Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner License in Pennsylvania
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Pennsylvania, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and complete CE for renewal. Pennsylvania is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $400. The state has major healthcare hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $400 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner certification in Pennsylvania
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $95
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $65
- Total Estimated Cost
- $400
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania licensing board.
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Salary in Pennsylvania
Entry Level
$67,410
Median
$87,610
Experienced
$116,590
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 — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$95.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Pennsylvania: What to Know
Pennsylvania titles the license 'Registered Professional Nurse' and requires a degree, NCLEX-RN, and CE for renewal. No blanket criminal record prohibitions exist. Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The Nursing Board under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs oversees licensure. Pennsylvania has two major healthcare corridors: Philadelphia (Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple) and Pittsburgh (UPMC, Allegheny Health Network). The state's large population and numerous healthcare systems make it one of the top nursing employers nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license cost in Pennsylvania?
- The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license in Pennsylvania?
- 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 Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license in Pennsylvania?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). 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 14, 2026.