Georgia Nursing License: Lookup, Renewal, CE, and Fees

Georgia has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact since January 19, 2018, according to the NCSBN's compact map. A nurse who holds a multistate license from another compact state and makes Georgia their primary state of residence can practice in Georgia under that multistate license, and the board offers an upgrade to an eNLC (Compact) license for nurses who meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements. A nurse moving from a non-compact state, or one without multistate eligibility at home, must apply through endorsement instead.

Endorsement applicants submit official transcripts, Nursys verification of their current and original license, a GAPS/Idemia fingerprint background check, and TOEFL scores when required. Applicants must also show graduation within the last 4 years, 500 hours of RN practice in the last 4 years, or completion of a board-approved re-entry program, which is the only path that includes the Georgia RN Jurisprudence Exam. The endorsement fee is $75, and Georgia does not offer a temporary permit while an application is pending.

Georgia requires graduation from a board-approved nursing education program before an applicant can seek licensure. Candidates then register for and pass the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE, and may register the same day they apply; new licensees take no separate jurisprudence exam. Graduates of US programs must pass the NCLEX within 3 years of graduation, or reapply using the Repeat Exam application, which carries a $40 fee. International graduates need a credential evaluation through TruMerit, formerly CGFNS, and TOEFL scores if required.