healthcare

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals

Goodwork author

07 May 2025 — 5 min read

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it boasts stunning beaches, high-quality education, and affordable housing. It experiences all four seasons and hosts some of the most notable festivals in the nation alongside respected colleges.

In this article, we will discuss:

How to obtain your nursing license in Rhode Island by examination
How to secure your license by endorsement
The renewal process for your Rhode Island nursing license
Associated licensing fees
Continuing education requirements
Contacting the Rhode Island Board of Nursing

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How to Get Your Rhode Island Nursing License by Examination

Step 1: Education
Your journey to this point has involved significant effort in pursuing your nursing degree: the stage when you’re poised to apply for your nursing license. Whether you studied in Rhode Island or elsewhere, your educational background is crucial to your career's advancement. The educational paths include:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those already possessing a bachelor’s degree, who need additional classes to qualify as a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply
Rhode Island utilizes an online application system for nursing licenses. To apply for a registered nurse license by examination, start by registering and creating a user ID and password on the Rhode Island Department of Health’s online portal, followed by completing the application and paying the registration fee of $135. Most documentation can be submitted via email or mailed to:

Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
Providence, RI

Licensing requirements include proof of Rhode Island residency (by providing a driver’s license, tax return, or lease with a Rhode Island address), official transcripts, and a fingerprint-based background check. You will also need to register to take the NCLEX exam, which you can do online or by phone, with a registration fee of $200.

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts
Please note that Rhode Island does not accept electronic transcripts. You must have official transcripts sent directly from your nursing school to the Department of Health, which should indicate both your graduation date and degree earned. Arrange for the transcripts to be sent to:

Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
Providence, RI

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)
The Rhode Island Department of Attorney General will conduct your criminal background check. To initiate this, print the fingerprint form available under the National Background Check tab and bring it to the Customer Service Center located at:
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI
The fee for this service is $35.

Out-of-state applicants may download the necessary forms found under the same tab and submit fingerprints to the Office of the Attorney General. The steps include completing and notarizing a release/disclaimer and sending it along with the BCI Certification of Fingerprints form from the agency that conducted your fingerprints. You’ll also need to include a valid photo ID and a $35 check. Send this packet to:

Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Attn: Fingerprint Department
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI

Step 5: Take the NCLEX
After you have submitted all supporting materials to the Department of Health, Pearson VUE will be notified of your eligibility, and you will receive an Authorization to Test via email. Passing the NCLEX exam is the final step for licensure. The test encompasses critical content from your nursing coursework, covering areas such as:

Safe and Effective Care Environment
Management of Care
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Physiological Adaptation

If you pass the NCLEX, the state will issue your license card. If you do not, you can retake the test by re-registering with Pearson VUE and paying the fee of $200. You may attempt the exam again no sooner than 45 days after your last attempt.

Licensing by Endorsement (Already Have RN Licensure)

Registered nurses licensed in another state wishing to obtain a Rhode Island license must apply for endorsement. Requirements include:

Proof of residency in Rhode Island via a driver’s license, tax return, or lease.
A background check with fingerprints via the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General. To begin, print the fingerprint form and bring it with a $35 fee to the Customer Service Center at 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI. For out-of-state applicants, download forms and submit fingerprints to the Office of the Attorney General as explained in the preceding section.
License verification: If your state participates in the NURSYS process, request verification be sent to Rhode Island’s Department of Health. For non-NURSYS states, complete an Interstate Verification form and have your state’s license authority use it for verification, sending it to:

Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill – Room 103
Providence, RI

How to Renew Your Rhode Island Nursing License

Step 1: Submission Timing
Rhode Island nursing licenses are renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $135, and reminders are sent out 60 days before your license expires.

Step 2: Continuing Competency Requirements
To renew your Rhode Island registered nursing license, you must complete 10 continuing education hours every two years. Of these, two hours must address substance abuse, and at least once during your career, you must take one hour of training on Alzheimer’s disease.
Nurses in Rhode Island can access free continuing education units through Nurse.com, where completion certificates can be immediately downloaded for your records.

Step 3: Submit Your Renewal Application
Renewals for registered nursing licenses can be processed online via the state’s website.

Rhode Island Nursing Licensing Fees

Here are the fees associated with nursing licensure in Rhode Island, whether you are a first-time applicant or moving from another state. For further details, visit the Rhode Island licensing page.

Fees for Examination (First-time Nurses):
- NCLEX exam fee: $200
- Application fee: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN)
- National criminal background check fee: $35
Fees for Endorsement (Existing RN Licensure):
- Application fee: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN); $145 (APRN)
- APRN: CSR registration: $200
- Temporary permit: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN); $145 (APRN)
- National criminal background check fee: $35
License Renewal Fees:
- Application fee: $135 (RN); $45 (LPN); $145 (APRN); $80 (APRN, without Rx authority)

Rhode Island is considering legislation to become a nursing compact state, which would allow for multi-state licenses. Stay updated by checking the NCSBN website.

Note: Fees are subject to change.

Continuing Education Requirements

RN: 10 contact hours biennially (2 hours in substance abuse)
LPN: 10 contact hours biennially (2 hours in substance abuse)
APRN: 10 contact hours biennially (2 hours in substance abuse; maintain certification)

Nurse.com offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses available online for free. These courses are recognized by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education.