REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) License in New Jersey
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in New Jersey, you must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN. New Jersey is an NLC compact state. Estimated costs are approximately $400. CE is required for biennial renewal.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $400 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) registration in New Jersey
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $400
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) license in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey licensing board.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) Salary in New Jersey
Entry Level
$81,670
Median
$102,730
Experienced
$130,540
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) in New Jersey.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) Licensing in New Jersey: What to Know
New Jersey titles its license 'Registered Professional Nurse (RN)' and requires a degree, a state exam (NCLEX-RN), and CE for renewal. The Board of Nursing under the Division of Consumer Affairs oversees licensure. New Jersey is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The state's position between New York City and Philadelphia creates a unique employment market — many NJ nurses commute to these major metro areas. Major NJ healthcare systems include RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian, and Atlantic Health. New Jersey offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) license cost in New Jersey?
- The estimated total cost is $400, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) license in New Jersey?
- 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 REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) license in New Jersey?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE (RN) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.