, and background standards. Initial licensure is around $150, with $160 renewals every 4 years; eligible residents can become happy and practice in dozens of other participating states sans administrative headaches. It’s a mobility benefit for nurses who are not shy about the cacti!

Arkansas

Arkansas State Board of Nursing aligns with the tried-and-true formula: accredited degree, NCLEX completion, and criminal screening. Early fees shake out to nearly $100, with $85 dues for renewal. In fact, Arkansas only just decided to join the nurse licensure compact in 2023, broadening practice possibilities. 

Colorado

And up north, Colorado gives National Nurse Compact reciprocal privileges. Qualifying by Colorado Board of Nursing, subject to fulfilling education, examination, and fingerprint background check requirements. The incentive is the ability to drive several dozen states away at a relative cost of $108 upfront and $128 to renew every two years.

Florida

Last, south to the Sunshine State – the Florida Nursing Board requires approved schooling, passing an exam, cleared fingerprints, and upfront ($110, $80 every other year) fees. The upside? Florida only adopted the nurse compact in 2023, with the provision of cross-state practice privileges.

Georgia

Peach State First – Georgia Board of Nursing don’t have that degree, don’t pass the NCLEX, or don’t have clean records. With an initial fee of only $40 and a $65 biennial renewal, however, costs remain low, but nurse compact benefits are nonexistent, and an extra license is needed for practice across borders.

Idaho

On the mainland, the Idaho Board of Nursing becomes a member of the nurse licensure compact — so long as the state meets the same baseline education, exam, and criminal history requirements. Flag north of the Gem State and above the wall; nursing candidates get through reciprocity expedited at about $110 upfront and $90 every two years.

Indiana

Lastly, Indiana enters the nurse compact via its Board of Nursing. When education, exams, and backgrounds are good, nurses in the Hoosier State shell out rock-bottom prices — $50 for the first issuance and $50 every two years after — for multi-state practice privileges.

Kansas

Head south to the Kansas State Board of Nursing to join a national licensure compact that unlocks doors for qualified candidates who meet education, exam, and background checks. Minnesota: Fees around $100 (upfront) and $85 (every other year) give Sunflower State nurses portability.

Kentucky

When you’re done reading, keep on reading: Next door in Kentucky, the Board of Nursing also connects to the nurse compact system following the validation of degrees, test results, and fingerprints. At a price of about $125 to start and $65 every two years to renew, reciprocal practice opens up dozens of states.

Louisiana

Down in Louisiana, Pelican State nursing candidates apply through the Louisiana Board of Nursing. After verifying accredited academics, NCLEX success, and clean records, fees pan out to about $100 up front and the same every two years for license renewal. The benefit? Louisiana is a member of the nurse licensure compact.

Atlantic

Up north along the Atlantic, Maine’s Board of Nursing will waive the interstate nurse compact at present. Yet compliance with standards for proper education, exams, and FBI screening allows licensing at $75 every two years. This is essential for out-of-state nurses, who must have their credentials formally endorsed in order to practice across state lines.

Maryland

Maryland, further down the coast, is carving its own path and isn’t participating in a nurse compact at the moment either. Maryland Board of Nursing requires applicants to have degrees, pass exams, and clear criminal checks. Interstate care is difficult to verify and costs $100 to obtain and $136 every two years to renew.

Mississippi

Mississippi’s Board of Nursing mandates that nurses complete an approved nursing program take the NCLEX and submit fingerprints for new licenses. Licenses were originally $100, with a $100 renewal every two years. If Mississippi adopts the NLC, that means the nurse’s primary residence is in Mississippi; nurses are also able to practice in other compact states.

Montana

Montana embraces the national nursing compact, allowing borderless practice for local talent. Licenses, which cost about $200 initially and then $100 every two years, require Board-approved education, passing the NCLEX test, and background checks. For Treasure State nurses, mobility across dozens of states means that investment pays off.

New Hampshire

Nursing applicants for northeast New Hampshire with compact participation receive greater reciprocity outcomes. The Board in the Granite State (for which I used to vote) requires accepted credentials, exam performance, and criminal record screenings prior to issuing licenses– the typical cost to start is $120; for each cycle of renewal, it’s $100. Eligible individuals can then practice in multiple jurisdictions.

New Mexico

Alternatively, New Mexico is a member of the nursing compact, providing portability for qualified licensees after the establishment of home state education criteria, examination results, and fingerprinting via the NM Board of Nursing. Applications and renewals are about $110 on a biennial basis — a small price to pay for flexibility across borders.

North Carolina

Ultimately, the requirement to earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX exam, and fingerprint to achieve licensure is enforced by North Carolina’s Board of Nursing. The fees are $75 for applications and $100 for biennial renewals. As a member of the NLC, North Carolina allows nurses with a primary residence in North Carolina to practice in additional compact states.

North Dakota

Nancy Lawrence, Dawn Helmkamp North Dakota Up north, North Dakota’s nursing overseers (701-328-9777 /www.ndbon.org) on national licensure compact — allowing cross-border practice after education, exam and FBI background standards are met. For approximately $145 per application and renewal cycle, the peace of mind that multi-state mobility provides is included.

Ohio

The new interstate nurse protections in Ohio recently swung southeast.The Ohio Board of Nursing requires candidates verify their education, pass all required examinations, and have no  criminal record background. Candidates are required to pay $75 (initially), $65 every two years. The upside? Buckeye State residency opens a legal avenue for carrying skills across cooperative regions.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma allows for similar, through compact membership, although homing education, tests, and jurisprudence requirements precede. The OK Board of Nursing; initial licensure is about $85, renewals every 2 years $75. One upside? Borderless nurse practice made possible by Soon State home base

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, as of January 2023, joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing for streamlined interstate practice. The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing requires verification of education, NCLEX passage, and background checks. The initial application fee is $35, with $122 required per renewal cycle.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, the Board of Nursing established clear in-state standards for completing nursing school, passing the NCLEX exam, and having a clean record. After that, in-state residents can check those boxes, with an initial $100 license fee and $75 biennial renewals conferring practice authority. Better yet – South Carolina is a member of the National Nursing Compact, which allows credential holders to practice legally in dozens of participating states.

South Dakota

South Dakota has joined that same interstate agreement on nursing licensure moving west. In Mount Rushmore State, you must complete state-approved programs, pass the NCLEX, and submit digital fingerprints. Eligible nurses maintain mobility flexibility across the country as they pay both the $100 application and renewal fees every two years.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, too, the path to licensure requires degrees in nursing earned in-state, exams passed, and backgrounds cleared before the Board grants permission to practice. The startup costs $115, and renewals only $70 every other year, keeping costs low. The Volunteer State has joined the nurse compact, granting properly licensed residents legitimacy across geographic borders — a power particularly important for telehealth and temporary assignments.

Texas

And circling back west, the Texas Board of Nursing includes in-state nursing education, passing the NCLEX, and background check to practice under licensure. Prices begin at $139, then $69 per year for renewal. Texas is not part of the nursing compact, but the state does have reciprocal agreements with some 25 states for more streamlined endorsement processes.

Delaware

Delaware Board of Nursing for more details on nursing requirements in this state, but generally, applicants must complete an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam and undergo a criminal background check. The application fee is roughly $170, and it costs $100 to renew the license every two years. The good news? An important point to note is that Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which enables registered nurses to practice in other NLC member states without having to obtain another license.

District of Columbia

The Washington, D.C. Board of Nursing requires a state-approved nursing school program, NCLEX-RN passage, and a background check. Fees: $187 for initial license; $145 for renewals every two years. The downside? D.C. does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, requiring a separate license to work in other states.

Iowa

Iowa’s Board of Nursing adheres to the usual process — nursing degree, NCLEX exam, and background check. Rising to $143 for the initial license; renewing every three years is $99. However, the big plus is that Iowa is a fully realized NLC member state, which means the state’s nurses can work in other compact states without extra paperwork.

Nebraska

Nebraska Board of Nursing, which follows the standard licensure route of an accredited program, passing the NCLEX exam, and completing a criminal background screening. With an initial fee of $123 and a $123 renewal every 2 years, these fees are quite reasonable. And the best part? Multistate privileges apply; Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

Utah

If you have limited experience and are seeking a nurse job in Utah, contact the Utah Board of Nursing, which maintains standard nursing licensing requirements: completion of an accredited program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN and a criminal background check. Costs range from a $100 application fee to a $58 renewal fee every two years. Utah is also a member of the NLC, which allows licensed nurses to practice in certain other compact states.

Virginia

The Virginia Board of Nursing  necessitates graduates of an an accredited nursing program to take and pass the NCLEX-RN and undergo a criminal background check. The first-time application/licensure fee is $190; $140 is due for renewal every two years. Virginia is a participant in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which permits nurses to work in other compact states without obtaining a separate license.

West Virginia

West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses, which is equivalent to becoming an RN or registered nurse (with completion of an accredited program, NCLEX-RN, and criminal background check). The fee for the initial license is $100, and the renewal fee every two years is $70. West Virginia is in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows practice in other compact states.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Board of Nursing requires completion of an accredited nursing school program, passing the national NCLEX-RN, and a criminal background check. Initial licensure fee: $90; renewals: $86 every two years. Wisconsin also belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses can practice in other compact states without further licensing.

Wyoming

Wyoming State Board of Nursing, and undergoes a criminal background check. The initial licensure fee is $135, and the renewal fee is $110 every 2 years. Wyoming is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning nurses can practice in other compact states.