Official sources and verification (15)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
BoardBoard of Registration in Nursing
Board of Registration in Nursing
Board of Registration in Nursing
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceAn expired license does not authorize practice.
An expired license does not authorize practice.
You cannot practice with an expired license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceA one-time course on diagnosis, treatment and care of cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, is required; no specific number of hours is prescribed.
A one-time course on diagnosis, treatment and care of cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, is required; no specific number of hours is prescribed.
must complete a one-time course of training and education in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
There is no prescribed course or number of education hours for this this training.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceRN or LPN renewal costs $120; late renewal adds $57.
RN or LPN renewal costs $120; late renewal adds $57.
RN or LN license renewal $120 per renewal
Late Renewal Fee $57 per license renewal
This fee is in addition to renewal fee if renewal is received beyond license expiration date
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceThe first renewal is exempt from CE requirements. Retain CE evidence for the most recent two consecutive renewal periods (four years).
The first renewal is exempt from CE requirements. Retain CE evidence for the most recent two consecutive renewal periods (four years).
You do not have to complete any CE requirements for your first renewal
It is your responsibility to maintain evidence of CE completion for your most recent 2 consecutive renewal periods (4 years).
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceRN and LPN applicants must meet the state's good-moral-character requirement.
RN and LPN applicants must meet the state's good-moral-character requirement.
Are of Good Moral Character, as defined by state law
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
License term in years2 years
2
Continuing Education (CE) in Nursing is a requirement for license renewal every 2 years.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
RenewalYour RN license and APRN authorization expires at 11:59PM on your birthday in even numbered years. Your LPN licenses expires at 11:59PM on your birthday in odd numbered years.
Your RN license and APRN authorization expires at 11:59PM on your birthday in even numbered years. Your LPN licenses expires at 11:59PM on your birthday in odd numbered years. Applies to: Massachusetts RN and LPN licenses; renewal opens 90 days before expiration.
Your RN license and APRN authorization expires at 11:59PM on your birthday in even numbered years. Your LPN licenses expires at 11:59PM on your birthday in odd numbered years.
You can renew starting 90 days before expiration.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education hours15 hours
15
To renew your nursing license, The Board of Registration in Nursing requires all licensed nurses in Massachusetts to complete 15 contact hours (CH).
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education topicsAcademic or college courses must be a part of a curriculum relevant to nursing or leading to an academic degree in nursing. Only CHs earned within the 2 years before your license renewal date will satisfy the requirement.
Select nursing CE that meets 244 CMR 5.00; academic courses must be relevant to nursing or lead to a nursing degree. Earn contact hours within the two years before renewal.
Academic or college courses must be a part of a curriculum relevant to nursing or leading to an academic degree in nursing.
Only CHs earned within the 2 years before your license renewal date will satisfy the requirement.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / EducationRN and LPN applicants must graduate from a Board-approved nursing program.
RN and LPN applicants must graduate from a Board-approved nursing program.
To be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts, you have to provide proof that you:
Graduated from a board-approved nursing program
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / ExamPass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / Application$230
230
Application fee $230 per application
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026