Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner License in Pennsylvania
Quick Answer
Pennsylvania certifies CRNPs who must collaborate with a physician for practice. A graduate degree, national certification, and continuing education are required. Contact the PA Nursing Board for current fee information.
- Exam
- ANCC or AANP certification exam
- Timeline
- 4-8 months after MSN/DNP graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner certification in Pennsylvania
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Salary in Pennsylvania
Entry Level
$101,370
Median
$127,400
Experienced
$159,920
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — ANCC or AANP certification exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 months after MSN/DNP graduation.
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Pennsylvania: What to Know
Pennsylvania issues a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) certification. CRNPs perform acts of medical diagnosis or prescription in collaboration with and under the direction of a physician. A graduate degree, third-party certification exam, continuing education, and work experience are required. Pennsylvania is a reduced practice state where NPs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician. The PA Department of State, Nursing Board oversees NP licensure. Fee information is not provided in the COS data.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license in Pennsylvania?
- The process typically takes 4-8 months after MSN/DNP graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license in Pennsylvania?
- You need to pass the ANCC or AANP certification exam. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.