Maryland Nursing License Requirements 2026
The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) licenses both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. New applicants graduate from a Board-approved program and pass the NCLEX at the appropriate level. Out-of-state nurses apply by endorsement. Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Both RNs and LPNs with compact state primary residency can practice across member states on a single multistate license.
Sponsored School(s)
The Maryland Board of Nursing handles licensure for both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the state. New applicants graduate from a Board-approved program and pass the NCLEX at the appropriate level. Nurses from other states apply by endorsement. This guide covers LPN and RN licensure. For CNA requirements, see the Maryland Nursing Assistant page, and for APRN requirements, see the Maryland Nurse Practitioner page.
Use the links below to jump to licensure requirements, application steps, and renewal information.
- LPN Requirements in Maryland
- RN License Requirements in Maryland
- International Nursing Candidates
- License Renewal in Maryland
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Nursing Organizations and Resources
LPN Requirements in Maryland
LPN Education Requirements
The foundation for LPN licensure is a state-approved practical nursing program. Maryland approves programs within its borders. Graduates of out-of-state programs are accepted if those programs meet substantially equivalent standards. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for program admission. Maryland also allows graduates of registered nursing programs to take the NCLEX-PN and be licensed as practical nurses.
Read Choosing an LPN Program in Maryland for a breakdown of approved program options and what to look for when evaluating them.
LPN Application Process and NCLEX-PN
After graduation, candidates apply to the Maryland Board for authorization to sit for the NCLEX-PN. Applications are submitted through the Board’s online licensing portal. Before authorization is issued, applicants must complete a criminal history records check, which requires fingerprinting. The Board advises following the instructions on its site carefully, as processing times and fingerprinting procedures can vary.
Once all requirements are satisfied, candidates register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. The exam must be scheduled within the authorization window the Board grants. After passing, the Board issues the license. Nursing students enrolled in Maryland clinical programs must hold CNA certification to complete their training. In many cases, the school manages that application.
LPN by Endorsement
LPNs with active licenses in other states apply for licensure by endorsement through the Board’s online portal. Applicants need a passport-style photo and must complete a criminal history records check. A temporary license is available for out-of-state applicants who need to begin working while the background check is processed. A stamped postcard issued during fingerprinting serves as evidence that the step is complete.
Applicants currently living out of state should contact the Board directly for criminal background check instructions specific to their situation. Nurses whose primary residence is in another Nurse Licensure Compact state may practice in Maryland without a separate license if they hold a multistate NLC license issued by their home state. Nurses with single-state licenses, or from non-compact states, must apply for licensure by endorsement.
RN License Requirements in Maryland
Education Requirements for RNs
Maryland accepts graduates of both ADN and BSN programs. The Board approves programs within the state. Out-of-state programs are accepted if they’re deemed substantially equivalent to Maryland’s standards at the time of graduation. Candidates whose out-of-state program doesn’t meet equivalency may need to complete a preceptorship before testing. Students enrolled in Maryland clinical programs need to hold CNA certification while completing their training.
LPNs advancing to RN status can do so through an LPN-to-RN bridge program. The Board maintains an approved program list on its website. Confirm a program’s approval status with MBON before enrolling, as accepted programs can change. Read Choosing an RN Program in Maryland to explore ADN and BSN options in the state.
RN Application Process and NCLEX-RN
After graduation, candidates apply to the Board for authorization to take the NCLEX-RN. Applications are submitted online through the Board’s licensing portal. A criminal history records check is required. Candidates who completed a background check at a lower licensing level still need to do so again for RN licensure. Candidates from Puerto Rico must also demonstrate English language proficiency.
The NCLEX-RN is administered by Pearson VUE. Candidates must schedule their exam within the authorization period granted by the Board. A candidate who fails an attempt must wait 45 days before retesting. Maryland allows graduates of registered nursing programs to test and be licensed at the PN level if they choose to pursue that path instead.
Maryland issues graduate status to new RN candidates, which allows them to begin working while the licensing process is completed. Maintaining a CNA license also satisfies the work authorization requirement during that period.
RN by Endorsement
RNs with active licenses in other states apply through the Board’s online endorsement process. A criminal history check is required. A temporary license is available once the fingerprinting step is complete for candidates who need to begin work before the full background check clears. The Board accepts electronic licensure verification through Nursys for participating states. For states not in Nursys, the original state board must send verification directly to MBON.
Nurses whose primary residence is in another Nurse Licensure Compact state don’t need a Maryland license to practice here, provided they hold a multistate NLC license issued by their home state. Single-state license holders from compact states must apply by endorsement. If you move to Maryland and establish it as your primary residence, you’ll need to apply for a Maryland license within 60 days.
International Nursing Candidates
Nurses educated outside the United States have additional requirements. Candidates should apply to the Maryland Board early in the process so that documents can be submitted as they become available. The Board determines the appropriate licensing level (RN or PN) based on the candidate’s education.
The process includes applying to CGFNS for a CES (Credential Evaluation Service) Professional Report, completing an oral English proficiency exam, and then registering for the NCLEX. The Board accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and ILA for English proficiency. The requirement may be waived for candidates who completed a program of three or more years in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or any Canadian province except Quebec.
International candidates in the later stages of the licensing process can work as certified nursing assistants while completing their remaining requirements.
License Renewal in Maryland
Maryland nursing licenses renew every two years. Renewals are due by the 28th of the licensee’s birth month. Odd birth years renew in odd-numbered years, even birth years in even-numbered years. The Board accepts renewals up to 90 days before and 30 days after the expiration date. Renewals are processed through the Board’s Online License Renewal System. Most applications are processed within 48 to 72 hours.
Current renewal fees are $136 for RNs (which includes a Maryland Health Care Commission fee) and $110 for LPNs. Verify current amounts with the Board before renewing, as fees are subject to change.
To renew, licensees must satisfy a competency requirement. Three options qualify: 30 contact hours of continuing education from an ANCC- and Maryland Board-approved provider within the two years preceding renewal, 1,000 active hours of nursing practice within the five years preceding renewal, or completion of a Board-approved nursing degree program within the five years preceding renewal. Maryland also requires all RNs and LPNs to complete a one-time Implicit Bias and Racism Training from a Board-approved provider. Those hours count toward the CE requirement.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Some nursing students may qualify for grant funding through the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program. The Maryland Nurses Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Maryland Nurses Association, is another potential source of scholarship funding. The Maryland Board of Nursing website also lists national nursing scholarship opportunities.
Nursing Organizations and Resources
The Maryland Board of Nursing is the primary resource for all licensing, renewal, and endorsement requirements. Verify current fees, forms, and deadlines directly with the Board.
The Maryland Nurses Association is the statewide professional organization for RNs. Its philanthropic branch, the Maryland Nurses Foundation, is a potential source of scholarship funding. The Maryland Licensed Practical Nurses Association, Inc., serves the state’s LPN workforce.
Maryland also offers a statewide articulation agreement to help licensed nurses advance to higher levels of education. The MBON website has current information on participating programs. For salary data, specialty options, and career trajectory in the state, see Maryland RN Career Paths.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes, Maryland was the first state to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 1999. The compact covers both RNs and LPN/VNs. APRNs are not included and must hold individual licenses in each state of APRN practice. Nurses whose primary residence is in another NLC member state can practice in Maryland without a separate license, provided they hold a multistate NLC license from their home state. Nurses with single-state licenses must apply by endorsement.
What exam do I need to take to get licensed in Maryland?
RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE. Authorization to test is issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing after the application and criminal history check are complete. Maryland allows graduates of registered nursing programs to test and be licensed at the PN level if they choose.
Can I work in Maryland while my license application is processing?
RN candidates can work under Maryland’s graduate status or maintain a CNA license during the process. For endorsement applicants, both RN and LPN, a temporary license is available once fingerprinting is complete, allowing candidates to begin working before the full background check clears.
How do I renew my Maryland nursing license?
Maryland nursing licenses renew every two years through the Board’s Online License Renewal System. Renewals are due by the 28th of your birth month. To meet the competency requirement, you can complete 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education within the two years preceding renewal, document 1,000 hours of active practice in the past five years, or complete a Board-approved nursing program within the past five years.
What happens if I fail the NCLEX in Maryland?
Candidates must wait 45 days before retesting after a failed NCLEX attempt. There’s no limit on the number of retake attempts in Maryland, but each attempt requires a new registration and fee payment through Pearson VUE.
Key Takeaways
- MBON handles all RN and LPN licensing — The Maryland Board of Nursing oversees initial licensure, endorsement, and renewal for both credential levels.
- Compact state for RNs and LPNs — Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Both RNs and LPN/VNs with multistate NLC licenses can practice across all member states without a separate state license.
- NCLEX required for all new applicants — RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN and LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN. Authorization to test comes from MBON after all other requirements are met.
- Renewal is every two years — RNs and LPNs must satisfy a competency requirement: 30 CE hours, 1,000 practice hours, or a new degree to renew their Maryland license.
- Graduate status eases the RN transition — Maryland’s graduate status allows new RN candidates to begin working while the full licensing process is underway.
Find Maryland Board of Nursing-approved programs near you, or browse by state to compare RN and LPN licensing requirements across the country.