healthcare

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Mountain Health

Goodwork author

07 May 2025 — 3 min read

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Mountain Health Systems

Living in Colorado brings a variety of year-round pleasures: striking fall colors, excellent skiing in winter, hiking trails in spring, and stunning beaches in summer. Nurses benefit from these opportunities alongside competitive salaries. The journey begins with obtaining a nursing license in Colorado.

In this article, we will discuss:

How to obtain your nursing license in Colorado through examination
How to acquire your license via endorsement
The renewal process for your Colorado nursing license
Associated licensing fees
Continuing education criteria
Ways to contact the Colorado Board of Nursing

How to Obtain Your Nursing License in Colorado by Examination

Step 1: Educational Background
Whether you complete your nursing education at one of Colorado's reputable nursing schools or in another state, a robust education from an accredited institution is essential. Various routes to becoming a registered nurse include:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree and take the additional classes needed for RN certification.

After obtaining your nursing degree, you may apply for a registered nurse license in Colorado.

Step 2: Apply
The Colorado Office of Professional Regulation has ceased accepting paper applications. All applicants for a registered nurse license must create an account and submit their application and fees through the state’s online service. Candidates should indicate if they are applying as a single state license (SSL) nurse or for compact privileges with a multistate license (MSL).

Additionally, registered nurse candidates must register with Pearson VUE and pay a $200 fee for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 3: Transcript Submission
Graduates from nursing programs within Colorado do not need to provide official transcripts. However, nurses who completed their education outside of Colorado must submit a Verification of Education Form. Candidates should fill out the form and send it to their nursing program, which will then send the completed verification, signed and stamped, along with the official transcripts, directly to the Colorado Board of Nursing.

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)
A Criminal Background Check is mandatory for nursing licensure in Colorado. Candidates are required to print and complete a notarized release form, upload it with their application, and await a Fingerprint Authorization Certificate from the Office of Professional Regulation. Candidates must schedule an appointment for fingerprinting with a printed authorization card in hand.

The completed Fingerprint Authorization Certificate needs to be sent to the Colorado Crime Information Center. Candidates fingerprinting in Colorado can find information regarding locations. Those fingerprinting outside must reach out to a local law enforcement office.

Step 5: Take the NCLEX
Once the Office of Professional Regulation has processed your application, Pearson VUE will send you an authorization for the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam is your final step toward obtaining your license, evaluating your foundational nursing knowledge.

Candidates in Colorado who do not pass the NCLEX-RN may retake the exam once. A second failure necessitates completion of a nursing refresher course and a new application to take the test.

Licensing by Endorsement (for Existing RNs)

Registered nurses already licensed in another state wishing to practice in Colorado can apply for licensure by endorsement. This begins by creating an account and submitting an application through the online service platform. A Fast Track Endorsement is available for nurses who have maintained good standing for three years prior to application.

Verification of Licensure:
Colorado requires verification of the initial and current nursing licenses. Nurses licensed in NURSYS-participating states can request electronic submissions to Colorado. Those from non-participating states should fill out the top part of a specified form and inquire with their Board of Nursing for completion.

Renew Your Application

Similar to initial applications, Colorado does not permit paper renewal applications. You can renew your registered nurse license through the designated online link.

Colorado Nursing Licensing Fees

Here are the costs associated with becoming a nurse in Colorado, whether you are a new nurse or relocating from another state. For more details, please visit the Colorado licensing page.

Licensing fees based on examination (for first-time nurses):

NCLEX exam: $200
Application fee: $60
Fingerprint fee: $25

Licensing fees via endorsement (if already licensed):

Application fee: $150
Fingerprint fee: $25

License renewal fee:

Application fee: $95

As of February 1, 2022, Colorado became a nursing compact state, permitting multi-state licenses. Stay updated by visiting the NCSBN site.

Continuing Education Requirements

For RN/LPN: The renewal time frame is biennial:

50 days (400 hours) every two years, or 120 days (960 hours) within a five-year period following the current licensing cycle.

For APRN: The renewal cycle lasts two years:

Maintain current national certification from an approved APRN specialty certifying body and complete 50 days (400 hours) every two years or 120 days (960 hours) within five years after the current certification expires.