Connecticut Nursing License Requirements
Connecticut’s Board of Examiners for Nursing, a division of the Department of Public Health, licenses both RNs and LPNs. New graduates complete an approved program, register with the DPH, and pass the NCLEX at the appropriate level. Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in October 2025, so eligible nurses can hold a multistate license valid in all compact states.
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The path to a Connecticut nursing license follows the same basic structure for RNs and LPNs: graduate from a board-approved program, apply through the DPH, pass the NCLEX, and receive your license. The program length, application fees, and exam differ between the two credential levels, but the same agency handles the process for both. Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in October 2025. Eligible nurses whose primary state of residence is Connecticut can hold a multistate license valid across all compact states. Nurses moving to Connecticut from another compact state should update their primary state of residence through the DPH, as Connecticut becomes the issuing state for their new multistate license.
Use the links below to jump to the section that applies to you.
- LPN license requirements in Connecticut
- Endorsement for out-of-state and international LPNs
- RN license requirements in Connecticut
- Endorsement for out-of-state and international RNs
- Connecticut nursing license renewal
Looking for a different credential? See Certified Nurse Aide requirements in Connecticut or Connecticut APRN license requirements.
LPN Requirements in Connecticut
LPN Education Requirements
Connecticut requires LPN candidates to graduate from a program that the Board of Examiners for Nursing has approved. Approved programs are at least 10 months long and include at least 1,500 contact hours. At least half of those hours are completed in clinical settings. Nursing education programs in the state must maintain at least an 80% first-time NCLEX pass rate to stay in good standing with the Board. Read our guide to Connecticut LPN programs to compare options before applying.
LPN Application Process and NCLEX-PN
After completing your program, your school sends an official transcript to the Department of Public Health. The Board recommends that candidates register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN before submitting the DPH application. That way, the Board can confirm exam eligibility as soon as it reviews your application.
The DPH application fee is $150. The NCLEX-PN testing fee is $200, paid separately to Pearson VUE. Once the Board approves your application, Pearson VUE issues an Authorization to Test (ATT). You’ll schedule your testing session after the ATT arrives.
| License Level | DPH Application Fee | NCLEX Testing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| LPN | $150 | $200 (to Pearson VUE) |
| RN | $180 | $200 (to Pearson VUE) |
Connecticut participates in Pearson’s quick results program. For about $8, you can get unofficial results within 2 business days of testing. Official results arrive by mail and determine your licensing status.
LPN Graduate Status
Once you complete program requirements, you’re eligible for graduate nurse status, which lets you work under appropriate supervision while waiting to sit for the NCLEX. Graduate status is valid for up to 90 days after graduation. If you don’t pass the NCLEX within that window, you can’t continue working until you do.
Out-of-State and International LPNs
Practical nurses licensed in the U.S. can apply for a Connecticut license by endorsement. Canadian nurses who took the licensing exam in 1970 or later may also qualify for endorsement without sitting for the NCLEX. If you originally tested in French, you’ll need to pass an English language proficiency exam first.
Endorsement requires license verification from every state, territory, or province where you hold or have held a nursing license. Many states participate in the NURSYS online verification system. Others require a paper form. Connecticut notes that Georgia license verifications can typically be viewed online without candidate involvement.
The DPH also requires verification that your nursing education meets Connecticut’s standards. Your program must be substantially equivalent to Connecticut’s requirements, meaning at least 1,500 hours of nursing education with the required clinical components. If your program was shorter, supervised post-graduation work experience can make up the difference.
U.S. candidates with a current license who have submitted educational verification may receive a 120-day temporary permit while their endorsement is under review.
Nurses educated outside the U.S. or Canada need a professional report through CGFNS before applying. After the credential evaluation is complete, they take the NCLEX-PN.
RN Requirements in Connecticut
RN Education Requirements
RN candidates must graduate from a professional nursing program approved by the Connecticut Board or one with equivalent standards. Connecticut has programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and diploma levels, as well as at least one direct-entry master’s program. The Board also reviews external distance-learning programs. Excelsior College is approved at both the associate and baccalaureate levels. Browse Connecticut RN programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
RN Application Process and NCLEX-RN
Register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN before submitting your application to the DPH. The testing fee is $200, paid to Pearson VUE. The Connecticut application fee is $180, paid to the Connecticut Treasury. Applications are submitted through Connecticut’s online eLicense system. Verify current document requirements through the DPH before submission.
After your school sends your transcript to the DPH and your application is reviewed, you’ll receive your ATT from Pearson VUE. Official exam results arrive by mail.
RN Graduate Status
RN candidates can work as graduate nurses while completing the NCLEX requirement, provided they test promptly and pass on the first attempt. Graduate status is valid for up to 90 days after graduation.
Out-of-State and International RNs
Registered nurses licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions are generally eligible for licensure by endorsement. If your license was not granted based on passing the national licensing exam, you’ll need to apply by examination instead.
License verification is required from every U.S. jurisdiction or Canadian province where you hold or have held a nursing license. For most states, this is a straightforward online process through NURSYS. Some jurisdictions require a paper form, and fees vary. Assuming you submit a complete application and appear license-worthy, Connecticut can issue a temporary permit in approximately 15 business days.
Canadian RNs may be endorsed based on their scores on the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination, with a minimum of 400 on each section. If you took the exam in French, you’ll need to demonstrate English proficiency by passing the TOEFL. The minimum is 213 on the computerized version or 550 on the paper version.
Internationally educated RNs need a credential evaluation from CGFNS. Connecticut’s Board uses that evaluation to determine NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Connecticut Nursing License Renewal
Connecticut nursing licenses renew annually. The renewal date is tied to your birthday: your license expires on the last day of your birth month. Connecticut sends renewal reminders, but you’re responsible for renewing on time. Renewals are processed through the Connecticut eLicense portal.
RNs and LPNs who are actively practicing in Connecticut must complete 2 contact hours of continuing education every six years. This requirement, which took effect for renewals after January 1, 2022, covers screening for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and grief, along with suicide prevention training. Keep CE documentation for at least three years after completion and provide it to the Board upon request.
The renewal fee is $70 for LPNs and $110 for RNs.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connecticut part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Connecticut joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in October 2025. Eligible nurses whose primary state of residence is Connecticut can apply for a multistate license through the DPH. Nurses from other compact states can practice in Connecticut on their existing multistate license. If Connecticut becomes your primary state of residence, you’ll need to apply for a Connecticut-issued multistate license, as Connecticut becomes your new home state under the compact.
What is a graduate nurse’s status in Connecticut?
Graduate nurse status allows you to work in a supervised nursing setting after completing your program while waiting to take the NCLEX. It’s available for up to 90 days after graduation. You must pass the NCLEX before that period ends to continue working. For RN candidates, passing on the first attempt is required to maintain graduate status.
How do I verify a Connecticut nursing license?
The Connecticut Department of Public Health maintains an online license verification system. For out-of-state nurses applying by endorsement, most license verifications are handled through NURSYS, the national verification platform run by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
How long does it take to get a temporary permit in Connecticut?
Endorsement candidates who submit a complete application and appear license-worthy can receive a temporary permit within approximately 15 business days. The permit lets you practice while the full endorsement review is underway.
What continuing education is required to renew a Connecticut nursing license?
RNs and LPNs actively practicing in Connecticut must complete 2 contact hours of CE every six years, covering mental health screening and suicide prevention training. This applies to renewals after January 1, 2022. CE records must be kept for at least three years and provided to the Board upon request.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut joined the NLC in October 2025 — Eligible nurses can hold a multistate license valid in all compact states. Nurses from other compact states can practice in Connecticut on their existing multistate license.
- Both LPN and RN applicants go through the DPH — the Board of Examiners for Nursing, a division of the Department of Public Health — which sets standards and reviews all applications.
- The NCLEX is required at both levels — LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN, and RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Pearson VUE administers both exams.
- Graduate status gives you 90 days — You can work under supervision after graduation, but you must pass the NCLEX before that window closes.
- Licenses renew annually on your birthday month — The renewal deadline is the last day of your birth month. Use the Connecticut eLicense portal to renew.
Use the search below to find Connecticut-approved nursing programs that meet the Board’s requirements for LPN and RN licensure.