To work as an RN in Georgia you license with the Georgia Board of Nursing (Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards) through the GOALS portal. The application fee is US$40, you register with Pearson VUE and with GAPS/Idemia for fingerprints on the same day you apply, your school sends the transcript, and the Board reviews complete files in about 15 business days. You must pass the NCLEX-RN within three years of graduation. Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
✓ Checked against Georgia BON's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
BoardGeorgia Board of Nursing (Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division)
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)
Application feeUS$40, non-refundable; the same for a repeat exam application
FingerprintsGAPS Applicant Processing Service (Idemia), GCIC and FBI check, at your cost
Time limitpass within 3 years of graduation (Rule 410-2-.01)
CompactYes, since January 19, 2018; tick 'Qualifies for an eNLC (multistate license)' on the application
The steps, in order (graduates of a Georgia program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
8 steps
If you were educated outside the United States
The exam is the same; the path to being allowed to write it is longer. These are the extra steps.
4 steps
Documents to have ready
GOALS Licensure by Exam application and US$40 fee
Pearson VUE registration (US$200) in the same name
GAPS/Idemia registration and fingerprints (GCIC and FBI), plus the background consent form
Official transcript sent by the nursing school or its vendor
Secure and verifiable identity document, affidavit of citizenship or immigration documents, Social Security number
Court documents and letter of explanation for any arrest, if applicable
International graduates: TruMerit credentials evaluation, verification of current licensure, TOEFL if required, Verification of Employment form if you graduated more than four years ago
Fees
Licensure by examination applicationnon-refundable; Repeat Exam application also US$40
US$40
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
GAPS/Idemia fingerprint background checkpaid to the vendor
varies
TruMerit credentials evaluation (international)paid to TruMerit
varies
How long it takes
Register with Pearson VUE and GAPS/Idemia on the day you submit the application.
Complete applications are typically reviewed within 15 business days of the last document.
Deficiencies must be fixed within 60 days or the application is withdrawn.
Retake after 45 days (Pearson VUE rule); pass within 3 years of graduation.
Licences expire January 31 in alternating years; late renewal runs to the end of February.
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Do the three registrations the same day (GOALS, Pearson VUE, GAPS); the Board's own guide says it is the fastest route to an ATT.
Georgia's US$40 fee is one of the lowest in the country, but the fingerprint vendor and TruMerit (if international) are paid separately.
Plan your start date after the result: the Board's FAQ bars graduates from working or even starting orientation in a licensed role before the licence is issued.
If Georgia is your primary state of residence, tick the eNLC box on the first application rather than upgrading later.
Questions people ask about Georgia
How do I register for the NCLEX in Georgia?
Apply for Licensure by Exam in the GOALS portal (US$40), register with Pearson VUE (US$200) and with GAPS/Idemia for fingerprints on the same day, and have your school send the official transcript. The Board reviews complete files in about 15 business days and makes you eligible; Pearson VUE then emails the Authorization to Test.
How much does a Georgia RN licence cost?
US$40 to the Board, US$200 to Pearson VUE and the GAPS/Idemia fingerprint fee. A repeat exam application is another US$40.
Can I work in Georgia before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
The Board's FAQ says no: temporary permits are not issued to graduates, and you may not work or start orientation in a position that requires an RN licence until the licence is issued. The Board's site also lists a 'Temporary Permits for New Nursing Graduates' guide, so confirm with the Board directly.
Is Georgia a compact state?
Yes, since January 19, 2018. If Georgia is your primary state of residence you apply for the multistate licence by ticking 'Qualifies for an eNLC (multistate license)' on the application; existing single-state licences are upgraded on request, not automatically.
How long do I have to pass the NCLEX-RN in Georgia?
Three years from graduation (from the eligibility date for internationally educated nurses). After that, Rule 410-2-.01 requires you to graduate from an approved nursing program again. You may reapply any time after a fail, but Pearson VUE grants eligibility only after 45 days.
What do internationally educated nurses need for Georgia?
A TruMerit (CGFNS) credentials evaluation, official transcripts, verification of a current nursing licence where you trained, TOEFL if required, the US$40 application, GAPS fingerprints, identity and lawful-presence documents, and 500 hours of RN practice in the last four years (or a re-entry program) if you graduated more than four years ago.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on Georgia BON'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 Georgia Board of Nursing.
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