Vermont Nursing License Requirements 2026
Vermont licenses RNs and LPNs through the Office of Professional Regulation. Both require completing a Board-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX. Vermont joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact in February 2022, meaning eligible nurses can hold a multistate license. Candidates apply by examination for initial licensure or by endorsement if already licensed in another state.
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Vermont nursing licenses are issued through the Vermont Board of Nursing, which operates under the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) within the Secretary of State’s office. Both RN and LPN applicants must complete a state-approved program, meet the OPR’s good-character standards, and pass the appropriate NCLEX. Vermont joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) in February 2022, so nurses who meet compact eligibility can hold a multistate license recognized in other compact states.
This page covers LPN and RN licensing requirements. For certified nursing assistant requirements, see Vermont CNA requirements. For advanced practice registered nurse requirements, see Vermont APRN licensure.
Use the links below to jump to the requirements that apply to your situation.
- LPN licensing requirements
- RN licensing requirements
- Internationally educated nurses
- Nurse Licensure Compact
- License renewal
LPN Requirements in Vermont
Education
The prospective LPN must enroll in a Board-approved practical nursing program. Vermont currently has one approved in-state option, offered through Vermont Technical College at multiple campus locations. Programs in neighboring states may also qualify if they meet Vermont’s approval standards. Confirm a program’s approval status with the OPR before enrolling.
Read more: Choosing an LPN program in Vermont. LPNs who plan to advance to RN can also read about LPN to BSN programs to understand the full pathway.
Applying for LPN Licensure
After completing the program, the candidate fills out the top portion of the education verification form and has a school official complete the rest. The candidate must also submit an application to the Vermont OPR and register separately with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN. Check the OPR’s nursing page for current application and exam fees before submitting.
All applicants must complete a fingerprint-supported criminal background check as part of the licensing process. New exam candidates who have passed the NCLEX and met all other requirements may request a 90-day provisional license while the background check results are pending. The provisional license requires on-site supervision by an RN or physician and cannot be renewed or extended. For NCLEX retakes, the candidate submits a retake application and a $30 fee to the OPR and registers again with Pearson VUE. Candidates who have not passed the NCLEX within five years of graduation must re-complete an approved nursing education program before reapplying.
LPN License by Endorsement
An LPN licensed in another state can apply for a Vermont license by endorsement. The applicant must provide license verification from both the state where they were originally licensed and the state where they most recently practiced. For states that participate in the Nursys database, verification can be submitted online at nursys.com. For states that don’t participate, the sending Board of Nursing must submit paper verification directly to the Vermont OPR. All endorsement applicants must also complete a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. A 90-day single-state provisional license is available while verification or background check results are still pending.
Vermont’s Administrative Rules include a practice requirement for endorsement: 50 days (400 hours) within the prior two years, or 120 days (960 hours) within the prior five. Nurses who don’t meet either threshold should contact the OPR, as a Board-approved re-entry program may be required before the endorsement can be processed. Vermont also offers a Fast Track Endorsement option for nurses who have been actively licensed in another state for three or more years. Check the OPR site for current details and eligibility.
RN License Requirements in Vermont
Education
Vermont approves both ADN and BSN programs for prelicensure RN education. Graduates from approved in-state programs at the associate’s or baccalaureate level are eligible to apply. The OPR maintains a current list of approved programs on its website. Candidates considering out-of-state programs should verify approval with the OPR before enrolling.
Read more: Choosing an RN program in Vermont. For a broader overview of the RN path, see How to Become an RN.
Applying for RN Licensure
After graduation, the candidate submits a verification of education form completed by the school. Transcripts are required for out-of-state schools. The application also requires a 2×2 photo and the current application fee. All applicants must complete a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Candidates applying for a single-state license may request a 90-day provisional license while the background check is pending; it requires on-site RN supervision and cannot be extended.
Candidates register separately with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN. The ATT (Authorization to Test) can’t be issued until both the eligibility review and fee payment are complete, so the OPR recommends submitting the NCLEX registration at the same time as or before the state application. To retake after a failed attempt, the candidate submits a retake application and a $30 fee. Candidates who haven’t passed within five years of graduation must re-complete an approved nursing education program before reapplying.
RN License by Endorsement
Vermont’s Administrative Rules include a practice requirement for endorsement: 50 days (400 hours) within the prior two years, or 120 days (960 hours) within the prior five. Nurses who don’t meet either threshold should contact the OPR before applying, as a Board-approved re-entry program may be required. Vermont also offers a Fast Track Endorsement option for nurses who have been actively licensed in another state for three or more years. See the OPR site for current eligibility details.
Vermont requires license verification from both the most recent state of licensure and the state where the NCLEX was originally passed. For states that participate in the Nursys database, verification can be submitted online at nursys.com. For states that don’t participate, the sending Board of Nursing must submit paper verification directly to the Vermont OPR. All endorsement applicants must complete a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. A 90-day single-state provisional license is available while verification or background check results are still pending.
Internationally Educated Nurses
Internationally educated nurses must have their credentials evaluated through one of two Board-approved services: the International Education Research Foundation (IERF) or CGFNS International. This applies even to nurses who already hold a VisaScreen certificate or CGFNS certification. Nursing education completed in a language other than English requires a demonstration of English proficiency. A U.S. Social Security number is required for all applications. Separate application forms for internationally educated nurses are available on the OPR’s nursing page.
Vermont and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Vermont joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on February 1, 2022. RNs and LPNs whose primary state of residence is Vermont can apply for a multistate license, which allows practice in any other compact state without obtaining a separate license. Nurses who hold an active multistate license issued by another compact state may practice in Vermont without any additional action.
To obtain a Vermont-issued multistate license, nurses must meet the compact’s eligibility criteria, which include proof of Vermont residency, an unencumbered Vermont license, a passing NCLEX score, no felony convictions, and completion of a fingerprint-supported criminal background check. Currently licensed Vermont nurses who want to add multistate status log into their OPR online account and select “add specialty.” New applicants choose single-state or multistate status during the initial application. Multistate privileges aren’t issued until the background check clears; a 90-day single-state provisional license is available for nurses who need to begin working while that process is pending. For the current list of compact states and full eligibility criteria, see the Nurse Licensure Compact page at NCSBN.org.
License Renewal in Vermont
Vermont RN and LPN licenses renew biennially. To qualify for renewal, nurses must meet one of the following within the preceding two years: complete 20 contact hours of continuing education, work at least 400 hours (50 days) as a licensed nurse, hold a nationally recognized nursing certification, or complete an original or re-entry nursing program within the prior five years. Nurses who don’t meet any of these requirements must complete a re-entry program before renewing.
Renewal applications open six weeks before the license expiration date. The OPR sends three courtesy email reminders, but nurses are responsible for ensuring their contact information on file is current. All renewals are submitted online through the OPR’s licensing system. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Verify current renewal fees and expiration dates for your license type on the Vermont OPR nursing applications and renewals page.
Vermont has offered loan incentives and forgiveness programs for nursing students in the past. Contact the Vermont Department of Health or the OPR for information on current financial assistance programs. The American Nurses Association Vermont (ANA-Vermont) is also a resource for practicing nurses in the state.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Vermont joined the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Vermont joined the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) on February 1, 2022. Nurses who meet the compact’s uniform licensure requirements can hold a multistate Vermont license valid in other compact states. Nurses who don’t meet those requirements receive a standard single-state Vermont license.
Can new graduates work in Vermont before their full license is issued?
Vermont offers a 90-day provisional license to single-state applicants who have passed the NCLEX and met all other requirements, but whose criminal background check is still pending. The provisional license requires on-site supervision and cannot be extended. Background checks typically take 4-6 weeks to process once fingerprints are submitted, so starting that step early helps avoid gaps in licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for Vermont license renewal?
Vermont requires 20 contact hours of continuing education per two-year renewal period. Nurses who don’t complete CE can satisfy the renewal requirement through practice hours (400 hours in two years or 960 hours in five), a nationally recognized nursing certification, or completion of a nursing or re-entry program within the prior five years.
What practice hours does Vermont require for endorsement?
Vermont requires 50 days (400 hours) of practice within the preceding two years, or 120 days (960 hours) within the prior five. Nurses who don’t meet either threshold must complete a Board-approved re-entry program covering at least 120 hours each of nursing theory and clinical practice before the application can be processed.
Where can I verify a Vermont nursing license?
License verification is available through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation’s online licensee lookup at sos.vermont.gov. The same system handles new applications, renewals, and continuing education submissions.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont joined the NLC in February 2022 — Vermont residents can apply for a multistate license valid in all compact states. Eligibility requires proof of Vermont residency, an unencumbered license, and a fingerprint-supported background check.
- Both credentials require Board-approved programs, and the NCLEX — LPNs take the NCLEX-PN and RNs take the NCLEX-RN, both administered through Pearson VUE.
- A 90-day provisional license is available for single-state applicants — Nurses who have passed the NCLEX and met all other requirements can work under supervision while the criminal background check is processed. The provisional expires after 90 days and cannot be extended.
- License renewal is biennial — Vermont requires 20 CE hours or equivalent practice hours every two years. Renewals are submitted online through the OPR’s licensing system.
- Endorsement candidates must meet practice requirements — Vermont requires 400 hours in two years or 960 hours in five. Applicants who fall short must complete a re-entry program before the endorsement can be processed.
Select your state to find approved nursing programs, licensing application links, and NCLEX requirements for your jurisdiction.