A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Alaska
đ§ A 2025 Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Alaska
Alaska offers more than just breathtaking landscapes and financial incentives. For nurses, itâs a state with clear licensing pathways, competitive pay, and strong demand across rural and urban areas. This guide covers everything you need to know about:
- Getting an RN license by exam
- Applying for a license by endorsement
- Renewal steps and deadlines
- Associated fees
- Continuing education rules
- How to reach the Alaska Board of Nursing
đ How to Get an Alaska RN License by Exam
1. Graduate from an Accredited Nursing Program
Alaska accepts both in-state and out-of-state degrees. Youâll need one of the following:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accelerated BSN (for those who already hold a bachelorâs degree in another field)
A list of board-approved programs can be found on the Alaska Board of Nursingâs site.
2. Apply for Licensure + Register for the NCLEX
Use MyLicense Alaska for online applications, or mail the completed paper form. Simultaneously, register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
Your Alaska application must include:
- Notarized application
- $100 application fee
- $200 license fee
- $75 fingerprint fee
- Authorization for Release of Records
- Fingerprint card (FD-258)
- Nursing Program Verification form
- Official transcripts sent directly from your school
3. Complete a Criminal Background Check
Get fingerprinted by any approved law enforcement or fingerprinting service. Submit the completed card along with your other documents to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806
4. Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once the Board processes your application, Pearson VUE will email you authorization to test. The NCLEX covers:
- Safety and infection control
- Pharmacology
- Basic care and comfort
- Health promotion
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological adaptation
If you pass, your permanent license is issued. If not, you may retake the exam after 45 days, up to eight times per year.
đ Licensing by Endorsement (Already Licensed in Another State)
If you're an RN in another state, apply online or by paper for an Alaska license via endorsement.
What you'll need:
- Notarized application
- $100 application fee
- $200 license fee
- $75 fingerprint fee
- License and employment verification
- Authorization for Release of Records
- Fingerprint card (FD-258)
đ If your original license is from a NURSYS state, request electronic verification there. If not, send a certified true copy of your license, notarized.
Once your full application is received, Alaska may issue a non-renewable 6-month temporary permit so you can begin working right away.
đ How to Renew Your Alaska Nursing License
1. Know Your Timeline
Alaska RN licenses expire every two years on November 30 of even-numbered years. If issued within 90 days of that deadline, your license rolls over to the next cycle. Youâll receive a renewal notice 60 days prior.
- Renewal fee: $200
- If issued after Dec 1 of an odd year: $100
2. Complete Continuing Competency Requirements
To renew, choose two of the following:
- 320 hours of paid nursing work
- 30 contact hours of nursing CE
- 30 hours of professional or volunteer nursing activity
- Completion of a refresher course
- Six credits toward a nursing degree or certificate
đ§ââď¸ New grads who passed the NCLEX within the renewal period are exempt.
3. Submit Your Renewal
Alaska requires paper renewal submissions. There is no grace period, so be sure to mail your application before the deadline.
đľ Licensing Fees Summary (As of 2025)
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application (Exam or Endorsement) | $100 |
| License Fee | $200 |
| Fingerprint Processing | $75 |
| NCLEX Exam | $200 |
| Temporary Permit | $0 |
| License Verification (if needed) | $30 |
| APRN (with prescriptive authority) | $500 total |
Always verify current fees on the Boardâs official site.
đ Continuing Education Requirements for Renewal
Every two years, RNs and LPNs must complete two of the following:
- 30 contact hours
- 320 hours of paid nursing employment
- 30 hours of professional/volunteer activity
đ APRN prescriptive license holders must complete:
- 12 hours in pharmacology
- 12 hours in clinical management
- 2 hours in opioid and pain management (for DEA registration)
Need a New Job with That License?
Whether you're moving to Alaska or already living there, Goodwork can help you find high-paying nursing jobs that match your schedule and preferences. Youâll only be contacted about jobs you want, and recruiters canât spam you. Start here:
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