Nurse Practitioners License in Colorado
Quick Answer
Colorado is a full practice authority state for nurse practitioners. Military members and spouses are exempt from licensure requirements. The COS data does not provide specific fees; contact the Colorado Board of Nursing at dpo.colorado.gov for current requirements and fees.
- Exam
- ANCC or AANP certification exam
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Nurse Practitioners license in Colorado
Nurse Practitioners Salary in Colorado
Entry Level
$83,060
Median
$129,750
Experienced
$165,970
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioners in Colorado.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — ANCC or AANP certification exam
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation.
Nurse Practitioners Licensing in Colorado: What to Know
Colorado's COS data provides only a generic Board of Nursing description without NP-specific fee or requirement details. Colorado is a full practice authority (FPA) state, granting NPs independent practice authority including prescribing without physician oversight. Notably, Colorado exempts military members and their spouses from licensure requirements. The Colorado State Board of Nursing, under the Division of Professions & Occupations (DORA), oversees NP licensing. Contact DORA for current fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Nurse Practitioners license in Colorado?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nurse Practitioners license in Colorado?
- You need to pass the ANCC or AANP certification exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nurse Practitioners requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.