Nurse, Registered License in Maine
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Maine, you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. Maine is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $375. The state faces significant rural nursing shortages.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $375 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Nurse, Registered registration in Maine
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $75
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $375
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Nurse, Registered license in Maine. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Maine licensing board.
Nurse, Registered Salary in Maine
Entry Level
$66,330
Median
$82,860
Experienced
$104,870
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Nurse, Registered in Maine.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
No educational requirements
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$75.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Nurse, Registered Licensing in Maine: What to Know
Maine's COS listing provides limited detail, describing RN practice as 'performance for compensation of professional services.' The Maine State Board of Nursing oversees licensure. Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NCLEX-RN is administered as a third-party exam. No criminal record prohibitions are noted, though the board may review criminal history. Maine faces significant nursing shortages, particularly in rural northern and eastern counties. The state's aging population drives strong demand for geriatric nursing. MaineHealth and Northern Light Health are the state's largest healthcare systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Nurse, Registered license cost in Maine?
- The estimated total cost is $375, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Nurse, Registered license in Maine?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Nurse, Registered license in Maine?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Nurse, Registered requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.