Mississippi Nursing License Requirements 2026
The Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBN) licenses RNs and LPNs in the state. First-time applicants must complete a board-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX. Mississippi is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so nurses with a multistate license from another compact state can practice here without applying for a separate Mississippi license.
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The Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBN) handles RN and LPN licensure in the state. Whether you’re a new graduate applying by examination, a nurse moving from another state, or an international applicant, the MBN is your point of contact. Mississippi’s Nurse Licensure Compact membership matters before you apply: if your primary residence is already in another compact state, you may not need a separate Mississippi license at all.
Mississippi uses separate state entities and accreditation processes for nursing program approval and oversight. A list of state-approved and accredited programs is available on the MBN website.
Use the links below to jump to LPN requirements, RN requirements, endorsement steps, renewal information, and requirements for international applicants.
- How to apply for an LPN license in Mississippi
- How to transfer an LPN license to Mississippi
- How to apply for an RN license in Mississippi
- How to transfer an RN license to Mississippi
- Requirements for international nurses
- Renewing a Mississippi nursing license
- Frequently asked questions
What Type of License Are You Seeking?
- I am looking for Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Mississippi.
- I am looking for Practical Nursing license requirements in Mississippi.
- I am looking for Registered Nursing requirements in Mississippi.
- I am looking for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification requirements in Mississippi.
Mississippi LPN Requirements
LPN Education
You must complete a board-approved practical nursing program to be eligible for licensure in Mississippi. Most LPN programs run one year. Graduates of RN programs who want to test at the PN level must complete a role delineation course before applying. A current list of approved programs is available on the MBN website.
For guidance on program types and what to look for when comparing options, see Choosing an LPN Program in Mississippi. For a broader look at the LPN career path in the state, see Becoming an LPN in Mississippi.
LPN Application Process
You can begin the application process up to three months before graduation. The MBN application for license by examination is available in the forms section of the board website. The application fee is $60.
A criminal background check (CBC) is required. Allow 7 to 10 business days after submitting your application for your information to be entered into the board’s system. Once it does, you can log in through the online services section of the MBN website to register for the CBC, which costs $75. Complete this registration at least 48 hours before any on-campus fingerprinting session. If you didn’t graduate from a Mississippi program, contact the MBN directly for fingerprinting instructions.
Register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200. The MBN will notify Pearson once you’re eligible, and you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) by mail or email. You can then schedule your computer-adaptive exam.
LPNs who completed an integrated IV curriculum during their program can apply for expanded IV certification by including the IV application in the licensing packet and having a course instructor sign it. The additional fee is $20. This certification can also be earned later through additional education. Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts on the MBN website before applying.
LPN License by Endorsement
LPNs licensed in another state can apply for Mississippi licensure by endorsement. The fee is $60. You’ll need to provide license verification from the state where you were originally licensed, as well as official transcripts. One form in the endorsement packet requires notarization. Fingerprinting must be completed separately. Contact the MBN for instructions if you’re not currently residing in Mississippi.
A temporary permit is available for $25 (total $85) if you need to practice while your application is processed. Include a copy of your current license with its expiration date. If you’re transferring your primary residence from another Nurse Licensure Compact state, don’t request the temporary permit.
Canadian nurses are eligible for endorsement if they have taken the NCLEX and hold a valid U.S. nursing license. Mississippi does not grant IV certification by endorsement. LPNs who want this authorization must complete a board-approved course. LPNs without recent nursing experience may need to demonstrate that their skills are current. Contact the MBN for specifics. Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts on the MBN website before applying.
Mississippi RN Requirements
RN Education Requirements
RN applicants must graduate from a board-approved nursing program. The MBN reviews transcripts from out-of-state graduates to confirm eligibility. A list of approved in-state programs is available on the MBN website.
For guidance on choosing an RN program, see Choosing an RN Program in Mississippi. For a broader look at the RN path in the state, see Becoming an RN in Mississippi.
RN Application Process
You can begin the application process up to three months before graduation. The application fee is $100. One form in the application packet requires notarization, so starting early matters. You can fill out the Mississippi application online, but you’ll need to print, sign, and notarize it before submitting.
A criminal background check is required. If you’ve been fingerprinted by the MBN within the past two years (for example, if you previously applied as an LPN), you don’t need to repeat the process. Otherwise, follow the fingerprinting instructions in the application. The MBN does not accept fingerprints from other agencies. You’ll need to request a CBC through the online services section of the MBN website. Allow up to 10 business days after applying for your information to enter the system before doing this.
Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE by phone or online. The exam fee is $200. You’ll receive an ATT once the MBN clears your eligibility. Schedule your exam within that window. Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts before applying.
RN License by Endorsement
RNs who passed the NCLEX-RN in another state can apply for a Mississippi license by endorsement. The fee is $100. Official transcripts are required, including your degree and date of completion. Your school should send them directly to the MBN. International nurses should have their CGFNS report sent in place of transcripts.
A temporary permit costs an additional $25 (total $125) if you need to practice while your application is processed. Include a copy of your current license with its expiration date.
Mississippi is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. If you hold a multistate license and your primary residence is in another compact state, you can practice in Mississippi without applying for a separate license. If you’re relocating permanently to Mississippi, you’ll need to apply for a Mississippi license. Any criminal or disciplinary history must be disclosed on the endorsement application.
RNs who haven’t practiced within the previous five years must demonstrate continuing competency before the MBN will issue a license. Contact the board for the current process. Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts on the MBN website before applying.
International Nurses
International nurses are eligible for Mississippi licensure if their education is deemed equivalent to U.S. standards. The MBN requires a credential evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Have the evaluation report sent directly to the board rather than to yourself.
Nurses whose education was conducted in a language other than English may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Confirm currently accepted tests and requirements with the MBN before applying, as these are subject to change.
Renewing a Mississippi Nursing License
RN and LPN renewal cycles run on different schedules in Mississippi. RN licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Both license types renew on a two-year cycle.
Mississippi repealed its routine continuing education requirement in 2020. CE hours are now required in specific circumstances rather than for every renewal. Nurses who have been out of active practice for more than five years must complete 20 contact hours from the prior two-year period before renewing, endorsing, or reinstating their license. Confirm current CE requirements with the MBN before renewing, as these rules are subject to change.
Nurses licensed in other jurisdictions can request a temporary permit to practice at a camp setting in Mississippi for up to 90 days. The fee is $25. A copy of your current out-of-state license must be included with the application.
Verify all renewal deadlines and CE requirements on the MBN website before submitting, as requirements are subject to change.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Mississippi has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) since 2001. If you hold a multistate license issued by another compact state and your primary residence is there, you can work in Mississippi without a separate license. If you’re relocating permanently to Mississippi, you’ll need to apply for a Mississippi license as your new home state.
What does the NCLEX cost in Mississippi?
The NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN both cost $200, paid directly to Pearson VUE when you register. This is separate from the MBN application fee. Verify current fees on the Pearson VUE website before registering, as exam fees are subject to change.
How do I apply for an LPN license in Mississippi as a new graduate?
Submit the MBN application for license by examination (available on the board website) and pay the $60 fee. After submitting, wait 7 to 10 business days for your information to be entered into the system, then register for the criminal background check through MBN’s online services section. Complete fingerprinting as instructed and register for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. You can begin the process up to three months before graduation.
Can I practice in Mississippi with an out-of-state nursing license?
It depends on your license type and state of residence. If you hold a multistate license from another Nurse Licensure Compact state and your primary residence isn’t Mississippi, you can practice here without a separate license. If you hold a single-state license, you’ll need to apply for Mississippi licensure by endorsement before practicing in the state.
How often do I need to renew my Mississippi nursing license?
Both RN and LPN licenses renew on a two-year cycle, but the expiration dates differ. RN licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Mississippi repealed its routine CE requirement in 2020. CE hours now apply in specific circumstances, including when a nurse has been out of active practice for more than five years. Check the MBN website for the current renewal portal and any updated requirements.
Key Takeaways
- All first-time applicants must complete a board-approved program and pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN before the MBN issues a permanent license.
- Mississippi is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact and has been since 2001. Nurses with a multistate license who live in another compact state can practice here without a separate application.
- RN and LPN renewal cycles differ. RN licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Mississippi repealed routine CE requirements in 2020. CE hours now apply only in specific circumstances.
- LPNs can add IV certification during the initial application process or later through additional education. Mississippi does not grant IV certification by endorsement.
- International applicants must submit a CGFNS credential evaluation and may need to demonstrate English proficiency before the MBN will process their application.
Select your state below to find board-approved nursing programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.