To work as an RN in Arizona you license with the Arizona State Board of Nursing through its Nurse Portal. Expect about US$350 in Board fees (application plus fingerprint processing), a fingerprint-based background check, proof of US citizenship or lawful status under A.R.S. § 41-1080, and a program statement or transcript from your school. Arizona generally does not give new graduates a temporary licence to work before NCLEX results, and the exam must be passed within two years of finishing the program. Arizona is an original Nurse Licensure Compact state. The Board's own site blocked our checks on October 7, 2026, so fees are from the statute, the University of Arizona's licensing guide and the Board's rules; confirm amounts in the portal.
✓ Checked against AZBN's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
BoardArizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN), Nurse Portal
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)
Feesabout US$350 (application + fingerprint processing); amounts set yearly by the Board, confirm in the portal
Lawful presenceproof of citizenship or qualified alien status under A.R.S. § 41-1080, plus SSN
Time limitpass within two years of completing the program or the Board may require more education
CompactYes (original 2002 member; enhanced NLC since January 19, 2018)
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
How long it takes
Apply about two months before graduation (Board recommendation per the University of Arizona guide).
Fingerprint results: electronic about 30 days; paper cards 8 to 12 weeks (secondary sources).
ATT about 90 days; retake after 45 days.
Pass within two years of completing the program.
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Have a § 41-1080 document ready before you apply; a missing lawful-presence proof stalls the file.
Choose electronic fingerprints over cards if offered: weeks faster.
Do not plan on a temporary licence; Arizona graduates normally wait for results.
The two-year clock starts at program completion, not at your first attempt.
Questions people ask about Arizona
How do I register for the NCLEX in Arizona?
Apply in the AZBN Nurse Portal with the fees, fingerprints and proof of lawful presence, have your program send its statement or transcript, and register with Pearson VUE (US$200). When the Board makes you eligible, Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test.
How much does an Arizona RN licence cost?
About US$350 to the Board for the application and fingerprint processing (statutory caps: US$150 exam application, US$150 licence, US$50 fingerprints) plus US$200 to Pearson VUE. The Board's site was unreachable on the date we checked, so confirm the current amounts in the portal.
Can I work in Arizona before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
Usually not. The rules allow a temporary licence, but the Board generally does not issue one to graduates awaiting results; ask the Board about your situation.
Is Arizona a compact state?
Yes. Arizona was an original compact state in 2002 and implemented the enhanced NLC on January 19, 2018. Arizona residents who meet the uniform requirements receive a multistate licence.
How long do I have to pass the NCLEX-RN in Arizona?
Two years from completing your nursing program; after that the Board may require additional education or a refresher course before you test again.
What English test does Arizona accept?
TOEFL iBT 84 (26 speaking), IELTS Academic 6.5 (6.0 each module) or PTE Academic 55 (50 each section), unless you have 960 hours of nursing work in the past five years in an English-speaking country.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on AZBN's and NCSBN's own pages on October 7, 2026; when a detail matters to you, confirm it there:
This guide explains the process; it is not legal or immigration advice. Decisions about your eligibility are made by Arizona State Board of Nursing.
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