Registered Nurse License in Connecticut
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Connecticut, you must graduate from a nursing program meeting RSA standards and pass the NCLEX-RN. Foreign graduates need CGFNS certification. Connecticut is NOT an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $420. Connecticut is notable for annual (not biennial) license renewal.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $420 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 1 year
Requirements
Registered Nurse registration in Connecticut
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $120
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $120
- Total Estimated Cost
- $420
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse license in Connecticut. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Connecticut licensing board.
Registered Nurse Salary in Connecticut
Entry Level
$78,660
Median
$101,590
Experienced
$132,840
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse in Connecticut.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$120.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse Licensing in Connecticut: What to Know
Connecticut requires completion of a nursing program meeting the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RSA) standards. The NCLEX-RN is administered as a third-party exam. External degree programs are reviewed individually — Excelsior College's program has been approved. Foreign-trained applicants must complete the CGFNS International Certification Program before sitting for the NCLEX-RN. Connecticut is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The state's high cost of living is offset by strong nursing salaries, particularly in the Hartford and New Haven hospital systems. Annual license renewal makes Connecticut one of the few states without biennial renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Connecticut?
- The estimated total cost is $420, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse license in Connecticut?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse license in Connecticut?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.