State Board of Nursing
Toll Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA (1-833-367-2762)
Nurse Licensure Compact
Nursing Licensure Guide & Timeline
* * *
Board Meetings will continue to take place at their current location within Penn Center (2601 N 3rd St) until further notice.
On Thursday June 22, 2023 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a final rule, amending the regulations regarding DEA Form 106. Learn more.
* * *
Re-Examination Applications are now available online for quicker and easier submission and review by the Board. Log in to your Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) account at
www.pals.pa.gov, navigate to the Activities section of your dashboard and click on the pin to the right of your Examination Application to open the Re-Examination Application.
* * *
Attention, Pennsylvania Nursing Graduates: Please note that, when you request a Graduate Nurse Temporary Practice Permit along with your initial license application, your permit will now be issued immediately upon receipt of all the following items in PALS:
Your completed application,
Payment of your $70 permit fee along with your $95 initial licensing fee, and
Education verification from your Pennsylvania nursing program confirming your successful graduation
A complete checklist with instructions can be found at
www.pals.pa.gov by clicking on the "Application Checklist" tab. In the pop-up window, select the State Board of Nursing in the drop-down menu, then choose your desired permit type and method obtained.
* * *
GRADUATE NURSES:
4 Steps to apply for Licensure by Exam
Step 1: Review the Nursing Licensure Guide to plan your work start date.
Step 2: Read these tips to avoid processing delays.
Step 3:
Register with PearsonVUE to take the NCLEX®.
Step 4: Submit an online application to the Board.
Note: Testing Accommodations require a completed
Accommodation Form.
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) received reports that persons pretending to be from one of the health-related boards are contacting both active and inactive licensees. The scammers are altering the information that appears on caller ID to show the State Board of Nursing phone number and name (spoofing). The scammers are known to be aggressively accusing licensees of drug trafficking and/or money laundering and sending emails and text messages indicated the license has been suspended. In addition, the scammers are sending facsimiles to licensees on forged letterhead, originating from a fake phone number.
BPOA reminds licensees and applicants of the following:
· We will NOT text, call or fax you a suspension notification. The Department initiates disciplinary action through an administrative process. If you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action, you will receive notice by certified mail and/or personal service.
· We will NOT engage you in a 3-way call with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
· We will NOT ask you to receive faxes from a specific retailer for a fee.
· Do NOT give your personal or financial information over the phone, by text message or fax, including your zip code.
· We will NEVER request payment for any service or civil penalty by wire, gift cards or transfer to a foreign country.
· We WILL provide you with a contact name and phone number if you are the subject of an investigation or disciplinary action.
· CONTACT the Board office if you are not sure if a communication pertaining to your licensure status is legitimate.
· CONTACT your local police department or the Pennsylvania State Police if you believe you have been the victim of a scam.
· REPORT any email or online scam attempts to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3) | Home Page
* * *
Please note that neither the Board/Commission, nor its staff or counsel, are permitted to provide legal advice or advisory opinions, including interpretations of the law or regulations, or any indication as to how the Board would vote on any given case or scenario. You are invited to contact a private attorney or professional organization for advice or guidance.
* * *
Mission Statement
The State Board of Nursing protects the health and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the licensure/certification and regulation of the practice of professional and practical nursing and dietetics-nutrition by registered nurses, practical nurses, certified registered nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, dietitian-nutritionists, and graduate nurses. The Board issues licenses and certifications to qualified applicants, approves nursing education programs, establishes standards of practice, and disciplines licensees and unlicensed persons for violations of the Acts and the regulations.