How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in Connecticut (2026)

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://portal.ct.gov/en/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/registered-nurse/registered-nurse-licensure

Registered Nurse Licensure

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.elicense.ct.gov

Applications are only being accepted online. Paper applications are not accepted. Please select this link to apply online

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN examination applicants must complete a nursing program meeting the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

RN examination applicants must complete a nursing program meeting the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

Successfully complete a nursing program that meets the requirements outlined in the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN examination route: at least 1,500 hours over at least ten months, with 50% in supervised direct client care and observational experiences; qualifying clinical work may substitute for deficient hours.

LPN examination route: at least 1,500 hours over at least ten months, with 50% in supervised direct client care and observational experiences; qualifying clinical work may substitute for deficient hours.

Successfully complete a practical nursing program that provided at least 1,500 hours of theory over no less than ten (10) months. Fifty percent (50%) of the contact hours must have been in supervised direct client care experiences and observational experiences; Graduates of practical nursing programs that provided less than the minimum of 1,500 hours of direct client care experiences and observational experiences may substitute clinical work experience as a graduate or licensed practical nurse in lieu of the deficient hours in such practical nursing program.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN examination applicants must pass NCLEX-RN.

RN examination applicants must pass NCLEX-RN.

Successfully complete the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination-RN

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Actively practicing RNs and LPNs renewing after January 1, 2022, and every six years thereafter must complete two contact hours on screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression and grief, and suicide prevention.

Actively practicing RNs and LPNs renewing after January 1, 2022, and every six years thereafter must complete two contact hours on screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression and grief, and suicide prevention.

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses actively practicing in Connecticut and applying for license renewal after January 1, 2022, and once every six years thereafter, are required to complete two contact hours of training or education on (1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (2) suicide prevention training.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN initial application: $180; renewal application: $110.

RN initial application: $180; renewal application: $110.

Initial Application Fee: | $180.00 Renewal Application Fee: | $110.00

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN initial application: $150; renewal application: $70.

LPN initial application: $150; renewal application: $70.

Initial Application Fee: | $150.00 Renewal Application Fee: | $70.00

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN examination applicants must pass NCLEX-PN.

LPN examination applicants must pass NCLEX-PN.

Successfully complete the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensing Examination-PN

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN and LPN renewal applicants attest to CE compliance online; retain CE records for at least three years following the completion year.

RN and LPN renewal applicants attest to CE compliance online; retain CE records for at least three years following the completion year.

Each registered nurse and licensed practical nurse applying for license renewal shall attest that he or she has satisfied the continuing education requirements when renewing the license online. Each licensee shall retain records of attendance or certificates of completion that demonstrate compliance with the continuing education requirements for a minimum of three years following the year in which the continuing education was completed

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Each person holding a license to practice as a registered nurse, must, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health Each person holding a license as a licensed practical nurse must, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health

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Each person holding a license to practice as a registered nurse, shall, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health Each person holding a license as a licensed practical nurse shall, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Annually, during the month of such person's birth

annually, during the month of such person's birth Applies to: Connecticut RN and LPN registration under section 19a-88(c)(1) and (3).

Each person holding a license to practice as a registered nurse, shall, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health Each person holding a license as a licensed practical nurse shall, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health

Last verified Oct 25, 2026