Nursing Licensure Requirements in Idaho
The Idaho Board of Nursing licenses RNs and LPNs. First-time applicants must complete a board-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX. Nurses licensed in other states can apply by endorsement. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses with primary residence in another compact state don’t need a separate Idaho license to practice there.
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The Idaho Board of Nursing oversees RN and LPN licensing in the state. Idaho is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means nurses with primary residence in another compact state can practice in Idaho without a separate license. If Idaho becomes your primary state of residence, you’ll need an Idaho license regardless of your original compact-state status.
First-time applicants, whether for LPN or RN, must complete a board-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX. Nurses licensed in other states can apply by endorsement rather than retaking the exam.
Use the links below to jump to requirements, application steps, and renewal information.
- LPN requirements in Idaho
- LPN license by endorsement
- RN licensure requirements in Idaho
- RN license by endorsement
- Renewing your Idaho nursing license
- Resources and organizations
Looking for a different license type? See CNA requirements in Idaho or APRN requirements in Idaho.
LPN Requirements in Idaho
Education
LPN candidates must complete a state-approved practical nursing program. A student who begins a registered nursing program may qualify for LPN licensure if the coursework is equivalent to what’s covered in a practical nursing program. The Board also requires completion of a course covering professional and vocational relationships as they apply to practical nursing.
Find LPN programs in Idaho.
The Application Process
LPN applications are submitted through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) online portal. The Board allows candidates nearing program completion to apply before graduation. Some steps can happen in advance: obtaining a passport-style photo and completing fingerprinting. Once your program is complete, the school must send a notarized affidavit of graduation to the Board before you become eligible to test. Fees change periodically, so verify current application and fingerprinting amounts on the Idaho Board of Nursing website before submitting.
After the Board confirms eligibility, you’ll register for the NCLEX-PN through the NCSBN candidate portal. You’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), which is valid for 90 days. The exam is scheduled through Pearson VUE at an approved testing center. Your ID at the exam must match your application exactly. The examination fee is paid directly to NCSBN.
Idaho offers a temporary license that lets you work while your application and exam are being processed. The temporary license is valid for 90 days. While working under it, you’ll use the title Graduate Practical Nurse (G.P.N.) and must be under the direct supervision of an RN at all times. The temporary license is not a multi-state license, though the permanent LPN license is valid in other NLC compact states as long as Idaho is your primary state of residence. Employers can verify licensure through the licensee search on the Board’s website.
LPN License by Endorsement
LPNs licensed in other states can apply for an Idaho license by endorsement. You can work under a temporary license while waiting for verification to arrive. The Board requires license verification from your original licensing state, a photocopy of your license, and a notarized affidavit attesting to its authenticity.
If you haven’t practiced in three years (and aren’t a recent graduate), a temporary license may be required to complete a skills refresher before full endorsement is granted. International nursing candidates must verify that their qualifications are substantially equivalent and demonstrate English proficiency. Fees change periodically, so verify current endorsement amounts on the Board’s website before submitting.
RN Licensure Requirements in Idaho
RN Education Requirements
Prospective RNs must complete a professional nursing program approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing, or an equivalent program approved by another state board. Both ADN and BSN programs qualify for licensure. You can submit the application before graduation.
Find RN programs in Idaho.
The Application Process
RN licensure by examination applications are submitted through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) online portal. You can begin the fingerprinting process before your program ends. Attach a passport-style photo and have the affidavit notarized before submitting. Exam registration materials go directly to Pearson VUE.
After the Idaho Board confirms eligibility, Pearson will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT). Schedule your exam promptly after receiving the ATT. The application fee, fingerprinting fee, and optional temporary license fee are paid to the Idaho Board. The NCLEX-RN examination fee is paid to the testing company. Fees change periodically, so verify current amounts on the Idaho Board of Nursing website before submitting.
The temporary license allows you to work while you go through the examination process and is valid for up to 90 days. While working under it, you’ll use the title Graduate Nurse (GN). Charge duties aren’t permitted under a temporary license, and you must work under the direct supervision of an RN. A candidate who fails the first exam attempt is not eligible for a temporary license.
Results are available through Pearson approximately two business days after testing. The Board also mails results, though this takes longer. The Board can fax temporary license verification directly to employers on request.
RN License by Endorsement
An RN who holds a current, active license in good standing from another state can apply for an Idaho license by endorsement. You’ll need to submit license verification. If your original licensing state participates in Nursys, you can complete this online using a single form, even if you’ve held licenses in multiple states. For states not on Nursys, verification is requested directly from the original licensing state’s board. Confirm with the Idaho Board of Nursing whether an employer reference is currently required when you apply, as endorsement requirements can change.
A nurse who hasn’t been in active practice during the three years prior to application may be required to complete a refresher. Fees change periodically, so verify current endorsement amounts on the Board’s website before submitting.
Renewing Your Idaho Nursing License
Idaho nursing licenses renew on a biennial (two-year) basis. To renew, you must complete at least two activities from the Board’s continuing competency framework (IDAPA 23.01.01.061) within each two-year renewal period.
Accepted activities fall into three categories:
- Practice: 100 hours of nursing practice or simulation practice, or a current nursing specialty certification
- Education: 15 contact hours of continuing education, at least one semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education, or completion of a Board-recognized refresher course
- Professional engagement: Contributing to a published nursing article, teaching or developing a nursing course, or participating in related professional activities
RNs and LPNs who choose continuing education as one of their two activities must complete 15 contact hours per renewal period. Note that 15 CE hours count as only one qualifying activity. You must complete at least one additional approved activity from another category to satisfy the two-activity requirement. APRNs must complete 30 contact hours, including 10 hours of pharmacology for those with prescriptive authority. Fees change periodically. Verify current renewal deadlines and fee information on the Idaho Board of Nursing website before renewing.
Resources and Organizations
Idaho Board of Nursing: licensing applications, renewal, license verification, and fee schedules
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Nurses who hold a compact-state license and list another compact state as their primary residence can practice in Idaho without a separate Idaho license. If Idaho becomes your primary state of residence, you’ll need to obtain an Idaho license. The Board will return applications from nurses who list another compact state as their primary residence.
Can I work as a nurse in Idaho while waiting for my license?
Yes, under a temporary license. Idaho issues 90-day temporary licenses for both LPN and RN applicants who are working through the exam process. LPN applicants are employed as Graduate Practical Nurses (G.P.N.). RN applicants use the title Graduate Nurse (GN). Both require direct supervision by an RN. The temporary license is not valid if you fail your first exam attempt.
What exam is required for an Idaho nursing license?
LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN. RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Both exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by Pearson VUE at approved testing centers. The Idaho Board of Nursing confirms your eligibility before Pearson issues an Authorization to Test (ATT).
How often do I need to renew my Idaho nursing license?
Idaho nursing licenses renew every two years. To renew, you must complete at least two continuing competency activities from the Board’s approved categories: practice hours, continuing education, or professional engagement. If you choose continuing education, 15 CE hours count as only one qualifying activity. You still need to complete at least one additional approved activity from another category to satisfy the two-activity requirement. Visit the Idaho Board of Nursing website for current renewal deadlines and fees.
How does an out-of-state nurse get licensed in Idaho?
Nurses currently licensed in another state apply for an Idaho license by endorsement. You’ll need license verification (through Nursys if your state participates) and the applicable endorsement fee. Confirm with the Idaho Board of Nursing whether an employer reference is currently required, as requirements can change. You can work under a temporary license while verification is in process. Nurses who haven’t practiced in the past three years may need to complete a refresher before full endorsement is granted.
Key Takeaways
- NCLEX is required for first-time applicants — LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN and RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Both are administered through Pearson VUE after the Idaho Board confirms eligibility.
- Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — Nurses with primary residence in another NLC state can practice in Idaho without a separate license.
- Out-of-state nurses apply by endorsement — RNs and LPNs licensed elsewhere can apply by endorsement. Nursys simplifies verification for participating states.
- Licenses renew every two years — Renewal requires completing at least two continuing competency activities, which may include CE hours, practice hours, or professional engagement.
- Temporary licenses allow work during the exam process — Idaho issues 90-day temporary licenses for both RN and LPN candidates as they work through the exam and application process.
Find Idaho Board of Nursing-approved nursing programs using the tool below.