Virginia Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Virginia (2025 Guide)

So, you’re ready to become a nurse practitioner in Virginia? Smart move. Whether you’re drawn to full-practice autonomy, advanced diagnostics, or the ability to prescribe, Virginia offers a clear—but thorough—path to licensure. Here’s what you need to know, step by step.

Get Your Virginia RN License

Why this matters: Your RN license is your clinical foundation. It tells the state, “I’ve mastered the core competencies of nursing care.” Without it, you’re not stepping into advanced practice—period.

RN by Examination (First-Time Applicants)

• Complete a state-approved nursing program with at least an ADN or BSN.
• Have your school send either an attestation letter or official transcripts to the board.
• Apply online through the Virginia Board of Nursing Portal.
• Pay the $190 application fee.
• Register for the NCLEX-RN exam and pay the $200 fee.
• Schedule your fingerprint-based background check.
• Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) and take the exam within the 90-day window.

NCLEX results are sent to the board automatically. If you pass, your license will be issued shortly after.

RN by Endorsement (Already Licensed in Another State)

• Apply via Virginia’s online application system.
• Pay the $190 fee.
• Verify license through Nursys or state board if not listed.
• Complete the criminal background check.

Note: States like California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania don’t use Nursys. Contact their boards for instructions.

Complete a Graduate NP Program

Why this matters: Nurse practitioners aren’t just “experienced nurses”—they’re trained for advanced decision-making, prescribing, and clinical leadership. Virginia requires an MSN or higher from an NP preparatory program.

Before enrolling, confirm your school is board-approved. You’ll need your official graduate transcripts sent directly to the board later.

Get Nationally Certified in Your Specialty

Why this matters: The state doesn’t test you on NP competencies—your certifying agency does. Passing their exam proves you meet national standards.

• ANCC – American Nurses Credentialing Center
• AANP – American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• PNCB – Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
• AACN – American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• ONCC – Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

Each board has different eligibility criteria and exam formats, but most require you to apply, submit transcripts, and complete an exam before you receive your certificate.

Apply for Your NP License in Virginia

Why this matters:
This is where everything comes together—RN license, graduate education, and certification. Once approved, you’ll be legally allowed to practice as a nurse practitioner in Virginia.

Here’s how to apply:

• Go to the Virginia Board of Nursing Licensing Portal and select “Nurse Practitioner.”

• Choose either:

  • By Examination (if you’ve never been licensed as an NP before), or

  • By Endorsement (if you already hold an NP license in another U.S. state).

• Pay the $125 application fee.

• Send official graduate transcripts directly from your school.

• Request your national certifying body to send verification of certification to the Board.

• If applying by endorsement, have your previous licensing board send license verification via mail or email to: appsupportdocs@dhp.virginia.gov

You can check your application status using the Virginia License Lookup Tool.

Maintain Your NP License and Certification

Why this matters: Nurse practitioners must stay current. That means keeping up with CE, clinical practice, and recertification standards set by both the state and your national board.

In Virginia, you must:

• Maintain active RN and NP licenses.

• Maintain active national certification in your population focus.

• Meet all CE requirements for your specialty and certifying body.

Renewal cycles and CE hours vary by certifying agency, but Virginia generally requires:

• Proof of certification maintenance

• Continued clinical competency

• Payment of renewal fees (typically every 2 years)