🏔️ Welcome to Your Colorado Nursing Journey

If you’re dreaming of beginning or continuing your nursing career in the beautiful state of Colorado, your first step is to understand how to apply for your Colorado Board of Nursing license. Whether you’re a first-time NCLEX candidate, a relocating nurse from another state, or an internationally educated nurse, this in-depth guide will walk you through every step.

Colorado’s healthcare system is growing fast, especially in metro areas like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder. Nurses are in high demand, and the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBON) ensures that only qualified individuals provide safe, competent care.

At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’re here to simplify this process so you can focus on what matters most—becoming a nurse.

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📌 About the Colorado Board of Nursing (CBON)

The Colorado Board of Nursing is the licensing authority for Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Colorado. It operates under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Key Info:

• 🌐 Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing

• 📞 Phone: (303) 894-2430

• 📍 Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202

The board sets standards for:

• Initial and renewal licensure

• Education program approval

• Professional conduct and discipline

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👩‍⚕️ Types of Nursing Licenses in Colorado

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🎓 Licensure by Examination (New Grads – RNs & LPNs)

This is for students who recently graduated and are taking the NCLEX for the first time.

✅ Step 1: Graduate from an Approved Program

You must complete a board-approved nursing program. Colorado accepts in-state and out-of-state nursing schools as long as they are accredited.

✅ Step 2: Apply Online via Colorado DORA

• Create an account at: https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing

• Select “Apply for a Nursing License – By Examination”

• Submit:

  • Proof of graduation

  • Proof of lawful presence

  • Government-issued ID

  • Pay the application fee (~$88)

✅ Step 3: Register for the NCLEX

• Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

• Pay the $200 exam fee

• Choose Colorado as your state board

✅ Step 4: Fingerprints & Background Check

Colorado requires a state and FBI background check. Use an approved vendor like IdentoGO.

• ORI Code: CO920025Z

• Processing time: 7–14 days

• Cost: ~$50

✅ Step 5: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

Once your application is complete, you’ll receive your ATT from Pearson VUE. Use this to schedule your NCLEX exam.

✅ Step 6: Take the NCLEX

• Choose a test center and pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.

• Your results are sent directly to the Colorado Board of Nursing.

✅ Step 7: License Issued

Once you pass the NCLEX and your background check clears, your license will be issued online. Check status at:
👉 https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

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🌎 Licensure by Endorsement (For Out-of-State Nurses)

If you’re already licensed in another U.S. state, this is your path.

✅ Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state
If you already have a multistate license and your primary residence is in another NLC state, you can practice in Colorado without getting a new license.

To Apply by Endorsement:

1. Go to DORA Licensing Portal

2. Submit:

   • Verification of original license (via Nursys)

   • Proof of education (transcripts or diploma)

   • Proof of passing NCLEX

   • Fingerprint/background check

   • Pay the endorsement fee (~$43)

⏱️ Processing Time: 2–4 weeks (can be longer if documentation is missing)

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⏳ Temporary License

Colorado does not offer temporary permits for endorsement applicants. You must wait until your permanent license is issued before you begin working.

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📘 Continuing Education & License Renewal

Colorado uses a Continuing Competency program for license renewal.

Renewal Cycle:

• Every 2 years on September 30 (odd years for RNs, even years for LPNs)

• Renewal Fee: ~$108

CE Requirements:

Instead of a strict CE hour requirement, Colorado uses one of five options:

1. National certification

2. 20 contact hours of CE

3. 60 hours of independent learning

4. Professional portfolio

5. Self-assessment + learning plan

Learn more here:
👉 Continuing Competency Requirements

💡 Tip: Keep your documentation ready for audit — up to 25% of renewals are randomly audited each cycle.

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💉 Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Licensure in Colorado

To practice as an APN (CRNP, CRNA, CNS, CNM) in Colorado, you must:

1. Hold a current Colorado RN license

2. Graduate from an accredited advanced practice program

3. Pass a national certification exam

4. Submit an APN application via DORA

5. Apply for Prescriptive Authority (if needed)

Visit: dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/APN for detailed steps.

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📊 License Lookup & Verification

Use the public license lookup tool to verify a nurse’s credentials:

🔎 https://apps.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx

Employers and patients can confirm:

• Status (Active, Expired, Disciplined)

• License type

• Expiration date

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to get licensed in Colorado?

Most licenses are processed within 2–4 weeks, depending on documentation and background check timing.

Q: Can I apply before graduating?

No. You must have your final transcript or certificate of program completion before applying.

Q: How do I expedite my application?

• Submit all documents early

• Avoid errors in your online application

• Complete fingerprinting as soon as possible

Q: Does Colorado require CE for renewal?

Yes, but it’s part of the continuing competency model rather than a fixed number of CE hours.

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📍 Why Choose Colorado?

Aside from breathtaking views and active lifestyles, Colorado offers:

✅ High demand for nurses
✅ Competitive salaries
✅ Magnet-status hospitals and major healthcare systems
✅ Nurse-friendly legislation

Whether you’re fresh out of school or bringing years of experience from another state, Colorado welcomes nurses with open arms and clear licensure pathways.

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🎓 Final Thoughts: Start Your Colorado Nursing Career Today

Becoming licensed by the Colorado Board of Nursing is a structured, well-documented process. Whether you’re applying by exam or endorsement, the most important steps are:

• Know your path (exam vs. endorsement)

• Apply early and carefully through the DORA portal

• Prepare well for the NCLEX with help from NCLEXPrepGuide.com

• Stay compliant with continuing education

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✅ Want NCLEX Help?

Start your career strong with:

• 💻 Free NCLEX Practice Questions

• 🎯 NCLEX Review Courses

• 🧠 Nursing License State Guides

We’re here to help you succeed—one state, one license, and one patient at a time.