Colorado Nursing License Requirements 2026
Colorado nurses are licensed through the Division of Professions and Occupations’ Board of Nursing. LPNs and RNs both need to complete a state-approved program and pass the NCLEX before applying. Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses already licensed in another NLC state can work here without a separate Colorado license.
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Colorado’s Board of Nursing sits within the Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Professions and Occupations. It sets the requirements for practical and professional nursing licensure, approves nursing education programs, and issues licenses to nurses who meet the state’s standards. The board also maintains the list of approved IV programs, refresher courses, and endorsement requirements for out-of-state applicants.
Use the links below to jump to LPN requirements, RN requirements, endorsement information, renewal details, and salary and job outlook data for Colorado nurses.
- LPN license requirements in Colorado
- RN license requirements in Colorado
- Licensing by endorsement (out-of-state nurses)
- License renewal in Colorado
- Colorado nurse salary and job outlook
- Professional nursing organizations
If you’re looking for a different license type, you can also review CNA requirements in Colorado or advanced practice nurse requirements in Colorado.
Licensed Practical Nurse Requirements in Colorado
Education and Application
To become an LPN in Colorado, you’ll need to complete a state-approved practical nursing program. Once you graduate, you apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing for authorization to take the NCLEX-PN. Applications are available on the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations website. The application packet includes an affidavit confirming lawful presence in the US and requires an official transcript from your program. Fees are set by the board and subject to change; verify the current application fee at the DORA website before submitting.
After submitting your application, you may need to complete a Healthcare Professions Profile through the board’s online system. Wait a few days after submission before attempting this step, since the board needs time to enter your data. If you’re unable to complete this step within 2 weeks, contact the board directly to confirm the current requirements.
Once the board logs your application, you can check your status online at the Division of Professions and Occupations website.
NCLEX-PN Exam Registration
After the board processes your application, register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE at portal.ncsbn.org. The exam fee is $200. Verify current attempt limits and any retake timeframe requirements directly with the Colorado Board, as these rules can change. See LPN programs in Colorado for help selecting a board-approved program.
IV Authority
An LPN license in Colorado doesn’t include IV authority by default. You’ll need to apply for it separately through the board, which maintains a list of approved IV training programs. Verify the current IV authority application fee on the DORA website. LPNs licensed in another compact state who want IV authority in Colorado must also apply to the Colorado Board.
Registered Nurse Requirements in Colorado
Education and Application
RN candidates must graduate from a board-approved nursing program, either an ADN or a BSN. After graduation, you’ll apply to the Colorado Board of Nursing for authorization to take the NCLEX-RN. Download the application from the board’s applications page. You’ll need to include official transcripts; verify the current application fee on the DORA website before submitting, as fees are subject to periodic changes.
As part of the process, you may also need to complete a Healthcare Professions Profile in the board’s online system. Wait a few days after submitting your application before attempting this step. Once the board determines eligibility, it will issue an Authorization to Test.
Verify current attempt limits with the Colorado Board, as these rules can change. Attempts made in other jurisdictions count toward the total. Register for the exam through Pearson VUE at portal.ncsbn.org. See RN programs in Colorado for program selection guidance, or review the full ” How to Become an RN in Colorado guide for a step-by-step career path overview.
Background Check
RN applicants in Colorado must submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as part of the licensure process. A past conviction doesn’t automatically result in denial, but the board will review the circumstances before deciding.
Licensing by Endorsement (Out-of-State Nurses)
Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means nurses who hold a multistate license in another NLC state can work in Colorado without obtaining a separate state license. This applies as long as Colorado isn’t your primary state of residence. If you move to Colorado, you’ll need to apply for a Colorado license.
Nurses licensed in non-compact states must obtain a Colorado license before practicing in Colorado.
Endorsement for LPNs
Out-of-state LPNs can apply for licensure by endorsement if they meet all Colorado requirements. You’ll need to provide license verification from your original state. If your state participates in Nursys, you can do this online. Otherwise, use the verification form in the endorsement application packet.
Some applicants will need to complete a board-approved refresher course. This typically applies to those who haven’t held a current license, practiced nursing, or taken the NCLEX-PN in the preceding two years. However, the exact trigger should be verified against current Colorado endorsement rules. While enrolled, you’ll do unpaid clinical experience under a restricted license. Your preceptor will need to complete a skills checklist before you can receive a standard license.
If you completed IV training in another state, bring transcripts and course descriptions, plus a competency checklist from a former instructor or RN supervisor.
A temporary work permit may be available to out-of-state LPNs who hold an active license and don’t have issues flagged in their background screening. Verify current temporary authorization procedures with the board before relying on this option.
Endorsement for RNs
Out-of-state RNs who have passed the NCLEX-RN and hold an active license in another state apply for endorsement. Verify the current endorsement fee on the DORA website before applying. You’ll need to provide license verification from the state where you were originally licensed. The application asks whether you currently hold a license, have practiced nursing in the past two years, and whether you’ve taken a refresher course.
RNs with a current license and a clean background screening history may be eligible for a temporary permit to work in Colorado while the endorsement application is being processed. Verify current temporary authorization rules directly with the board, as procedures can change.
International Nurses
Nurses trained outside the US should first obtain a credential evaluation report to verify they meet equivalent requirements. Confirm with the Colorado Board which credential evaluation agencies and report types are currently accepted, as requirements and recognized agencies can change. Nurses from non-English-speaking countries must also demonstrate English proficiency through an approved exam unless exempt. After completing those steps, apply to the Colorado Board to take the NCLEX in the appropriate category.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
License Renewal in Colorado
RN licenses in Colorado expire on September 30 of either an odd- or an even-numbered year, depending on when the license was issued. LPN licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years. Colorado does not require continuing education hours for license renewal. Verify the current renewal fee on the DORA website, as fees are subject to periodic adjustment.
Colorado Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Colorado earned a median annual salary of $99,370 as of May 2025. That’s above the national median of $97,550. Employment for RNs in Colorado is projected to grow 17.8% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 4,100 job openings per year, according to Projections Central.
LPNs in Colorado earned a median annual salary of $70,820 as of May 2025, according to BLS data, well above the national median of $64,400. Projections Central forecasts 12.5% employment growth for LPNs in the state between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 460 openings annually.
| Occupation | Colorado Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth (2022–2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $99,370 | 17.8% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $70,820 | 12.5% |
Professional Nursing Organizations in Colorado
RNs in Colorado can connect with peers and access career resources through the Colorado Nurses Association, which also offers scholarship information for nursing students. LPNs can find state-level professional resources through the Colorado Federation of LPNs. Students can connect through the Colorado Student Nurses Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Colorado is an NLC member state, which means nurses holding a multistate license from another compact state can work in Colorado without applying for a separate license. However, if Colorado becomes your primary state of residence, you’ll need to apply for a Colorado license.
How many times can you take the NCLEX in Colorado?
Attempt limits can change as states update their rules. Historically, Colorado has allowed up to three attempts within a defined period, but you should verify the current limit directly with the Colorado Board of Nursing before scheduling your exam.
Does an LPN license in Colorado include IV authority?
No. IV authority isn’t included with standard LPN licensure in Colorado. LPNs must complete a board-approved IV training program and submit a separate application with a $45 fee to receive IV authority.
How long does it take to get a nursing license in Colorado after passing the NCLEX?
Processing times vary and aren’t published as a fixed timeframe by the Colorado Board. The timeline depends on application completeness, background screening results, and current board volume. Check your application status through the DORA online portal, and contact the board directly if your application has been pending longer than expected.
Do Colorado nursing licenses require continuing education for renewal?
No. Colorado doesn’t require continuing education hours for RN or LPN license renewal. RN licenses expire September 30 of the renewal year, and LPN licenses expire August 31 of even-numbered years. Verify the current renewal fee on the DORA website before submitting.
Key Takeaways
- Board-approved programs required — Both LPN and RN candidates must graduate from a Colorado Board of Nursing-approved program before applying for licensure.
- NCLEX is the licensing exam — LPNs take the NCLEX-PN and RNs take the NCLEX-RN. Both are administered through Pearson VUE. Verify current attempt limits with the Colorado Board.
- Colorado is an NLC compact state — Nurses licensed in other compact states can work in Colorado without applying for a separate license, as long as Colorado isn’t their primary state of residence.
- IV authority is separate for LPNs — An LPN license doesn’t automatically include IV authority. A separate application and board-approved training are required.
- No CE required for renewal — Colorado doesn’t require continuing education hours for RN or LPN license renewal. RN licenses renew on September 30, and LPN licenses renew on August 31 in even years. Verify the current fee on DORA.
Select your state to find approved nursing programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.