healthcare

A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Oregon

Goodwork author

01 May 2025 — 4 min read

Obtaining Your Oregon Nursing License by Examination

Step 1: Education

Begin by completing an approved nursing program. Oregon’s list of approved programs ensures quality education, including out-of-state clinical experiences linked to online courses that meet high standards. Graduates from out-of-state should check clinical placement requirements. Options include:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Accelerated BSN for individuals with a different bachelor's degree

Step 2: Application

Begin your application by setting up an account on the OSBN Nurse Portal. Note: Tablets and smartphones aren’t compatible; use a Windows PC or laptop with Chrome or Edge. To complete your application, you must:Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals+3OSBN+3OSBN+3

Be within two years of graduating from an approved program
Provide your Social Security number
Complete two hours of cultural competency education in the last two years
Document completing the Pain Management Education via the Oregon Pain Management Commission
Have fingerprints collected as directed by the Board
Pay a $160 application fee
Register and pay $200 for the NCLEX-RN examContentful+2Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals+2Heartbeat AI+2 vermont-nurse-renewal.pdffiller.com

Step 3: Transcripts

If you’re a graduate from an Oregon registered nursing program, your graduation will be confirmed electronically through the Affidavit of Graduation portal. Out-of-state graduates must send official transcripts directly to the Oregon Board of Nursing, detailing graduation date and degree.

Step 4: Background Check

Oregon law requires a criminal background check using Livescan for fingerprinting. Fieldprint, with the largest network of Livescan sites, handles this process. After submitting your application and fee, you’ll receive an email with instructions for fingerprinting. The email includes a unique link to the Oregon State Board of Nursing section on Fieldprint’s website to schedule an appointment. Pay a $70.50 fee. Bring the confirmation and two IDs to your appointment. Fieldprint sends fingerprints to the Oregon State Police, then to the FBI. Schedule promptly as this may take weeks.

Step 5: NCLEX Exam

Once your application is approved, the Oregon Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE, and you’ll receive an Authorization to Test email. Schedule your NCLEX-RN exam. This exam is critical for becoming a registered nurse, evaluating your knowledge in:

Safe and Effective Care Environment
Management of Care
Safety and Infection Control
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial and Physiological Integrity
Basic Care and Comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Physiological AdaptationAMN Healthcare+15CEUfast+15OSBN+15 Board of Nursing+4NurseCE4Less+4CEUfast+4

Oregon mandates passing the NCLEX within two years of graduating. If you fail, you must meet reexamination requirements and pay the NCLEX fee again. Retesting is allowed every 46 days during the two-year window. Oregon doesn’t offer temporary permits while awaiting NCLEX results.

Licensing by Endorsement for Current RNs

If you’re an RN from another state aiming for an Oregon license by endorsement, you need at least 400 hours of practice in the last two years or graduation within two years of application. Requirements include:

Official pre-licensure program transcripts sent to the Oregon Board of Nursing
Proof of passing NCLEX or SBTPE scores. Many states use NURSYS for validation; if yours doesn’t, send details directly to the Oregon Board.
Complete two hours of cultural competency education within the past two years.
Document the Pain Management Education through the Oregon Pain Management Commission plus six CEUs.
Have fingerprints collected for the background check. Fieldprint Inc. facilitates fingerprinting nationwide by appointment.

Renewing Your Oregon Nursing License

Step 1: Renewal Timing

Oregon RN licenses are valid for two years, expiring at 11:59 pm on your birthday in odd/even years. If licensed in an odd year but born in an even year, renew on your next birthday. First licenses may be valid for only a few months due to this system. Renewal notices start 90 days before expiration, but not receiving one isn’t an excuse for late renewal.Submit your application and $145 fee before the deadline. No grace period. A $100 fee applies if renewed within 30 days of expiration, plus $50 per day after 30 days.

Step 2: Continuing Competency

Complete the Oregon Pain Management module and two hours of cultural competency education at each renewal. This doesn’t require accreditation or CEUs. To meet competency standards, RNs need 400 practice hours in two years.

If less than 600 hours in three years, 20 CEUs are required.
If less than 800 hours in four years, 30 CEUs are needed.
Less than 960 hours in five years requires practice re-entry.

The Oregon Nurses Association Education Center offers free CEU classes with immediate certification.Oregon RN+1Oregon RN+1

Step 3: Renewal Application

To renew your license, create an account on the OSBN Nurse Portal. Mobile devices aren’t supported. Use a Windows PC or laptop with Chrome or Edge.Oregon Secretary of State+3OSBN+3OSBN+3