Alaska Nurse Licensing Guide

Within 9 to 11 weeks upon receipt of all required materials.

‍Renewal cadence: Every 2 years. Renewal is due November 30 of even-numbered years for RNs and September 30 of even-numbered years for LPNs.
- If you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to your renewal window, you are still required to renew your license and begin the 2-year renewal cycle, UNLESS your license was issued within 90 days of the expiration date. These licenses will be issued effective through the next renewal cycle.
- If you received your original license within 12 months of the expiration date, you will pay a prorated renewal fee (half of the current license fee) at your first renewal.
- You must renew your license on or before the expiration date to continue to practice in Alaska. There is no grace period to practice on a lapsed license.

‍‍Renewal fee: $200‍
Required contact hours: Nurses must complete 2 of the following methods:
- 30 contact hours
- 30 hours of participation in uncompensated professional activities
- 320 hours of employment as an RN or LPN
- Registered Nurses who receive their original license on or after December 1 of odd-numbered years are not required to provide proof of continuing competency for their first renewal.

Required forms and instructions can be found here.
Please note that the fingerprint card will be rejected for the following reasons: incorrect type of card, incomplete personal information/signatures, or improperly rolled prints.
If you do not have a social security number, you must complete the "Request for Exception from Social Security Number Requirement" form located on the board’s website.
Wait for your first status letter to reach you before calling the Division to ask for status updates.
Licensees are subject to a random mandatory audit of continuing competency. If you are selected for the audit, you will be notified in writing and given 30 days to submit proof of continuing competency claimed for the concluding licensing period.
Click here for the Alaska Board of Nursing’s FAQs.

Complete an application online or submit a completed signed and notarized application for Licensure by Endorsement. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs.
Pay the associated fees.
Provide a background check with fingerprints.

One original 8" x 8" fingerprint card is provided by the State of Alaska, but you may also use this standard fingerprint card.
Take the instructions, the card/form, and photo identification to local law enforcement or other authorized agency to have the fingerprints done.
After you have had your fingerprints taken, you will submit all the required documents to the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state or Canadian province of licensure and the state or province where you are currently employed. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Alaska BON.
Complete the Employment Verification included in the application, providing proof of at least 320 hours of employment in a nursing capacity within the past five years. If you cannot document 320 hours of employment in the past five years, you must satisfy the continuing competency requirements of the Board or complete a Board-approved refresher course.
Verification of passing an English proficiency examination (if applicable).

Once all items listed in the permanent license application have been received by the BON except verification of English proficiency and employment verification, you may be issued a temporary license.
Temporary licenses will be valid for six months and are nonrenewable. It is your responsibility to know the expiration date of your temporary license and have documentation submitted prior to expiration.