New York RN and LPN License Requirements 2026
New York licenses RNs and LPNs through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Both require graduating from a NYSED-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX at the appropriate level. The application fee is $143 for initial licensure. New York is not a compact state, so out-of-state nurses must apply for a full New York license.
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New York licenses registered nurses and practical nurses through the Office of the Professions, a division of the New York State Education Department. Unlike most states, the licensing authority here is not a standalone nursing board. It’s an education agency that oversees dozens of licensed professions. That distinction matters because the process is document-heavy and moves through a centralized review system. Knowing exactly what to submit, and in what order, keeps your application from stalling.
Use the links below to jump to LPN requirements, RN requirements, endorsement rules, renewal, and salary data for New York nurses.
- LPN license requirements in New York
- RN license requirements in New York
- Licensing by endorsement (out-of-state nurses)
- International nurses
- License renewal and registration
- Nursing salaries and job outlook in New York
- New York nurse practitioner license requirements
New York LPN License Requirements
Education
To qualify for an LPN license in New York, you must hold a high school diploma or GED and graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED. Acceptable programs include practical nursing programs registered with NYSED, RN programs registered with NYSED, nine-month or longer military nursing programs approved by NYSED, and LPN or RN programs approved in another state or USU.S. territory. Graduates of RN programs are eligible to apply for LPN licensure. Some New York programs admit students in 11th or 12th grade, but the license requires a completed high school diploma or GED at the time of application. Read more about choosing an LPN program in New York.
You must also complete NYSED-approved infection control coursework. Graduates of NYSED-registered programs who completed training within the past four years satisfy this requirement through their program. Everyone else must complete a separate approved infection control course before applying.
LPN Application Process
After graduating from your nursing program, submit Form 1 (Application for Licensure) along with the $143 licensure and first registration fee to NYSED. Your school will submit a Certification of Professional Education form on your behalf. Once NYSED determines you’re eligible, it notifies Pearson VUE, which issues your Authorization to Test (ATT). You then register directly with Pearson VUE and pay a $200 fee to schedule the NCLEX-PN.
Graduates of NYSED-registered LPN programs who simultaneously apply for a limited permit may practice for up to 90 days immediately following graduation, under RN supervision, at the specific facility listed on the permit. The supervising RN must be on the same patient care unit while you work. If you’ve already attempted the NCLEX-PN at any point, you’re not eligible for a limited permit. The permit is otherwise valid for one year or expires 10 days after a failed NCLEX attempt.
New York LPN licenses are issued for life by the Board of Regents but require active registration to practice. Initial registration covers approximately three years. You must keep your registration current; practicing with an expired registration is not permitted.
New York RN License Requirements
Education
To qualify for an RN license in New York, you must graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED. Qualifying programs include associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and diploma programs registered by NYSED as RN license-qualifying, as well as programs in other states and US territories approved by their licensing authority. You must also complete NYSED-approved child abuse identification and reporting coursework and NYSED-approved infection control coursework. Both are typically included in NYSED-registered programs. Out-of-state or international graduates may need to complete either or both separately before applying.
New York does not require a BSN for initial RN licensure. An associate degree (ADN) qualifies, and diploma programs are still accepted. Verify that any program you’re considering appears on NYSED’s list of registered nursing programs before enrolling. NYSED posts a fraud alert warning about unregistered programs that won’t qualify applicants for the NCLEX. Read more about choosing an RN program in New York.
RN Application Process
Submit Form 1 and the $143 fee to NYSED. Your school sends NYSED a verification of program completion. Once NYSED approves your eligibility, it contacts Pearson VUE, which issues your ATT. Register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 NCLEX-RN fee to schedule your exam. You can call Pearson VUE at 1-866-496-2539 to register by phone.
New graduates who haven’t yet taken the NCLEX-RN can apply for a limited permit (Graduate Nurse status) by submitting Form 5 and a $35 fee. Under the permit, you must work under the supervision of an RN, who must be on the patient care unit with you while you provide care. The permit is valid for one year or expires 10 days after notification of a failed NCLEX-RN. If you’ve previously attempted the NCLEX-RN, you don’t qualify for a limited permit.
New York RN licenses are valid for life, subject to the Board of Regents’ authority to revoke or suspend. Registration certificates are valid for about three years. The second renewal cycle is adjusted to align with your birth month, and the fee is prorated for that shortened period. After that, you renew every three years.
Licensing by Endorsement for Out-of-State Nurses
New York is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you hold an active RN or LPN license in another state, you must apply for a full New York license through endorsement. There is no temporary practice authorization for compact licensees.
To apply by endorsement, submit Form 1 and the $143 fee, and arrange for license verification from every state or territory where you’ve ever held a nursing license. States that participate in Nursys can submit verification electronically. For non-Nursys states, you’ll need to send a Verification of License form to the issuing board and have them send it directly to NYSED. Processing times vary depending on application volume and completeness. Submitting all materials together gives your application the best chance of moving through review without delay.
You must also complete infection control coursework if your program graduation was more than four years ago, and child abuse coursework (for RN applicants) if it wasn’t included in your original program. Out-of-state RNs who passed the NCLEX-RN or the older State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE) do not need to retake the exam.
International Nurses
Internationally educated applicants must have their credentials evaluated before NYSED will process a license application. The required credential evaluation pathway depends on your educational history and the country where you trained. Accepted pathways and approved vendors can change. Check the current international applicant instructions on the NYSED Office of the Professions website before applying to confirm which evaluation process applies to your situation.
International applicants may apply for a limited permit while their credential evaluation is in process. The same supervision rules apply as for domestic applicants.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
New York nursing licenses don’t expire, but your registration does. RNs and LPNs must renew their registrations every 3 years to continue practicing legally. Registration renewal is handled through NYSED’s online portal.
New York does not require a set number of general continuing education units for RN registration renewal. However, all practicing nurses must complete NYSED-approved infection control coursework every four years. Practicing RNs must also keep their child abuse identification and reporting training up to date. Nurses authorized to prescribe controlled substances face additional CE requirements.
You can verify a New York nursing license or registration status through the NYSED license lookup tool at op.nysed.gov.
New York Nursing Salaries and Job Outlook
New York is one of the highest-paying states for nurses in the country. According to BLS state data, registered nurses in New York earned a median annual wage of $113,440 as of May 2025. Licensed practical nurses earned a median annual wage of $69,170 in the state over the same period.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (NY) | Projected Growth 2022–2032 |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $113,440 | 25.5% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $69,170 | 24.1% |
Job growth projections are strong for both roles. Projections Central estimates 25.5% growth for RN employment in New York between 2022 and 2032, adding an average of 5,200 job openings per year. For LPNs, the projected growth rate is 24.1%, with an average of 1,110 annual openings.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York a compact state for nursing?
No. New York is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses licensed in compact states cannot use their multistate license to practice in New York. You must apply for a New York license through endorsement and pay the $143 application fee.
How long does it take to get a New York nursing license?
Processing times vary. NYSED reviews all application materials together, so submitting everything at once speeds up the process. During high-volume periods, such as summer, endorsement applications can take up to 6 weeks. New graduates applying by examination typically receive their ATT from Pearson VUE once NYSED approves their eligibility, and then schedule the NCLEX at their convenience.
Can I work as a nurse in New York before passing the NCLEX?
Yes, in limited circumstances. New graduates who haven’t yet taken the NCLEX can apply for a Graduate Nurse or Graduate Practical Nurse limited permit. The permit allows you to practice at one employer under direct RN supervision. It’s valid for one year or expires 10 days after a failed NCLEX attempt. If you’ve previously attempted the NCLEX, you don’t qualify.
Do New York RNs need a BSN?
Not for initial licensure. New York accepts associate degree (ADN), bachelor’s degree (BSN), master’s degree, and diploma programs as qualifying education for RN licensure. Some employers prefer or require a BSN for specific roles, but NYSED does not mandate it.
What continuing education does New York require for RN renewal?
New York does not require a fixed number of continuing education hours for general RN registration renewal. However, you must complete NYSED-approved infection control coursework every four years and keep child abuse identification and reporting training current. RNs with prescriptive authority have additional CE requirements.
Key Takeaways
- NYSED handles all nursing licensure, not a standalone nursing board. Applications go to the Office of the Professions at the New York State Education Department.
- New York is not a compact state — out-of-state nurses must apply for a full New York license by endorsement, regardless of compact membership elsewhere.
- The initial licensure fee is $143 — this covers both the application and the first registration period. The NCLEX exam fee ($200) is paid separately to Pearson VUE.
- Licenses are issued for life, but registration must be renewed every 3 years to practice legally. An expired registration means you can’t work.
- New York RN median wage is $113,440 — among the highest in the country, with 25.5% projected job growth through 2032 according to Projections Central.
Select your state to find approved nursing programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
2US5 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.