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Idaho Nursing License
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Idaho Nursing License

Idaho Nursing License
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    🏞️ Begin Your Nursing Career in Idaho

    If you’re considering building your nursing career in the Gem State, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a first-time nursing graduate, a nurse moving from another state, or an internationally educated professional, securing your Idaho nursing license is your first step to practicing in this beautiful and fast-growing state.

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’re here to make the entire licensure journey easy to understand. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we walk you through everything—from NCLEX registration to fingerprinting, from CE requirements to license renewal.

    🏛️ About the Idaho Board of Nursing

    The Idaho Board of Nursing is the official state agency that regulates nursing practice, education, and licensure. It ensures all nurses meet legal and professional standards to protect public safety.

    Contact Information:

    👩‍⚕️ Types of Nursing Licenses in Idaho

    License Type Description Requires NCLEX
    LPN Licensed Practical Nurse Yes (NCLEX-PN)
    RN Registered Nurse Yes (NCLEX-RN)
    APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Yes (National certification + MSN/DNP)

    ✅ Licensure by Examination (For New Grads)

    This route is for nursing school graduates who are not yet licensed and need to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN.

    Step 1: Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program

    Ensure your nursing education is from an approved/accredited program recognized by the Idaho Board of Nursing.

    Step 2: Create an Idaho Nurse Portal Account

    Go to ibn.idaho.gov and click “Apply for Licensure”. You’ll be redirected to the Idaho Nurse Portal.

    Step 3: Submit Your Application for Licensure

    • Choose “Licensure by Examination”

    • Upload:

      • Official transcript (must include graduation date and degree earned)

      • Proof of legal presence

      • Recent passport-style photo

    • Pay the application fee (~$110)

    Step 4: Register for NCLEX

    Step 5: Fingerprinting & Background Check

    Idaho requires a full background check for all new applicants:

    • Submit fingerprints using the Board’s fingerprint card or live scan

    • Fee: ~$45

    • Results take 7–14 business days

    Step 6: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

    Once your application is processed and your fingerprinting is complete, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE.

    Step 7: Take the NCLEX

    • Choose a test center and take your NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN

    • Your results are sent directly to the Board

    Step 8: Receive Your License

    If you pass, the Idaho Board of Nursing will issue your license via the Nurse Portal. You’ll receive a digital confirmation and can verify your license online.

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

    Already a licensed nurse in another U.S. state? You’ll apply by endorsement.

    ✅ Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state
    If you already have a multistate license from another NLC state and maintain legal residence there, you can work in Idaho without applying for a separate license.

    If you’re relocating to Idaho, you must apply for Idaho licensure by endorsement.

    Required Documents:

    • Verification of original licensure (via Nursys)

    • Valid government-issued ID

    • Official transcripts (if NCLEX results not available via Nursys)

    • Fingerprint/background check

    • Application fee: ~$110

    👉 Apply through the Idaho Nurse Portal

    📋 Temporary Permit for Endorsement Applicants

    Idaho offers a Temporary License (valid for 90 days) to qualified endorsement applicants so you can start working while waiting on your permanent license.

    Requirements:

    • Complete application submitted

    • Proof of licensure from another state

    • Fingerprinting submitted

    • Fee paid

    🔁 License Renewal in Idaho

    All Idaho nursing licenses expire August 31st every two years, regardless of when you were initially licensed.

    Renewal Fees:

    • RN & LPN: ~$90

    • Late renewal fee: $35

    • APRN: Additional fee for prescriptive authority

    You’ll receive email reminders via your Nurse Portal account.

    📚 Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

    To renew your Idaho nursing license, you must meet Continued Competency Requirements.

    For RNs and LPNs:

    You must complete two of the following within the renewal period:

    1. 100 practice hours (paid or volunteer)

    2. 15 contact hours of CE

    3. Refresher course

    4. Certification or re-certification by a national nursing organization

    5. Completion of academic coursework in nursing

    🔎 CE audits are random. Always keep documentation for 4 years in case you’re audited.

    🧠 Check out our free CE resource list on NCLEXPrepGuide.com.

    👩‍⚕️ Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

    To practice as an APRN (CNP, CNS, CNM, CRNA) in Idaho:

    Requirements:

    • Active Idaho RN license

    • Graduate degree (MSN or higher)

    • National certification (AANP, ANCC, NBCRNA, etc.)

    • Apply for Prescriptive Authority if needed

    • Submit application through the Nurse Portal

    • Pay additional APRN fee (~$90)

    Prescriptive authority requires 30 hours of pharmacology CE every renewal cycle.

    Learn more: ibn.idaho.gov/advanced-practice-nurses

    🔎 Idaho License Lookup & Verification

    Verify Idaho nursing licenses at:

    👉 ibn.idaho.gov/lookup

    Employers and the public can check:

    • License type

    • Expiration date

    • Discipline history (if applicable)

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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

    • Examination: 2–4 weeks after NCLEX and fingerprint results

    • Endorsement: 1–3 weeks (with complete documentation)

    Q: Can I work before my permanent license is issued?

    Yes, if you receive a temporary permit (endorsement applicants only).

    Q: Can I take the NCLEX in another state and still apply for Idaho?

    Yes. You can take the exam anywhere, just list Idaho as your desired licensing board.

    Q: Does Idaho require CEUs for renewal?

    Yes. You must meet continued competency by completing 2 out of 5 options.

    💡 NCLEX Help for Idaho Nurses

    Ready to tackle the NCLEX and pass the first time?

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we offer:

    Let us help you succeed—from first attempt to final license.

    🌟 Why Become a Nurse in Idaho?

    Idaho combines rural charm with urban opportunity. Cities like Boise, Meridian, and Idaho Falls offer growing healthcare networks, strong salaries, and work-life balance.

    Benefits of nursing in Idaho:

    • 🌿 Low cost of living

    • 🏥 Expanding hospital systems (e.g., St. Luke’s, Saint Alphonsus)

    • 🚑 High demand for LPNs and RNs in rural areas

    • 💼 Growing telehealth and nurse practitioner roles

    📥 Download the Free Idaho Nursing License Checklist (PDF)

    Keep your licensure journey organized with this free checklist:
    ✅ Track documents
    ✅ Avoid missing fees
    ✅ Stay on top of deadlines

    👉 Download Checklist

    🎯 Final Thoughts

    Applying for your Idaho nursing license is a clear, step-by-step process if you’re prepared. Whether you’re new to the field or relocating, Idaho offers a stable, supportive, and rewarding environment for nurses.

    Stay confident, stay committed, and let NCLEXPrepGuide.com support your journey to becoming a licensed nurse in Idaho.