For more information about applying for a license, please see the content below.
An Advanced Practice (AP) nurse is defined as a Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP), a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Sample School Letter
Your letter on school letterhead must be sent directly to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Click here to download a sample letter. School letters may be sent directly from the school to the Board by email at: [email protected] or by mail to:
Arizona State Board of Nursing
1740 W. Adams Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Transcripts
Transcripts may be emailed directly from the educational institution to the Board by email at: [email protected] or by mail to:
Arizona State Board of Nursing
1740 W. Adams Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Temporary Certificate
Temporary AP Certificate is available for:
- Initial applicants who have met all of the above requirements and have been issued a temporary Arizona RN license or hold a current professional license in good standing in another compact party state.
- New graduate AP applicants who have met all of the above requirements and are awaiting national certification. Applicant must:
- Request certifying agency to send verification that you have applied for and are eligible to take or have taken an advanced practice certifying examination in their category or specialty area of practice. Verification must come directly from the certifying agency, directly to AZBN.
- Provide written authorization to the certifying body to release the examination results to AZBN*
*Refer to the instructions on the temporary certification application.
Please note the following:
- The applicant must answer "Yes" to the temporary certification question on the application.
- The applicant must pay the required fee.
- Applicants are ineligible for a temporary certificate if they answer “yes” to any of the disciplinary questions on the application. Issuance of a permanent certificate will also be delayed.
- A temporary AP certificate will not be issued until official transcripts, official letter of completion from the school, fingerprint card/electronic fingerprint receipt, and verification of eligibility to test for national certification from the testing agency are received by AZBN.
- The temporary certificate expires 6 months from the date of issuance or automatically upon failure of the national certifying exam. Temporary certificates may be renewed at the discretion of the Executive Director.
- If you do not receive your permanent certificate at least 10 days before the temporary expires, call us at 602-771-7800.
Prescribing and Dispensing Authority
Nurse Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwives seeking prescribing and dispensing privileges must have completed a 3 semester hour pharmacology course within the 3 year period immediately prior to the date of their application or shall submit written evidence of 45 contact hours of education in pharmacology or clinical management of drug therapy within the three year period immediately prior to the date of their application. You may not prescribe or dispense medications until you receive official notification that prescribing and dispensing authority has been granted. An additional fee for Prescribing and Dispensing is required, please see fees on application.
- Nurse Practitioners or Certified Nurse Midwives must hold current licensure as an RN in Arizona or a compact license with multi state privilege OR
- Be certified by the Board of Nursing within one of the specialty areas identified in the rules of the Board of Nursing at R4-19-501.
DEA Registration Number
If you are going to prescribe and/or dispense controlled substances, you will need to apply to the Drug Enforcement Administration for a DEA number.
- A DEA number cannot be obtained until you have received prescribing and/or dispensing authority from the Board.
- You must apply online at the US DOJ Diversion Control Division website.
- When the DEA number has been obtained you must notify the Board of your number by sending a copy of the Registration Number.
Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program - CSPMP
Pursuant to R4-19-512B in the Nurse Practice Act
An RNP with P & D authority who wishes to prescribe a controlled substance shall obtain a DEA registration number before prescribing a controlled substance. The RNP shall file the DEA registration number with the Board.
Once a DEA number has been obtained you must register it with the Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) and upload a copy of your DEA license to your Nurse Portal.
Arizona Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) FAQs
Important Notice
The Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program CSPMP is a statutory program developed to promote the public health and welfare by detecting diversion, abuse, and misuse of prescription medications classified as controlled substance under the Arizona Uniform Controlled Substances Act.
Arizona Revised Statues § 36-2606, effective December 31, 2015, requires every Arizona medical practitioner, including Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who intend to obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration number or who hold one or more DEA registration numbers to also hold a Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program registration issued by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. There is NO fee to the practitioner for this registration.
Helpful Hints on Prescribing and Dispensing Authority
- A DEA number or license is necessary only if you are going to prescribe controlled substances. To obtain this license, the nurse practitioner must apply to the DEA and pay the required fee. Once this license has been obtained, it must be renewed with the DEA.
- Arizona’s prescriptive authority can only be used in Arizona. It cannot be transferred to another state. Prescriptive laws for nurse practitioners vary from state to state.
- P&D authority is contingent upon AP certificate renewal.
- Individuals with prescribing and dispensing authority must comply with R4-19-511, R4-19-512, and R4-19-513.
- Each renewal period of your DEA number or license the nurse must upload a new copy of their DEA license to the Nurse Portal.
Advanced Practice Committee
Click here to go to the Advanced Practice Committee page.
Resources
Click here for more Advanced Practice resources
Advanced Practice FAQS
Click here for any further questions you might have about Advanced Practice
A Certified Medication Assistant (CMA) is a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) who has worked for a minimum of 6 months as an LNA/CNA prior to applying to the CMA program and has no complaints/restrictions on the certificate/license. A CMA has completed a medication training program, and passed an Arizona written and skills test for CMA’s.
CNA certification by Endorsement means that you have graduated from an approved nursing assistant program, taken the state nursing assistant exam, and have been granted CNA certification by another state. If you wish to apply for CNA certification in Arizona, you will need to complete the CNA Endorsement application.
CNA certification by Examination means that you have graduated from an approved nursing assistant program, want to take the Nursing assistant state exam and obtain an original CNA certificate in Arizona.
After more than 20 years regulating Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), the Arizona State Board of Nursing (Board) is converting to two levels of nursing assistant:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): a person who passes an approved CNA course and the state manual skills/written exams and whose name is placed on the CNA registry. Any substantiated allegations of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property/theft will be reported to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and will be listed on the registry.
- Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA): a person who meets CNA educational and exam requirements and, in addition, submits an application, fingerprints and fees to the Board. The LNA is regulated by the Board which has broader jurisdiction for any act of unprofessional conduct.
Rationale for CNA and LNA Change
After more than 20 years regulating Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), the Arizona State Board of Nursing (Board) is moving to two levels of nursing assistant: CNA and LNA. Current regulation of CNAs, which includes criminal background checks and full Board jurisdiction for all unprofessional conduct, cannot be maintained without either charging the CNA, which is prohibited by federal law, or using the fees paid by RNs and LPNs for their licenses. In 2014 the legislature required the Board of Nursing to propose a self-sustaining model for regulation of nursing assistants. The Board’s model, which was passed into law in 2014, calls for two levels of nursing assistant (CNA and LNA). The requirements for LNA are identical to the current requirements for CNA with one additional requirement: the payment of fees for licensure ($50.00, initial fingerprinting $50.00 and renewal $50). The requirements for the "new" CNA are the minimum required by federal law to be listed on a Nurse Aide Registry and, consistent with federal law, do not include fees for initial placement or renewal on the Registry.
Facilities
The titles CNA and LNA are mutually exclusive. All CNAs who are converted to LNA should use the initials “LNA” when identifying themselves. Registry CNAs should use the initials "CNA" when identifying themselves. If credentials are noted on a name badge/pin/facility ID, the information should accurately reflect the correct credential.
CNA and LNA Endorsement and Exam Processes
Instructions for Transferring CNA Certificate to Arizona
Laws and Rules
Notice of Exempt Rulemaking LNA
A Licensed Health Aide (LHA) is a person who is a parent, guardian or family member providing services to a single Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) enrolled patient under the age of 21, consistent with the patient’s plan of care.
A "Family Member" is an adult (at least 18 years old) and has the following relationship with the one juvenile patient: 1.spouse, 2. child/step-child, 3. son/daughter-in-law, 4. grandchild, 5. sibling/step-sibling, 6. parent/step-parent/adoptive parent, 7. Grandparent, 8. mother/father-in-law, 9. brother/sister-in-law, 10. legal guardian.
An LHA has completed a health aide training program, and passed an Arizona written and skills test for LHAs.
Questions About the Application Process
Many questions about the application process can be answered by visiting the LHA FAQs.
Requirements for Applicants Educated in a Foreign Country (Including Canada and *Puerto Rico)
IMPORTANT: All information from any of the selected agencies listed in Educational Requirements and Language Validation, must be sent directly to AZBN from the agency.
Foreign Educated Professional or Practical Nurses Must Meet the Following Requirements:
Validation of Educational Requirements
- Request an application from Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools International (CGFNS) to obtain one of the following:
- CES Professional Report.
- Verification of VisaScreen ® Certificate.
- Verification of CGFNS Certification (Option not available for practical nurses).
OR
- Request or download an application from Educational Records Evaluation Services (ERES) to complete an Education Equivalency Report.
OR
- Request or download an application from Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. to complete an education equivalency report, specifically a ‘licensing for nursing, basic report’.
OR
- If educated in Canada, have the Canadian licensure board submit a passing score on the English language version of the NCLEX, CNATS or CRNE (Canadian Licensure Exam) AND and a verification of a Canadian licensure status directly to AZBN. *If the Canadian verification does not include your education verification then a verification report would be required (please refer to the agencies below).
PLEASE NOTE: Exception- RN endorsement applicants who have completed their basic nursing education in a foreign country are exempt from the education requirement if they have obtained a BSN or graduate degree in nursing from an approved program in the United States AND worked at least 960 hours within the past five years prior to the application submission date. Transcripts from the U.S. nursing program are required and must be sent directly from the education institution to the Arizona State Board of Nursing either by mail to 1740 W Adams St., Ste 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007 or by email to [email protected]. The transcript must show the name of the nursing program, city, state, graduation date, and graduation degree. Transcripts CANNOT come from you. If you obtained a higher nursing degree and would like to be exempt from the education requirement, you will need to provide a written statement to the Arizona State Board of Nursing stating that you are wanting to use the HIGHEST DEGREE in place of CGFNS. This exemption will disqualify applicants from obtaining a multistate license.
Contact Information for agencies listed above
Commission on Graduates of Foreign | 3600 Market Street, Suite 400 |
Education Records Evaluation Services | 2480 Hilborn Rd, Suite 106 Fairfield, CA 94534 |
Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. | 7101 SW 102 Avenue |
Validation of English Language Skills
(If you are an exam applicant you MUST meet the English Language requirement BEFORE taking the NCLEX Exam.)
Exemptions from Validation of English Language Skills requirement:
- If you have graduated from a nursing program in a country or territory where the principle language is English (i.e. Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, Trinidad, Tobago, South Africa, Ghana, Jamaica, Barbados, or United States territory) you do not need to validate your English language skills.
OR
- If you have been employed as a nurse for 960 hours or more within the past 5 years in a country or territory where the principal language is English (see countries/territories above) you do not need to validate your English language skills.
- If the principal language of the country where your nursing program was given is a language other than English, you are required to obtain one of the following options:
- Internet-based (iBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 84 and a minimum speaking score of 26. To have results sent to AZBN use the code 9680 when completing the application.
OR
- International English Language Test Service Academic Examination (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.5 on the Overall Band Score with a minimum of 6.0 on each module.
OR
- Pearson test of English Academic Exam with a minimum score of 55 overall and a minimum score of 50 on each section.
OR
- Visa Screen Certificate from CGFNS.
A CGFNS Certificate
Contact Information for agencies listed above
TOEFL: | PO Box 6151 |
IELTS: | 825 Colorado Boulevard, Suite 112 |
Pearson Language Test | Phone: 1-800-901-0229 |
Commission on Graduates of Foreign | 3600 Market Street, Suite 400 |
Validation of Practice
Have met one of the following practice requirements:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years from the date of your application or
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years (endorsement applicant), graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the past 2 years (exam applicant) or
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years or
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5-years, from the date of application submission, from an approved program in the United States. (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate)
Passed NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN or State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) **
** If you have passed the SBTPE in Canada between certain dates, you will have met the testing requirement.
Province | Alberta |
First Administered | 1954 (September) |
Last Administered | 1970 (June) |
* Applicants educated in Puerto Rico
- Applicants who have graduated before 9/15/06 AND their nursing program has a program code assigned by the National Council State Board of Nurses, are eligible to apply for licensure by exam and endorsement. They are NOT required to complete validation of education or language requirement.
- Applicants who have graduated after 9/15/06 are required to request a report from CGFNS or ERES (validating their educational requirements) be sent directly to AZBN as well as Validation of English Language requirement.
Additional Information
- Nurses educated in a foreign country and have not passed NCLEX or SBTPE must apply for licensure by examination.
- Applicants who have passed NCLEX but were NOT issued a license need to apply for licensure by exam. You do not need to re-test.
- Canadian nurses who have taken and passed the NCLEX in Canada must request an official Verification of Registration and Exam scores from the Canadian licensure board to be sent directly to the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- Applicants who meet all the requirements except the social security number can be issued a license in AZ, if they sign and complete the affidavit on the Forms and Documents page.
- Applicants living abroad who have met all the license requirement except proof of lawful presence can be issued a license in AZ if they sign and submit the affidavit on the Forms and Documents page.
- Enhanced-Nurse Licensure Compact - Statutes
- Enhanced-Nurse Licensure Compact Final Rules
RN/LPN licensure by Endorsement means that you have graduated from an approved nursing program, taken the NCLEX or state board test pool exam, and have been granted an RN/LPN license by another state. If you wish to apply for licensure in Arizona, you will need to complete the RN/LPN Endorsement application.
Questions About the Application Process
Many questions about the application process can be answered by visiting the RN / LPN Licensure by Endorsement FAQs.
Important
- Nurses previously licensed in Arizona must reapply by renewal, not by endorsement.
Arizona is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) and no longer part of the Original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
A list of states participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact is available at https://www.ncsbn.org/enhanced-nlc-implementation.htm.
An applicant for licensure as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse who meets certain requirements is eligible for multistate licensure. Once the Board grants the multistate license, the nurse can then engage in nursing practice in any of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the criteria for issuance of a multistate license. If you do not meet the criteria for a multistate license but you do meet the criteria for a single state license, a single state license will be issued to you.
- Requirements for Multistate Licensure:
- Meet the requirements for licensure in the state of Arizona
- Has graduated from a board-approved education program or has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credential review agency
- Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language
- Has passed the NCLEX or predecessor exam
- Is eligible for or holds an active unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)
- Has submitted fingerprints for state and federal background checks
- Has no state or federal felony convictions
- Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing
- Is not currently a participant in an alternative program
- Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program
- Has a valid United States social security number
Requirements
- U.S. EDUCATED APPLICANTS:
To be eligible for licensure you must:- Have completed a Board-approved nursing program
- Have a passing score on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE).
- Have previous or current license in another state or territory.
- Have met one of the following practice requirements:
- Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years OR
- Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years OR
- Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years OR
- Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5-years, from the date of application submission, from an approved program in the United States. (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate)
- RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program or LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program. View the RN / LPN Exceptions section below for a list of exceptions.
- Have Board approval for applicants under investigation.
- APPLICANTS EDUCATED IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, INCLUDING CANADA AND PUERTO RICO
Visit the Foreign Educated Requirements section below for application requirements.
Items to Complete for Licensure
- SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION WITH FEES
- VERIFICATION OF YOUR ORIGINAL STATE OF LICENSURE
- Go to nursys.com and submit a request for verification.
- If you are unable to request verification at nursys.com, then see the Verification of Your Original State of Licensure section below.
- CITIZENSHIP/LAWFUL PRESENCE DOCUMENTATION
- All applicants must upload a copy of documentation regarding citizenship / nationality / alien status. A copy of the document must be submitted on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper and submitted with the application For a list of acceptable documents visit the Citizenship and Alien Status page.
- FINGERPRINTS
- You are required to submit a full set of fingerprints, for the purpose of obtaining State and Federal criminal record checks.
- You are only exempt from this requirement if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the Arizona State Board of Nursing within the previous two years.
- A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute.
- A fingerprint card can be obtained from any local facility that offers 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 not be accepted and will delay processing time.)
- Please remember to submit your fingerprint card as soon as possible to expedite the process.
- A permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received.
- Results can take approximately 8-12 weeks to receive.
Temporary License or Temporary for Refresher Course Only
Applicants are eligible for a temporary license if they:
- Provide a minimum of 960 practice hours and/or six months of nursing employment
- Meet educational requirements
- Have completed a Board-approved nursing program
- Have a passing score on the NLCEX or SBTPE
- Do not have a criminal history, a history or disciplinary action by a regulatory agency, a pending complaint before the Board, or affirmative answers to any criminal background or disciplinary question in the application
- Does not have any disciplinary eligibility questions for review
- Submission of lawful presence or citizenship in the United States with a government issued photo identification
- Submission of a fingerprint card
- Request for a temporary license
- Submission of temporary license fee
- Armed Forces Nurses – Have Final Grade Report/Sheet sent directly to the Board of Nursing.
- Applicants applying for a temporary license “for refresher course only”, due to not meeting practice hour requirements, must provide documentation that you have enrolled in an Arizona Board approved refresher course.
Note: Applications for temporary licenses are processed in the order they are received. If you qualify for a temporary license, allow 30 business days for processing.
Applicants holding a current multistate license from another compact state should not request a temporary license, but can use their compact state license until an Arizona permanent license is issued.
Verification of Your Original State of Licensure
For information regarding submitting verification from your original state of licensure, please visit the Verification for Endorsement page and review the second section, "For Out-of-State RN and LPN Nurses Needing Verification Sent from another State to Arizona for Endorsement Purposes".
Additional Information
Application Fees and Payment Methods
All fees are in US Dollars and are non-refundable
- Application Fee: $150.00
- Background Check Fee: up to $ 50.00
- Temporary License Fee: $ 50.00 (Optional)
- Credit/Debit Card - Can only be processed online. Card information that is mailed to the Board will not be processed.
Felony Convictions
The Board shall revoke a nursing license or multistate 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 be processed, and proceedings for revocation of your Arizona license or multistate privileges in Arizona or denial of your application shall be instituted by the Board.
Reporting of Criminal Charges
Applicants for licensure / certification must notify the Arizona State Board of Nursing of criminal charges within 10 days of being charged.
Time Frames for Licensure
The Board is required to process applications for licensure within certain time periods, per R4-19-102 in the Nurse Practice Act.
Deficiency Notice
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.
RN/LPN licensure by Examination means that you have graduated from an approved nursing program, need to take the NCLEX exam and obtain an original RN/LPN license in Arizona.
Questions About the Application Process
Many questions about the application process can be answered by visiting the RN / LPN Licensure by Examination FAQs.
Application Instructions for RN / LPN Licensure by Examination
Please read this flyer for detailed instructions.
To check the status of your application please log into your nurse portal and check the message center for updates. Please allow up to 30 business days for your application to show up in the license verification system before contacting the Board.
Arizona is a Compact State
- Arizona is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) and no longer part of the Original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
- A list of states participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact is available at https://www.ncsbn.org/enhanced-nlc-implementation.htm.
- An applicant for licensure as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse who meets certain requirements is eligible for multistate licensure. Once the Board grants the multistate license, the nurse can then engage in nursing practice in any of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the criteria for issuance of a multistate license. If you do not meet the criteria for a multistate license but you do meet the criteria for a single state license, a single state license will be issued to you.
- Requirements for Multistate Licensure:
- Meet the requirements for licensure in the state of Arizona
- Has graduated from a board-approved education program or has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credential review agency
- Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language
- Has passed the NCLEX or predecessor exam
- Is eligible for or holds an active unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)
- Has submitted fingerprints for state and federal background becks
- Has no state or federal felony convictions
- Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing
- Is not currently a participant in an alternative program
- Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program
- Has a valid United States social security number
Requirements
- U.S. EDUCATED APPLICANTS:
- RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program.
Visit RN / LPN Exceptions to view a the list of exceptions. - Passing score on NCLEX exam.
- Graduates of out of state schools – Transcripts, including graduation dates and type of degree, sent by your school to Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- Board approval for applicants who are under investigation.
- RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program.
- FOREIGN EDUCATED APPLICANTS; Including Canada and Puerto Rico
Visit the Foreign Educated Requirements section for application requirements.
Items to Complete for Licensure
- COMPLETE THE NCLEX REGISTRATION by going to pearsonvue.com/nclex OR by phone 866-496-2539
- REQUEST OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS - Sent by the program directly to Arizona State Board of Nursing (for out-of-state graduates)
- CITIZENSHIP / NATIONALITY / ALIEN STATUS DOCUMENTATION
- All applicants must upload a copy of documentation regarding citizenship/nationality/alien status. A copy of the document must be submitted on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper and submitted with the application. For a list of acceptable documents visit the Citizenship and Alien Status page.
- SUBMIT A FINGERPRINT CARD
- You are required to submit a full set of fingerprints, for the purpose of obtaining State and Federal criminal record checks.
- You are only exempt from this requirement if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the Arizona State Board of Nursing within the previous two years.
- A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute.
- A fingerprint card can be obtained from any local facility that offers 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 not be accepted and will delay processing time.)
- Please remember to submit your fingerprint card as soon as possible to expedite the process.
- A permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received.
- Results can take approximately 8-12 weeks to receive.
Additional Information
Fees and Payment Methods
All fees are in US Dollars and are non-refundable.
- Application Fee: $150.00
- Writing for NLCEX Fee: $150.00
- Background Check Fee: up to $50.00 (required, unless submitted within the previous 2 years).
- Credit/Debit Card
Felony Convictions
The Board shall revoke a nursing license or multistate 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 be processed, and proceedings for revocation of your Arizona license or multistate privileges in Arizona or denial of your application shall be instituted by the Board.
Reporting of Criminal Charges
Applicants for licensure / certification must notify the Arizona State Board of Nursing of criminal charges within 10 days of being charged.
Time Frames for Licensure
The Board is required to process applications for licensure within certain time periods, per R4-19-102 in the Nurse Practice Act.
Deficiency Notice
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.
RN Exceptions
- EXCELSIOR GRADUATES: Enrolled after 9/1/06, who have not practiced 960 hours as an RN in another State must request the school to submit transcripts directly to AZBN showing completion of 120 hours Clinical Nursing Course. Excelsior College will no longer admit students to the associate degree nursing program who reside in the state of Arizona.
- Armed Forces: Military programs designed to prepare persons for positions as corpsmen or technicians are not approved programs for licensure in Arizona.
- Applicants educated in Puerto Rico: Applicants who have graduated before 9/15/06 AND their nursing program has a program code assigned by the National Council State Board of Nurses, are eligible to apply for licensure by exam and endorsement. They are NOT required to complete validation of education or language requirement.
Applicants who have graduated after 9/15/06 are required to request a report from CGFNS / ERES or Josef Silny (validating their educational requirements) be sent directly to AZBN as well as Validation of English Language requirement.
LPN Exceptions
- The first SBTPE for Vocational Nurses given in the state of TEXAS was in 1952 for one year only. From 1953 through 1967, a state constructed exam was given. Texas started the SBTPE again in 1968. Vocational Nurses, therefore, must have taken the examination in 1952 or 1968 to the present. If the applicant did not take and pass the examination in 1952 and has not taken and passed the examination since 1968, the applicant must request an application for examination.
- Vocational Nurses requesting endorsement to Arizona from CALIFORNIA may be accepted if they took the SBTPE and passed before June 1974 or the NCLEX-PN® after April 1986. If the applicant did not take and pass the SBTPE before June of 1974, and the applicant did not take and pass the NCLEX-PN® after April of 1986, the applicant must request an application for examination. Applicant must have also completed a Board approved LPN program, as well as the SBTPE or NCLEX.
- State Board Constructed Exams in any State or US territory are not accepted in Arizona.
- Applicants must have completed a Board-approved nursing program
Exceptions to the practical nurse receiving military training:
- Graduates of Sheppard Air Force Base School of Health Sciences 12 month nursing program in Texas between 1970 and 1976 were approved by the National League for Nursing. Vocational nurse applicants are eligible for licensure by endorsement if they graduated in the above years and passed the SBTPE. Final grade reports are to be sent directly to AZBN.
- Graduates of Fort Sam Houston Army Practical Nurse Program (1 Year) in Texas, and passed the SBTPE or the NCLEX-PN® are eligible for licensure by endorsement. Request final grade reports from [email protected] Include name you took course under, social security number, dates course taken and Arizona Board of Nursing address for them to send final grade reports directly to AZBN.
- The Navy has never applied for approval of a Practical Nurse Program to the Arizona State Board of Nursing; therefore applicants are not accepted into Arizona by endorsement.
Graduates of the Airforce PN Training Program-Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program (BMTCP) 4N051/4N)or (4N training program)
A School Nurse is a Registered Nurse who has obtained additional education as defined in the Nurse Practice Act, R4-19-309, and is issued School Nurse Certification.
Questions About the Application Process
Many questions about the application process can be answered by visiting the School Nurse FAQs.