Nursing License Requirements in Wyoming 2026
Wyoming licenses registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Both require graduating from a board-approved program and passing the appropriate NCLEX exam. Wyoming is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, meaning residents receive a multistate license valid in other NLC member states.
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The Wyoming State Board of Nursing is the licensing authority for RNs and LPNs in the state. Graduates of board-approved nursing programs apply to the Board online, complete a background check, and must pass either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN before practicing. The Board issues licenses electronically. Wyoming does not issue paper licenses. If you hold a multistate license from another Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state and your primary residence is not Wyoming, you don’t need a separate Wyoming license to practice here.
Use the links below to jump to requirements by license type, renewal information, and scholarship resources. Looking for a different license type? See Wyoming CNA requirements or Wyoming APRN requirements.
Licensing requirements verified with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing on [Month Year]. Requirements and fees are subject to change. Confirm current requirements directly with the Board before applying.
- LPN requirements in Wyoming
- RN requirements in Wyoming
- License renewal in Wyoming
- Nursing scholarships and loans
LPN Requirements in Wyoming
LPN Programs
An LPN candidate must graduate from a practical nursing program in Wyoming approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, or a comparable program approved by another state board if the candidate lives elsewhere. The Board maintains a list of approved nursing education programs on its website. For more on the LPN path in Wyoming, see becoming an LPN in Wyoming.
Applying for an LPN License
Candidates must submit two separate applications: one to the Wyoming Board and one to Pearson VUE, which administers the NCLEX-PN. The Board application is completed online through the Wyoming Nurse Portal. An LPN applying for licensure by examination pays a $130 application fee and a $60 background check fee. After the Board receives the application and fees, it initiates the background check process. Fees are subject to change. Verify current fees with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before applying.
NCLEX-PN registration is completed separately through Pearson VUE at a cost of $200. The Board will not issue an Authorization to Test (ATT) until both applications are complete, fees are paid, and original transcripts are on file. Once you receive your ATT, you can schedule the exam at any Pearson VUE testing site in Wyoming or another state.
Eligible LPN candidates may request a temporary permit while awaiting testing, subject to Board review and approval. Candidates who pass receive their license electronically. Those who don’t pass on the first attempt can apply for re-examination and pay additional fees. Wyoming requires candidates to pass the NCLEX-PN within five years of graduation, with up to ten examination attempts authorized during that period.
IV Certification for LPNs
Intravenous (IV) therapy is an expanded practice for LPNs in Wyoming. Nurses who want to administer IV therapy must complete a course approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. The Board’s website lists currently approved IV programs.
LPN License by Endorsement
An out-of-state LPN applying for a Wyoming license by endorsement must submit an application, fingerprint cards, and license verification from the state where the original license was issued. The Wyoming Board will confirm the current status of that license before processing the endorsement.
Endorsement candidates must demonstrate continuing competency. The requirement can be satisfied through recent practice, continuing education, or a nursing refresher course. LPNs who passed the NCLEX-PN within the preceding five years are automatically compliant. Candidates who meet the requirements may request a temporary work permit, subject to Board approval, while the endorsement application is pending.
RN License Requirements in Wyoming
RN Education
To qualify for RN licensure in Wyoming, candidates must graduate from a nursing program approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Both ADN and BSN graduates are eligible. Programs completed in other states are accepted if they were approved by that state’s board of nursing. A list of Board-approved Wyoming programs is available through the RN programs in Wyoming page and on the Board’s website. For context on career paths, see RN career paths in Wyoming.
Applying for RN Licensure
Candidates must complete two parallel applications: one to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing and one to Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN. The Board application, $130 application fee, and $60 background check fee are all submitted through the Wyoming Nurse Portal. The NCLEX-RN registration through Pearson VUE carries a separate $200 fee. Fees are subject to change. Verify current fees with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before applying.
The Board will not issue an ATT until both applications are complete, eligibility is confirmed, and original transcripts are received. Once the application is processed, the Board initiates the fingerprint background check. Eligible candidates may request a 90-day temporary permit, subject to Board approval. Check the appropriate box on the application form and indicate a preferred start date. If no start date is specified, the permit begins on the date of processing. The temporary permit is valid for 90 days, during which the candidate must pass the NCLEX-RN.
Successful candidates receive their license electronically and can verify it online. Candidates who don’t pass on the first attempt must file a retake application and pay additional fees. Wyoming allows up to ten examination attempts within the five-year eligibility period following graduation. The Board sends status updates by email throughout the process.
Out-of-State RNs: License by Endorsement
An RN licensed in another state can apply for Wyoming licensure by endorsement. The application fee is $135, plus $60 for the background check. Credit card payments include an additional $5 processing fee. Fees are subject to change. Verify current fees with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before applying. Applicants must provide a five-year work history on the application form.
Endorsement candidates must demonstrate continuing competency. The Board accepts any of the following:
- Passing the NCLEX-RN within the past five years
- 1,600 hours of nursing practice within the past five years
- Completion of a nursing refresher course
- Earning a specialty certification recognized by the Board
- 500 hours of practice or 20 hours of continuing education within the past two years
A currently licensed out-of-state RN may practice under a 90-day temporary permit while the endorsement application is processed. Temporary permits without concurrent endorsement applications are available, but only once per nurse.
Internationally Educated Nurses
An internationally educated nurse who has already passed the NCLEX in another U.S. jurisdiction can apply for Wyoming licensure by endorsement and may request a temporary permit, subject to Board approval, while that application is processed.
A candidate who has not yet taken a U.S. licensing exam must first complete a qualifying exam. English proficiency testing may also be required, depending on educational background. The candidate’s program must have been approved by the appropriate regulatory body in their home country. If a credentials review identifies educational deficiencies, the candidate must complete additional coursework before applying for licensure. Internationally educated nurses who have not yet passed the NCLEX are not eligible for a temporary practice permit.
License Renewal in Wyoming
Wyoming RN and LPN licenses renew on a biennial cycle. Licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years, and the Wyoming State Board of Nursing makes renewal applications available through the Wyoming Nurse Portal on or before October 1 of each renewal year.
Wyoming nurses must demonstrate continuing competency at each renewal. The requirement can be met by any of the following within the past two years:
- 400 hours of active nursing practice
- 200 hours of active nursing practice plus 15 hours of continuing education
- 30 hours of continuing education
- Passing the NCLEX within the preceding five years
Verify current renewal requirements with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before your license expires, as requirements are subject to change.
Nursing Scholarships and Loans in Wyoming
Wyoming nursing students can find scholarship and loan repayment programs through the Wyoming Department of Health Office of Rural Health, which maintains a current list of state and national workforce development resources on its workforce development page. Program eligibility and award amounts vary, so review listings directly for current offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a nursing license in Wyoming?
Applications for both RN and LPN licensure are submitted through the Wyoming Nurse Portal on the Wyoming State Board of Nursing’s website. The portal handles applications, fee payments, and transcript submissions. You must also register separately for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE. The Board will not issue an Authorization to Test until both applications and all fees have been received and eligibility has been confirmed.
Is Wyoming a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Wyoming joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in January 2018. Nurses who declare Wyoming as their Primary State of Residency receive a multistate license valid in all other NLC member states. Nurses who already hold a multistate license from another compact state and whose primary residence is not Wyoming do not need to apply for a separate Wyoming license to practice in the state.
How long does it take to get a Wyoming nursing license?
Processing time depends on how quickly transcripts, background check results, and both applications are received and cleared. The Board sends status updates by email. Eligible candidates who need to begin working before their license is issued may request a 90-day temporary permit on the application form, subject to Board approval. This option applies to both exam candidates and qualifying endorsement applicants.
What are the continuing education requirements for Wyoming nurses?
Wyoming nurses demonstrate continuing competency at each biennial renewal. Options include 400 hours of active practice, 200 hours of practice plus 15 hours of continuing education, or 30 hours of continuing education within the past two years. Nurses who passed the NCLEX within the past five years are automatically compliant. Always confirm current requirements with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before your renewal deadline.
Can I transfer my nursing license to Wyoming from another state?
Yes, through licensure by endorsement. Out-of-state RNs pay a $135 application fee and $60 background check fee, and must demonstrate continuing competency through recent practice hours, continuing education, or an NCLEX pass within the past five years. A 90-day temporary work permit is available for currently licensed nurses while the endorsement application is being processed.
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming State Board of Nursing issues all RN and LPN licenses — Applications are submitted online through the Wyoming Nurse Portal. The Board no longer accepts paper applications.
- Two separate applications are required — Candidates must apply to both the Wyoming Board and Pearson VUE for the NCLEX. An Authorization to Test is not issued until both are complete and transcripts are received.
- Wyoming is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — Nurses who declare Wyoming as their Primary State of Residency receive a multistate license. Nurses from other compact states don’t need a Wyoming-specific license to practice here.
- Licenses renew every two years — Wyoming licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years. Continuing competency can be met through practice hours or continuing education.
- Endorsement is available for out-of-state nurses — RNs licensed elsewhere can apply by endorsement and may practice under a 90-day temporary permit while the application is processed.
Find approved RN and LPN programs in Wyoming and compare options by program type, location, and licensing requirements.
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