Nursing Licensure Requirements in Montana 2026
The Montana Board of Nursing licenses RNs and LPNs through examination for new graduates and by endorsement for nurses already licensed in another state. All applicants must pass the NCLEX at the appropriate level. Montana has been a Nurse Licensure Compact member since 2015, meaning eligible nurses hold a multistate license valid in all other compact states.
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The Montana Board of Nursing sets licensing requirements for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the state. Both paths require completing a board-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX, administered by Pearson VUE. Applications go directly to the Board, which evaluates each candidate’s educational background and fitness to practice.
Use the links below to jump to the requirements for your license type or situation.
- LPN licensing requirements in Montana
- RN licensing requirements in Montana
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in Montana
- License renewal in Montana
- Salary and job outlook for Montana nurses
- Montana nursing resources
LPN Requirements in Montana
Education
To be eligible for an LPN license, a candidate must complete a board-approved practical nursing program. Montana’s approved LPN programs typically confer an Associate of Applied Science degree, which is not the case in every state. Candidates who complete approved certificate programs are also eligible for licensure. Read LPN Programs in Montana for a current list of approved programs, or see how to become an LPN in Montana for a step-by-step walkthrough of the full licensing path.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the Montana Board’s licensing portal. The application fee is $100. All applicants must also submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a fingerprint-based background check. Candidates register separately for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE at nclex.com and pay the $200 exam fee at that time. After the Board confirms eligibility to Pearson, an Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued. The candidate then schedules the exam. Testing centers are available in Billings and Helena, and candidates may also test in another state.
A new graduate waiting to sit for the exam may apply to the Board for a temporary permit, allowing supervised practice while the exam is pending. If the candidate does not pass, the temporary permit is invalidated. Candidates who need to retake the NCLEX-PN must reapply to the Board. Contact the Montana Board of Nursing at (406) 444-6880 for current temporary permit and retake application fees, as these are subject to change.
Out-of-State LPNs
LPNs already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply for licensure by endorsement in Montana. The application fee is $200. License verification must be submitted through Nursys (the green verification option at nursys.com), except for Pennsylvania and California VN licenses, which require direct verification from the source state. All applicants must also submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice. An out-of-state nurse with no disciplinary actions in the previous two years may be eligible for a temporary permit while the application is processed.
LPNs who have not passed a U.S. licensing exam must pass the NCLEX-PN. Foreign-educated nurses must obtain a credential evaluation from one of the agencies currently approved by the Montana Board of Nursing: Trumerit (formerly CGFNS), Josef Silny & Associates, or International Education Evaluations. In most cases, an English proficiency exam is also required. Exemptions apply to nurses educated in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.
RN Requirements in Montana
RN Education
To be eligible for RN licensure, a candidate must complete a board-approved professional nursing program. Montana accepts both Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates for initial licensure. The Montana Board may permit students enrolled in CCNE- or ACEN-accredited out-of-state programs to complete their clinical hours in Montana facilities, subject to Board approval. See RN Programs in Montana for a list of approved programs and resources for choosing the right path.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the Montana Board’s licensing portal. The application fee is $100. All applicants must also submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a fingerprint-based background check. Candidates register separately with Pearson VUE at nclex.com for the NCLEX-RN and pay the $200 exam fee at that time. Once the Board confirms eligibility, an ATT is issued, and the candidate schedules the exam in Billings, Helena, or another state. A new graduate may apply to the Board for a temporary permit while awaiting their exam date. If the candidate does not pass on the first attempt, the temporary permit is revoked. License status can be verified online through Montana’s Licensee Lookup or at Nursys.com within 24 hours of issuance.
Out-of-State RNs
An RN already licensed on the basis of an approved U.S. exam may apply for licensure by endorsement in Montana. The application fee is $200. License verification must be submitted through Nursys (the green license verification option at nursys.com). Exceptions apply for Pennsylvania and California VN licenses, which are not part of Nursys and must be sent directly to the Board by the source state. All applicants must also submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice.
International RNs who have not yet passed the NCLEX must apply for licensure by examination. Montana requires a credential evaluation from one of its approved agencies: Trumerit (formerly CGFNS), Josef Silny & Associates, or International Education Evaluations. English proficiency testing applies under the same exemption rules as for LPNs. Nurses from compact states who relocate to Montana as their primary state of residence must apply for a Montana license within 60 days of the move.
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in Montana
Montana has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact since 2015 and issues multistate licenses to RNs and LPNs who meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements. A multistate license allows nurses whose primary state of residence is a compact member to practice in any of the 41 NLC states without obtaining separate licenses in each. If you’re unsure whether your Montana license is a multistate license, you can verify it at Nursys.com using the QuickConfirm option.
Nurses who relocate from another compact state to Montana must apply for a Montana license by endorsement within 60 days of establishing Montana as their primary state of residence. This rule took effect January 2, 2024. Nurses who hold an active multistate license in another compact state and are practicing in Montana on a temporary basis do not need a Montana license. Visit nursecompact.com for current FAQs and state-specific guidance.
License Renewal in Montana
Montana nursing licenses renew every two years on December 31. Licenses issued in odd-numbered years expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Licenses issued in even-numbered years expire on December 31 of even-numbered years. The Montana Board of Nursing repealed its continuing education requirement effective November 18, 2023, so CE hours are no longer required for LPN or RN renewal.
Renewal notices are mailed 45 days before the expiration date to the address of record. It’s the licensee’s responsibility to keep the Board updated on any address changes, name changes, or changes in licensure status. Renewal applications submitted after the December 31 deadline are subject to additional late fees. Contact the Montana Board of Nursing at (406) 444-6880 for current late renewal and reinstatement fee schedules, as these are set by administrative rule.
All renewals are completed online. The Board can be reached at (406) 444-6880 for renewal questions. Fingerprint background checks are required for all new license applications (effective October 2015), but are not required at renewal.
Salary and Job Outlook for Montana Nurses
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $85,280 as of May 2025. Licensed practical nurses in the state earned a median of $62,210 over the same period. Both figures are below the national medians of $97,550 for RNs and $64,400 for LPNs, which reflects the cost-of-living and healthcare market dynamics in Montana.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Mean Annual Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $85,280 | $91,510 | 10,950 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $62,210 | $62,350 | 1,620 |
Projections Central estimates 14.6% employment growth for registered nurses in Montana between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 690 job openings per year. LPN employment is projected to grow 11.7% over the same period, with an average of 180 annual openings. Both rates exceed the projected national averages, and demand is driven in part by Montana’s aging rural population and a steady retirement pipeline among the state’s current nursing workforce.
Montana Nursing Resources
Montana Board of Nursing: licensing applications, renewal, and regulatory information. Phone: (406) 444-6880.
Montana Nurses Association: professional resources, advocacy, and information on scholarship funding for nursing students.
Montana nurses seeking CNA or advanced practice licensure information can find state-specific requirements at Montana CNA Requirements and Montana Nurse Practitioner Requirements.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Montana has been a full NLC member since 2015 and issues multistate licenses to eligible RNs and LPNs. A multistate license allows nurses to practice in any of the 41 compact states without additional licensure, as long as Montana is their primary state of residence. Nurses can verify their license status at Nursys.com.
Do Montana nurses need continuing education to renew their license?
No. The Montana Board of Nursing repealed its continuing education requirement effective November 18, 2023. LPNs, RNs, and APRNs are no longer required to complete CE hours as a condition of renewal. Licenses still renew every two years on December 31.
How does an out-of-state RN get licensed in Montana?
RNs already licensed through a U.S. licensing exam apply for licensure by endorsement. They pay a $200 fee to the Montana Board and submit proof of licensure from their state of original licensure and any state where they’ve held a license in the past two years. Nurses from other compact states who make Montana their primary residence have 60 days to apply after the move.
What is the application fee for an RN or LPN license in Montana?
Both RN and LPN applicants pay $100 to the Montana Board for a new license by examination. Out-of-state nurses applying by endorsement pay $200. The NCLEX exam registration fee of $200 is paid separately to Pearson VUE. All new applicants must also submit fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice for a background check. Contact the Board at (406) 444-6880 for current temporary permit and late renewal fees.
Which credential evaluation agencies does Montana accept for international nurses?
The Montana Board of Nursing currently accepts credential evaluations from three agencies: Trumerit (formerly CGFNS), Josef Silny & Associates, and International Education Evaluations. Evaluations from other organizations are not accepted. Most international applicants also need to demonstrate English proficiency, with exemptions for nurses educated in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and the UK.
Key Takeaways
- Montana is an NLC compact state — Montana has issued multistate licenses since 2015, allowing eligible RNs and LPNs to practice in all 41 compact states without additional licensure.
- NCLEX is required for new licensure — All first-time applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN (LPN) or NCLEX-RN at an approved testing center. Application and exam fees are paid separately.
- CE is no longer required for renewal — The Montana Board repealed continuing education requirements in November 2023; licenses still renew every two years on December 31.
- Specific agencies for foreign credential evaluations — Montana accepts evaluations only from Trumerit (formerly CGFNS), Josef Silny & Associates, or International Education Evaluations.
- Montana RN median salary: $85,280 — According to BLS May 2025 data, with 14.6% projected job growth through 2032 and an average of 690 annual openings statewide.
Select your state below 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.