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How to get a Registered Nurse License in Alaska

Alaska licenses registered nurses statewide through the Board of Nursing.1 For the Registered Nurse License you need at least 320 hours of on-the-job training2, a passing score on the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN)2 and a criminal background check2. The board lists $200 for the application3 and $100 for the initial license3, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years4 and complete at least 30 hours of continuing education5.

Last checked · 7 official sources

Who issues it

Board of Nursing

Training and experience

Experience: at least 320 hours of on-the-job training2

Exam

National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN)2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $2003
Initial license fee: $1003
Fingerprint and state background check: $753

Renewal

Every 2 years4, at least 30 hours of continuing education5

From another state

License by endorsement, Temporary license or permit and Military service members and spouses162 Details

On this page
  1. Who needs a Registered Nurse License
  2. Requirements for a Registered Nurse License
  3. How much a Registered Nurse License costs
  4. How to apply
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. Moving to Alaska with a license from another state
  7. Laws and rules
  8. Common questions
  9. Registered nurse (RN) licenses in other states

Who needs a Registered Nurse License

Performance for compensation or personal profit of professional services requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment and skill in assessing and responding to the health needs of individuals, families or communities.1

Requirements for a Registered Nurse License

Education or training
Successful completion of a registered nurse education program accredited by a national nursing accrediting body and approved by the board; the school sends a Nursing Program Verification form and an official transcript.1
Who may teach it: Nationally accredited RN program approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing1
Alternative: Foreign graduates of programs not taught in English: English proficiency exam, CGFNS course-by-course evaluation showing English instruction, or ICHP VisaScreen certificate; all foreign graduates must take the NCLEX.4
Alternative: Graduated more than two years before applying by examination: board-approved remedial nursing course before the NCLEX.2
Experience
At least 320 hours of on-the-job training2
Endorsement applicants only: at least 320 hours of nursing employment in the five years before application (otherwise meet continuing competency or complete a board-approved refresher course).6
Substitute: No 320 hours in five years: meet the board’s continuing competency requirements or complete a board-approved refresher course.6
Exam
National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN)2
Given by: Pearson VUE4
Passing score: Grade of "pass"2
When you can take it: Application, fees and all documents must be on file before approval to test; approval lasts one year after the board notifies the testing company. ATT issued about 48 hours after the board makes the candidate eligible.2
Retakes: May repeat the exam; a written request plus the vendor reexamination fee is required. A candidate who has not passed within two years of first sitting must complete a board-approved remedial course before retaking.2
Time limit: Pass within two years of first attempt or complete a remedial course; passing but not licensed anywhere within one year adds continuing-competency requirements.2
Exam waived: Not re-taken for licensure by endorsement when the original license was obtained by passing the NCLEX (or listed older exams).2
Background check
Background check required2
Fingerprints required4
Professional fitness questions; a "yes" does not mean denial but requires an explanation and court documents showing final disposition.4
Social Security number
U.S. Social Security Number must be on file before a license issues; applicants without one may request an exemption on the division form.4
Also required
Application must be signed and notarized.4
Also required
Applications abandoned after 12 months without correspondence are denied; documents older than 12 months are stale.4

How much a Registered Nurse License costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$2003Board of NursingLicense by examination or endorsement. Not refundable
Initial license fee$1003Board of NursingInitial biennial license period
Fingerprint and state background check$753Board of NursingNot refundable
Temporary license or permit$03Board of Nursing–
Temporary license or permit$503Board of NursingApplication fee $50 plus emergency courtesy license fee $50 (urgent situations, max 120 days)
Temporary license or permit$1003Board of NursingNonrefundable application fee for a temporary license, for a temporary military courtesy license. Active-duty military member or spouse; plus $100 license fee under 12 AAC 02.105(18). Not refundable
Temporary license or permit$1003Board of NursingActive-duty military member or spouse
Retired nurse status license one-time fee$1003Board of Nursing–

Some lines are combined figures, or parts of one; do not add the lines up.

The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, Pearson VUE4, when you schedule.

How to apply

  1. Complete the Registered Nurse License by Examination application (form 08-4112), sign it before a notary, and mail it with $375 payable to "State of Alaska" ($200 application + $100 license + $75 fingerprint processing).4 Form (PDF, commerce.alaska.gov)4
  2. Send one FD-258 fingerprint card to the Alaska Board of Nursing (550 W. 7th Ave., Ste. 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501) for the state and FBI background check.4
  3. Ask your school to send the Nursing Program Verification form (08-4112b) and an official transcript showing graduation date and degree directly to the board.4
  4. Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE; once the board approves you, the ATT follows in about 48 hours. The permanent license issues after you pass.4
  5. Licensed in another state? Use the endorsement application (form 08-4016, same $375 total): verify your license through Nursys or directly from the original and current states, and document 320 nursing hours in the last five years.6 Form (PDF, commerce.alaska.gov)6
Temporary or provisional license
Nonrenewable temporary permit ($0) at the board’s discretion: by examination, valid six months or until NCLEX results arrive (void on failure; not available after a failed or missed NCLEX); by endorsement, valid six months or until the permanent license is issued or denied.2
Processing time
Initial applications: "average processing time varies by program"; renewals: plan on 4-6 weeks for correct and complete paper renewals.4

Renewal and continuing education

How often
Every 2 years4
When it expires
Expires November 30 of even-numbered years; current renewal covers December 1, 2026 – November 30, 2028 and the license lapses after November 30, 2026 with no grace period.7
Renewal fee
$2003
Continuing education
At least 30 hours each renewal period5
Required topics
Choose two of three: 30 contact hours of CE, 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities, or 320 hours of compensated nursing employment in the two-year period.7
At least 20 of the 30 CE contact hours must come from ANCC/ACCME/ACPE-accredited or board-approved programs; no more than 10 from non-qualifying in-service education; CPR/BLS not accepted.5
Approved courses
ANCC, ACCME, ACPE ("P" courses), nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist certifying body standards, or a board-approved sponsor (20 of 30 hours).5
Exemptions
License first issued on or after December 1, 2025: no continuing competency activities for this (2026) renewal only.7
Alternatives: board-approved refresher course, at least six academic credits toward a higher nursing degree/certificate, or passing the NCLEX.5
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $1002 (lapsed more than 60 days; paid with the $200 renewal fee on reinstatement)
Renewal fee: $1007 (licenses first issued on or after December 1, 2025)
If it expires
Lapsed under one year: reinstatement application, $200 renewal fee, $100 penalty if lapsed over 60 days, continuing competency within the prior two years, verification of licenses held elsewhere; one to five years adds fingerprints and 320 hours/5 years (or refresher with 100 supervised clinical hours); over five years also AS 08.68.251 course of study or exam.2
Random audit; keep CE documents at least four years.7

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Alaska Registered Nurse License. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Moving to Alaska with a license from another state

These are the routes the Board of Nursing publishes for the Registered Nurse License.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Current license in another state (or Canadian province) obtained by passing the NCLEX or listed earlier exams; verification via Nursys or the licensing jurisdiction; 320 hours of nursing employment in the last five years; fingerprints; $375 fees.1
Conditions
License must be current when the permanent license issues; inactive status is not a current license.6
Canadian nurses who passed CNATS before August 1980 (350 on each part) or August 1980–June 1992 (400) may apply by endorsement; later CNATS takers must take the NCLEX.6
Fee
$3756
Route
Temporary license or permit
What the board says
Endorsement applicants can get a six-month nonrenewable temporary permit once the application, fees, fingerprints and license verification are received and reviewed.6
Fee
$03
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Temporary military courtesy license for active-duty members or spouses with orders to an Alaska duty station: issued within 30 days of a complete application, valid 180 days, renewable once for 180 days.2
Fee
$1003

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse License in Alaska?

The rules set at least 320 hours of on-the-job training2 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: Initial applications: "average processing time varies by program"; renewals: plan on 4-6 weeks for correct and complete paper renewals.4

Can I transfer my registered nurse license to Alaska?

The Board of Nursing publishes these routes for the Registered Nurse License: license by endorsement1 and temporary license or permit6. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse License in Alaska?

Every 2 years4. Continuing education: at least 30 hours5. The renewal fee is $2003.

Registered nurse (RN) licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. AS 08.68 NursingAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Statutes)Checked November 7, 2026
  2. 12 AAC 44.290-44.320 RN/LPN licensureAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 12 AAC 02.105-02.280 fees incl. Board of Nursing feesAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  4. Registered Nurse License by Examination Application (08-4112)Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Board of Nursing)Dated July 21, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  5. 12 AAC 44.600-44.660 continuing competencyAlaska State Legislature (Alaska Administrative Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Registered Nurse License by Endorsement Application (08-4016)Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Board of Nursing)Dated July 21, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Registered Nurse License Renewal Application 2026-2028 (08-4121)Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (Board of Nursing)Dated August 25, 2026Checked November 7, 2026