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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, state-by-state licensure changes have been a daily occurrence. For up-to-date information regarding licensing regulations, please see this page.
Nurse Licensure Guide

How to get your license in

Arizona

Licensure By Endorsement

Arizona

-

AZ

eNLC:
Yes
(visit)
Temp License:
Yes
BON:
Website
Walkthrough:
Yes
Nursys:
Yes
P:
602-771-7800
Arizona
The ProcessRenewal LicenseRequirementsTimingFeesImportant things to know

The Process

Walk-Through

1. You must come into the Arizona Board of Nursing office and complete the licensure by endorsement application and pay the fees at the lobby kiosk.

2. You must bring a completed fingerprint card.

3. Must have a job offer letter with a start date within 7 days. Your name must be in the letter, with the start date, on the letterhead of the agency.

4. You must bring lawful presence documents and photo identification.

5. You must have 960 hours of employment within the last 5 years (if the program was completed more than 5 years ago)

6. If you are a foreign educated nurse applicant, you must have a copy of your Visa screen or CGFNS with your CGFNS ID number (if applicable).

Temporary License

1. Submit an application for Licensure by Endorsement online

  • Request for a temporary license.

2. Provide a minimum of 960 practice hours and/or six months of nursing employment (if the program was completed more than 5 years ago)

3. Pay the associated fees

4. Verification of original state of licensure

  • If the state participates in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay their fee and designate Arizona as the receipt of the verification.
  • If the state does not participate in Nursys, you must contact their state Board directly for further instructions. They will need to mail this official verification form to the Arizona Board of Nursing on your behalf.

5. Citizenship/lawful presence documentation

  • All applicants must upload a copy of acceptable 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.

6. Submission of a fingerprint card

  • A fingerprint card will NOT be issued from the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
  • A fingerprint card can be obtained from any local facility that offers fingerprinting services.

7. Armed forces nurses - have military transcripts sent directly to the Arizona Board of Nursing (if applicable).

Renewal License

Renewal of your license occurs every 4 years

  • You shall renew your license beginning on February 1 through April 1 on the year the license expires.

One of the following within the past 5 years:

  • 960 hours of RN-licensed practice
  • Board-approved refresher course
  • Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree
  • Advanced degree (RN to BSN, MSN, or doctorate; or advanced practice certificate)

Requirements

1. Have a passing score on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE).

2. Have a previous or current license in another state or territory.

3. Have met one of the following practice requirements:

  • Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years.
  • Have graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within the past 5 years.
  • Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years.
  • Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate).

4. 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. 

5. Have Board approval for applicants under investigation.

6. If you were educated in a foreign country, including Canada and Puerto Rico, you must follow the Foreign Educated Requirements for further requirements.

Timing

Walk-Through  

A temporary is issued within 48 hours for emergencies only.

Temporary License

Processing takes up to 30 days after receipt of all required documents. The temporary license is valid for 6 months.

*A temporary license can be held at the Board for pick up if you submit a written request with your application.

Fees

Endorsement Application:

$150.00

Fingerprints:

$50.00

Temporary License:

$50.00 (Payments can only be processed online)

Important things to Know About Applying For Licensure for Endorsement

General

  • In order to receive a temporary license, you must 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.
  • If you submit an endorsement application online you cannot obtain an emergency walk-through temporary license.
  • You must indicate on your application that you want to receive a temporary license.

Fingerprints

  • You are required to submit a full set of fingerprints, for the purpose of obtaining a 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.
  • Submit your fingerprint card as soon as possible in order to expedite the process.
  • A permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received by the Board.
  • It can take 6-8 weeks for the Board of Nursing to receive the results from your fingerprints and background check.

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Licensure Guide here

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