The Arizona State Board of Nursing does not require a school nurse to hold a school nurse certification. It's important to note that some employers may require you to hold a school nurse certification. Please inquire with your employer/potential employer.

School Nurse Certification is valid in Arizona only.

School Nurse Certification expires every 6 years.

Application Fees

All fees are in U.S Dollars and are non-refundable.

• Initial Application Fee: $75.00
• Renewal Application Fee: $25.00
• Fingerprint Fee: $50.00 (required unless Fingerprints were submitted within the previous 2 years)

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit/Debit Card

General Information

You are required to complete and submit a fingerprint card. NOTE: If you have had previous fingerprinting done with another agency, you must still submit a new set of fingerprints to AZBN. A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute for this requirement. If you have submitted previous fingerprints to the AZ State Board of Nursing within the past 2 years, you will not need to submit fingerprints again. Return the completed fingerprint card to the Board in a large envelope. DO NOT fold the fingerprint card.

• It can take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to receive fingerprint results. You cannot receive permanent licensure until these results are received. Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.

Where do I obtain fingerprinting services?

Call your local police department, sheriff’s office or check for names of private agencies where you can obtain fingerprints. (The agency you use must validate your identification with a driver’s license or a State issued ID. The agency will provide the fingerprint card for you to use. Fingerprints done by an applicant on themselves will be returned and will delay processing time.)

Can I get my fingerprints done electronically?

The AZBN now offers electronic fingerprinting services for applicants who are physically in Arizona. At this time there are no location partners outside of Arizona. View the Electronic Fingerprint Instructions for more information.

It can take approximately 8-12 weeks to receive fingerprint results back from DPS and the FBI. You cannot receive certification until these results are received. Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.

To check the status of your application, go to License Lookup and perform a search for your name.

Reporting of Criminal Charges

Applicants for licensure/certification must notify the Board of criminal charges within 10 days of being charged. For further information go to Reporting Criminal Charges.

Felony Convictions

The Board shall revoke a nursing license or multi-state privileges or deny licensure if the applicant has one or more felony convictions that have not previously been disclosed to the Board and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions 3 or more years prior to the date of filing an application. If this law pertains to you, your application will not be processed, and proceedings for revocation of your Arizona license or multi-state privileges in Arizona or denial of your application shall be instituted by the Board. For further information go to Reporting Criminal Charges.

When you submit an application, the Board will send you a deficiency notice identifying any elements of the application process which remain outstanding. If you fail to respond to a deficiency notice within the applicable time period, your application will be withdrawn. After withdrawal, if you are still interested in obtaining licensure you would need to submit a new application and applicable fee.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing stopped issuing hard copy licenses and certificates as of September 21, 2018. License or certificate information for LPN/RN/APRN can be verified through Nursys.com and CNA/LNA/CMA can be verified through the License/Certificate Verification Portal.