Alabama Board of Nursing License

Send your queries

Get in Touch!

    🩺 Welcome to NCLEXPrepGuide.com: Your Trusted Resource for Nursing Licensure

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’re here to walk you through the entire nursing licensure journey. If you’re ready to start your career as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alabama, this comprehensive, up-to-date guide will show you how to apply for and obtain your Alabama Board of Nursing license in 2025.

    Whether you’re a nursing student preparing for the NCLEX, a recent graduate, or a licensed nurse seeking endorsement in Alabama β€” this post covers everything you need.


    πŸ—‚οΈ Table of Contents

    1. About the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN)

    2. Who Needs an Alabama Nursing License

    3. Step-by-Step Guide for New Graduates (By Examination)

    4. NCLEX Registration & Tips

    5. Background Check & Fingerprinting

    6. Applying by Endorsement (Out-of-State Nurses)

    7. Temporary Permit Option

    8. Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

    9. License Renewal Instructions

    10. Advanced Practice Nursing in Alabama

    11. License Verification Process

    12. Frequently Asked Questions

    13. Downloadable Checklist & Resources


    πŸ“Œ About the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN)

    The Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) is the state regulatory agency responsible for ensuring that all nurses meet licensing, education, and ethical standards. It governs RNs, LPNs, and Advanced Practice Nurses across the state.

    • 🌐 Official Website: www.abn.alabama.gov

    • πŸ“ž Phone: (800) 656-5318

    • 🏒 Address: 770 Washington Ave., RSA Plaza Suite 250, Montgomery, AL 36130

    The ABN also ensures ongoing compliance through continuing education (CE) and disciplinary review.


    πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ Who Needs an Alabama Nursing License?

    You must apply for an Alabama nursing license if:

    • You recently graduated from a board-approved nursing school (RN/LPN).

    • You are moving to Alabama and are not licensed in an NLC state.

    • You are applying to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Alabama.

    πŸ’‘ Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. This means nurses with multistate licenses from other NLC states may practice in Alabama without reapplying β€” unless they move to Alabama permanently.


    πŸŽ“ How to Apply by Examination (New Graduates)

    This section is for first-time RN or LPN applicants.

    βœ… Step 1: Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program

    You must complete an Alabama Board-approved nursing program or a program that’s equivalent in another state. Make sure your transcripts are sent directly to the ABN.

    βœ… Step 2: Register for the NCLEX Exam

    Visit www.pearsonvue.com/nclex to register and pay the $200 fee. Select Alabama as your nursing board.

    βœ… Step 3: Apply for Licensure with the ABN

    • Create an account at MyABN

    • Select “Application by Examination”

    • Upload your ID, proof of citizenship, and education

    • Pay the licensing fee (approximately $100)

    βœ… Step 4: Complete Background Check & Fingerprinting

    • Use Gemalto Cogent/Thales to submit your fingerprints

    • Fees average around $50

    • You’ll be issued an ORI code during the ABN application process

    βœ… Step 5: Get Your Authorization to Test (ATT)

    Pearson VUE will email you the ATT once your documents are verified. You can then schedule your NCLEX exam.

    βœ… Step 6: Take the NCLEX Exam

    Once scheduled, take your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Results are usually available within 48 hours and sent directly to ABN.

    βœ… Step 7: Receive Your License

    If you pass, the ABN will issue your license within 2–3 business days. You can confirm licensure using the ABN License Lookup.


    πŸ“˜ NCLEX Tips from NCLEXPrepGuide.com

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’ve helped thousands of nurses pass their NCLEX exams confidently. Here are 3 essential tips:

    1. Study Strategically – Use our high-yield review guides and Q-bank.

    2. Practice NCLEX-Style Questions Daily – Focus on SATA, prioritization, and safety.

    3. Simulate Real Test Conditions – Take full-length practice exams under time limits.

    πŸ‘‰ Ready to boost your NCLEX score? Check out our Free Practice Questions and NCLEX Review Courses now!


    🌍 Applying for a License by Endorsement (Out-of-State Nurses)

    Already licensed in another U.S. state? You may apply for license by endorsement unless you’re from another NLC state with a multistate license.

    Documents You’ll Need:

    • Proof of graduation from an approved program

    • NCLEX exam results

    • Verification of original license (via Nursys.com)

    • Fingerprints and background check

    • Fee payment (~$200) via MyABN

    Once complete, you’ll receive your Alabama license via email.


    ⏳ Temporary Permit (90 Days)

    Need to start work while waiting on your permanent license?

    Alabama offers a non-renewable 90-day temporary permit for endorsement applicants.

    βœ… Requirements:

    • Application submitted

    • All documents received (except fingerprint results)


    πŸ”„ License Renewal & CE Requirements

    Renewal Period:

    • RNs: Every even-numbered year

    • LPNs: Every odd-numbered year

    • Opens in September, closes December 31

    Continuing Education:

    • Minimum 24 CE contact hours required per renewal cycle

    • Must come from an ABN-approved provider

    πŸ’‘ Browse our top-rated Online CEU Courses to stay compliant with zero hassle.


    πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ APRN Licensure in Alabama

    If you’re pursuing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license β€” including CRNP, CRNA, CNM, or CNS β€” you must:

    1. Hold a valid Alabama RN license

    2. Have an MSN or DNP from an accredited program

    3. Pass your national certification exam (e.g., AANP, ANCC)

    4. Apply for Collaborative Practice Agreement with a supervising physician

    5. Pay application and review fees


    πŸ” Verify an Alabama Nursing License

    Employers and the public can verify licenses at:

    πŸ”— ABN License Lookup Tool
    Search by name or license number.


    πŸ™‹ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1: How long does licensure take after NCLEX?

    Licenses are issued within 1–3 business days of passing the NCLEX.

    Q2: Can I practice in Alabama with a Florida license?

    Only if your Florida license is a multistate (NLC) license and you do not reside in Alabama.

    Q3: What’s the cost to get licensed in Alabama?

    Expect to spend around $350–$400, including:

    • Application: $100

    • NCLEX: $200

    • Fingerprinting: $50

    • Optional prep materials


    πŸ“₯ Download the Free Checklist

    🧾 Want a printable version of this guide? Download the Alabama Nursing License Checklist (PDF) to stay organized.


    πŸš€ Final Thoughts: Start Your Alabama Nursing Journey with Confidence

    Whether you’re testing for the first time or transferring from another state, the Alabama Board of Nursing license process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow the steps in this guide, keep your documents in order, and rely on NCLEXPrepGuide.com for expert test prep and licensing tips.

    🧠 Need help with NCLEX preparation?
    πŸ“š Access our complete NCLEX Review System
    ✍️ Join our private Facebook study group
    πŸ“ˆ Let us help you become a licensed nurse in 2025!