Virginia Nursing License Requirements 2026
The Virginia Board of Nursing issues RN and LPN licenses. Both require completing a board-approved program, passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, and a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so a Virginia license grants multi-state practice privileges in other member states.
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The Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) governs licensure for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the state. Virginia has tens of thousands of licensed RNs and LPNs, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Both license types require a state-approved nursing program, a national licensing exam, and a fingerprint-based criminal background check administered through Fieldprint VA.
Use the links below to jump to the licensing requirements most relevant to you.
- LPN Requirements in Virginia
- RN License Requirements in Virginia
- Nurse Licensure Compact and Out-of-State Nurses
- License Renewal in Virginia
- Professional and Student Nursing Associations
Select the Type of Nursing License You Are Seeking
- I am looking for Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Virginia.
- I am looking for Practical Nursing License Requirements in Virginia.
- I am looking for Registered Nursing License Requirements in Virginia.
- I am looking for Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP) Requirements in Virginia.
- I am looking for Nursing Student Organizations and/or Professional Nursing Organizations in Virginia.
Nursing Scholarships and Loans in Virginia
Several funding sources are available to Virginia nursing students and working nurses. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, administers scholarship programs for nurses at multiple levels. Some RNs may qualify for financial assistance through the Virginia State Loan Repayment Program. The Virginia Nurses Foundation is another potential source of scholarships. Requirements and availability change periodically, so candidates should verify current information directly with each program before applying.
LPN Requirements in Virginia
LPN Education Requirements
An LPN candidate must have at least two years of high school education (or the equivalent) and a diploma from a board-approved practical nursing program. The Virginia Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved in-state programs on its website. Programs approved by other state boards are also eligible for licensure by examination. Virginia expects practical nursing programs to include at least 400 hours of supervised direct patient contact. Candidates who didn’t receive this as part of their program should contact the Board at (804) 367-4555 before applying.
See the LPN programs in Virginia article for guidance on evaluating programs and what to look for before you apply.
Background Check Requirement
All LPN licensure applicants in Virginia must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through Fieldprint VA. After submitting an application online, candidates receive a confirmation receipt that includes a VBON Fieldprint Code. That code is required to register for fingerprinting. Candidates applying by mail must contact the Virginia Board of Nursing’s Criminal Background Check unit to obtain their code before registering.
LPN Application Procedure
The licensing application is submitted online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Candidates must also register separately for the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. Registration can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. Once the Board communicates eligibility, the candidate receives an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE, which allows them to schedule the computer-adaptive exam. Bring photo identification to the testing center on exam day.
NCLEX scores are reported as pass/fail. A candidate who needs to retake the exam submits a short reapplication to the Virginia Board and pays a $50 fee. The re-examination application asks about criminal history, conditions that could impair nursing practice, and whether the candidate requires accommodations for the exam. Yes answers require supporting documentation.
LPN by Endorsement
An LPN licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply for a Virginia license by endorsement. LVNs who were licensed based on an exam other than the NCLEX should contact the Board before applying. Endorsement candidates apply online through the Department of Health Professions. In many cases, license verification can be completed through Nursys.com. For states that don’t participate in Nursys, applicants complete a paper form and mail the top portion to the original licensing agency for verification. The fee for out-of-state license verification may vary by state.
RN License Requirements in Virginia
RN Education
Virginia requires RNs to hold a high school diploma or GED plus a degree or diploma from a professional nursing program. The Board maintains a list of approved in-state programs, and programs approved by other state boards are generally accepted. Virginia expects RN programs to include at least 500 hours of direct patient care supervised by a faculty member. Candidates whose programs didn’t meet that threshold are advised to contact the Board before submitting an application.
Read the RN Programs in Virginia article to learn more about choosing the right program for your goals.
RN Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions. The NCLEX-RN registration is handled separately through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is paid at registration, but the test can’t be scheduled until the candidate receives the Authorization to Test, issued after the testing company and the state board have completed their review. A candidate who needs to retake the NCLEX-RN submits a short reapplication and pays a $50 fee to the Virginia Board.
Nurse Licensure Compact and Out-of-State Nurses
Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state. Virginia’s bordering NLC states include Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and West Virginia. The District of Columbia is not an NLC member. A compact license issued by Virginia grants multi-state practice privileges in other NLC states, including the ability to practice telenursing across state lines without holding a separate license in each state. A nurse can hold an active compact license in only one state at a time, the state where they have primary residence, but can hold additional single-state licenses in non-compact jurisdictions.
If a nurse’s primary residence changes to another compact state, the Virginia compact license is no longer the controlling license. A new compact license must be obtained from the new state of residence.
RNs and LPNs licensed in another U.S. state or territory may apply for a Virginia license by endorsement if a review confirms they meet the Board’s qualifications. License verification from the original state of licensure is required and is handled through Nursys.com for participating states. For states that don’t use Nursys, applicants use a paper verification form.
RNs educated and licensed in Canada are eligible for endorsement if their nursing education was conducted in English and they passed the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination. Other internationally educated applicants may need to complete the CGFNS exam before sitting for the NCLEX. International candidates and Puerto Rican nurses who have not taken the NCLEX should contact the Virginia Board of Nursing directly before applying.
License Renewal in Virginia
RN and LPN licenses in Virginia expire every two years. Renewal occurs in the licensee’s birth month. Those born in even-numbered years renew in even years. Those born in odd-numbered years renew in odd years. Late renewals incur an additional fee. The Virginia Board of Nursing sets renewal fees, which are subject to change, so candidates should check the Board’s website for current figures before submitting a renewal application.
To renew, licensees must complete at least one continuing competency activity recognized by the Board. Accepted options include 30 contact hours of approved continuing education courses, current national specialty certification, three credit hours of post-licensure academic coursework relevant to nursing practice, or a combination of 15 contact hours of continuing education with 640 hours of active clinical practice. Virginia also allows a board-approved refresher course as a path to renewal. Nurses who hold both an RN and LPN license need only meet one set of continuing competency requirements. Documentation of completed activities must be kept for two years after renewal.
Professional and Student Nursing Associations in Virginia
The Virginia Nurses Association is the state’s primary professional organization for RNs; membership is not required for licensure. The Virginia Nurses Foundation offers scholarships and professional development resources. LPNs may contact the Virginia LPN Association, Inc. through the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses. Virginia is home to multiple Magnet-designated hospitals recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence.
Key resources:
- Virginia Board of Nursing
- VA Nursing Career Paths
- Virginia Nurse Practitioner Requirements
- Virginia CNA Requirements
Nurses and candidates should check the Virginia Board of Nursing website periodically, as regulations change.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Virginia is an NLC member state. A compact license issued in Virginia is valid in all other NLC member states, provided Virginia remains the nurse’s primary state of residence. If a nurse moves their primary residence to another compact state, a new compact license must be obtained from that state.
What does Virginia’s criminal background check requirement involve?
All RN and LPN applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check administered through Fieldprint VA. After submitting an online application, candidates receive a VBON Fieldprint Code in their confirmation receipt. That code is required to schedule fingerprinting. Candidates applying by mail must request their code from the Board’s Criminal Background Check unit.
How do I apply for a Virginia nursing license by endorsement?
Nurses licensed in another U.S. state apply online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions. License verification from the original state is required and is typically handled through Nursys.com. If the original state doesn’t participate in Nursys, a paper verification form is used. Internationally educated nurses and those licensed on a non-NCLEX exam should contact the Virginia Board before applying.
How often do Virginia RN and LPN licenses need to be renewed?
Both license types renew every two years during the licensee’s birth month. Renewal falls in even years for those born in even-numbered years and in odd years for those born in odd-numbered years. Licensees must complete a continuing competency requirement before renewal. Check the Virginia Board of Nursing website for current renewal fees, which are subject to change.
Can I practice in Virginia with a compact license from another state?
Yes, if you hold a valid compact license in your primary state of residence and Virginia is an NLC member state, you can practice there without a separate Virginia license. If Virginia is your primary state of residence, you must apply for a Virginia compact license. The patient’s location, not the nurse’s physical location, determines which state’s practice laws apply.
Key Takeaways
- VBON governs RN and LPN licensure — The Virginia Board of Nursing sets requirements, approves nursing programs, and reviews all applications for initial licensure.
- NCLEX is required for all initial licenses — RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN and LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN. Both are administered through Pearson VUE after the Board grants eligibility.
- Fingerprint background check is mandatory — All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check through Fieldprint VA as part of the application process.
- Virginia is an NLC compact state — A Virginia compact license grants practice privileges in all other NLC member states without additional licensing, including telenursing across state lines.
- Licenses renew every two years — Renewal falls in the licensee’s birth month and requires documented continuing competency activity. Current fees are set by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Select your state below to find approved RN and LPN programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.