How to Become a Registered Nurse in 2026
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care in hospitals, clinics, and homes. Becoming an RN means earning a nursing degree, passing the national NCLEX-RN exam, and getting licensed by your state board of nursing — the exam is national, but the license is issued state by state.
Steps to become a registered nurse
- 1Earn a nursing degree
Complete a state-approved nursing program — an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BLS lists a bachelor's or associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for RNs.
- 2Apply for licensure with your state board of nursing
Submit your application and a background check to the board of nursing in the state where you want to work. The board authorizes you to sit for the exam.
- 3Pass the NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam, administered under the NCSBN. Passing it is required in every U.S. state and territory.
- 4Receive your RN license and renew it
Once you pass and clear the background check, the board issues your RN license. Licenses are renewed periodically with continuing-education requirements that vary by state.
Registered Nurse salary
National median; actual pay varies widely by state, city, specialty, shift, and experience. Requirements and pay vary by state and experience.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook →The examyou'll need
PrepPass has free practice questions and a full timed mock exam for this exam — no signup required.
The NCLEX-RN is national, but degree acceptance, background-check rules, fees, and renewal/CE requirements are set by each state board of nursing.
Always verify the current requirements with your state board of nursing (via NCSBN) before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered nurse?+
It depends on the degree path. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes about two years and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) about four. After graduating you must still pass the NCLEX-RN and get licensed by your state board.
Do I have to pass the NCLEX to be an RN?+
Yes. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required for registered nurse licensure in every U.S. state and territory. You cannot practice as an RN without both a passing NCLEX result and a state license.
How much do registered nurses make?+
The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024, according to the BLS. Pay varies significantly by state, specialty, employer, and experience.
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Salary figures are U.S. national medians from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024). Last updated: July 2026