Requirements, fees, CE hours, and board contacts for all 50 states

State-specific guidance

Select your state from the All 50 States page to see the exact credential, fee, CE hours, and prescribing rules that apply to you. The steps below apply to every state.

DEA Fee

$888/3 yrs

Exam

AANP or ANCC

CE varies

0–80 hrs/cycle

Avg Fee

$526

Verify your active RN license

Hold a current RN license in your target state, or a compact multistate RN license. Check your state board website to confirm it’s in good standing.

Complete an accredited MSN or DNP

Your graduate program must be CCNE or ACEN accredited with a focus on your NP specialty and at least 500 supervised clinical hours.

Pass your national certification exam

AANP or ANCC in your specialty. For PMHNP: ANCC PMHNP-BC only. Your state board will verify this directly with the certifying body.

Submit your NP/APRN application

Apply online to your state Board of Nursing. Upload transcripts, certification verification, and any required affidavits. Pay your state fee.

Complete background check

Most states require fingerprinting through an approved vendor. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing before your license is issued.

Establish supervision or collaborative agreement (if required)

Restricted and Reduced practice states require a signed agreement with a physician before you can prescribe. File it with the board before seeing patients.

Apply for DEA registration

After your state license is issued, apply at dea.gov. Fee: $888 every 3 years. Required for all Schedule II–V prescribing. Register with your state PDMP within 30 days.

Apply for state controlled-substance registration (if required)

Some states require a separate state CDS certificate. Check your board website — this is separate from DEA.