North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON): NCBON regulates the practice and licensing of all nurses in North Carolina. Their authority covers LPNs, RNs, and APRNs in the state.
Steps to Licensure
- Graduate from an NCBON-approved practical or registered nursing program.
- Apply for licensure by examination with NCBON and register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE.
- Submit fingerprints for the criminal background check NCBON requires before it issues a license.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN for practical nursing or the NCLEX-RN for registered nursing.
- Receive your license and renew it on NCBON's two-year cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pass the NCLEX to get licensed in North Carolina? Yes. NCBON requires every candidate to pass the NCLEX-PN for practical nursing or the NCLEX-RN for registered nursing before it issues a license.
Is a criminal background check required? Yes. NCBON requires a criminal background check before it issues a license. The background check is not required to apply for or sit for the NCLEX, but the license will not be issued until it clears.
Is North Carolina a compact state? Yes. North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so a North Carolina multistate license lets you practice in other compact states without a separate license.
How long does it take to become a nurse in North Carolina? An associate degree route runs about two years and a BSN about four, plus a few weeks for the application, background check, and NCLEX scheduling.
How often do I renew my North Carolina license? NCBON renews RN and LPN licenses on a two-year cycle. Renew through the NCBON Nurse Gateway before your license expires.
Can I become an advanced practice nurse in North Carolina? Yes. After you hold an RN license and finish a graduate APRN program, NCBON grants APRN approval in roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.