To work as an RN in North Dakota you license with the North Dakota Board of Nursing through its Nurse Portal: the Initial License by Exam application, an official transcript with the degree posted and Pearson VUE registration. Complete those within 60 days of your degree being conferred and the Board issues a free 90-day Graduate Nurse Work Authorization automatically with your ATT. The criminal history record check costs US$40 to the Attorney General plus fingerprinting and is valid 180 days. Results are emailed within about 48 hours and licences issued in 5 to 10 business days. North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
✓ Checked against NDBON's official pages on October 7, 2026
At a glance
BoardNorth Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON)
ExamNCLEX-RN, through Pearson VUE (US$200)
Application feenon-refundable, paid by card in the Nurse Portal (amount shown at checkout)
Work Authorization90-day Graduate Nurse Work Authorization, free, automatic with the ATT if you complete the application within 60 days of your degree
CHRCUS$40 to the ND Attorney General plus fingerprinting; valid 180 days
CompactYes, since January 19, 2018; multistate automatic for ND residents
The steps, in order (graduates of a North Dakota program)
Tick each step as you finish it; your progress is saved on this device.
7 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.
2 steps
Documents to have ready
Nurse Portal Initial License by Exam application and fee
Official transcript with the degree posted, via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or mail
Pearson VUE registration (US$200)
Criminal History Record Check form, fingerprints and US$40 to the ND Attorney General
Primary State of Residence declaration (in the application)
International graduates: credential evaluation and English evidence per the international application
Fees
Initial licence by exam applicationnon-refundable, card payment
shown in the Nurse Portal
Criminal History Record Check (BCI)payable to the ND Attorney General, plus fingerprinting charges
US$40
Graduate Nurse Work Authorizationautomatic with the ATT when eligible
US$0
NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson VUE)per attempt, non-refundable. US$350 from Feb 1, 2027.
US$200
Retest applicationwithin one year of initial eligibility; new CHRC if over 180 days
Board retest fee
How long it takes
Complete the application within 60 days of your degree being conferred to receive the Work Authorization.
Work Authorization: 90 days, non-renewable, ends on a first failed result.
ATT valid 90 days.
Official results emailed within about 48 hours.
Licence processing: 5 to 10 business days after the pass and CHRC.
CHRC valid 180 days.
Mistakes that cost people time or money
Finish the whole application within 60 days of graduation or you lose the free 90-day Work Authorization.
Do not attend orientation before the Work Authorization is issued; the Board is explicit about this.
Time the US$40 CHRC so it is still inside its 180 days when you pass.
A fail ends the Work Authorization and no new one is issued for retests; tell your employer immediately.
Questions people ask about North Dakota
How do I register for the NCLEX in North Dakota?
Submit the Initial License by Exam application in the NDBON Nurse Portal, have your program send the transcript with the degree posted, register with Pearson VUE (US$200) and submit the Criminal History Record Check (US$40 plus fingerprinting). The Board makes you eligible and Pearson VUE emails the Authorization to Test, valid 90 days.
How much does a North Dakota RN licence cost?
The non-refundable application fee shown in the Nurse Portal, US$40 to the Attorney General for the record check plus the fingerprinting charge, and US$200 to Pearson VUE. The Graduate Nurse Work Authorization is free.
Can I work in North Dakota before I pass the NCLEX-RN?
Yes, on the 90-day Graduate Nurse Work Authorization, issued automatically at no cost with your ATT if you complete the application within 60 days of your degree being conferred. It ends after 90 days or when a first failed result is processed, and must be issued before you practise or attend orientation.
Is North Dakota a compact state?
Yes, since January 19, 2018. North Dakota residents receive a multistate licence automatically with the Primary State of Residence declaration; residents of another compact state apply at home.
How fast are NCLEX results and licences in North Dakota?
The Board emails official results within about 48 hours of testing and issues the licence within 5 to 10 business days once it has the pass and the CHRC results.
What happens to my Work Authorization if I fail?
It ends when the failed result is processed, and the Board does not issue work authorizations for retesting; you may not practise as a graduate nurse again until licensed.
Official links and sources
Rules and fees change. Everything on this page was read on NDBON'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 North Dakota Board of Nursing.
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