RN License Requirements in Texas (2026)
Texas has one of the largest nursing job markets in the country, with strong demand across Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. It’s a full Nurse Licensure Compact state, meaning your Texas RN license functions as a multistate license if Texas is your primary residence. Texas also has one unique requirement no other state on this list has: a Nursing Jurisprudence Exam you’ll need to pass.
Who regulates RN licensing in Texas?
RN licensing in Texas is managed by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The BON approves all pre-licensure programs, processes applications through the Texas Nurse Portal, and issues licenses. The NCLEX-RN is developed by NCSBN and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.
| Body | Role in RN Licensing |
|---|---|
| Texas Board of Nursing (BON) | Approves training programs, issues licenses, enforces standards, processes all applications via the Texas Nurse Portal. |
| NCSBN | Develops and owns the NCLEX-RN and sets national pass standards. |
| Pearson VUE | Administers the NCLEX-RN at testing centers across Texas and nationwide. |
| IdentoGO / FAST System | Processes fingerprint-based background checks for Texas applicants through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) program. |
| Texas Nurse Portal | Official platform for all applications, renewals, and license verification at bon.texas.gov. |
Basic requirements to become an RN in Texas
| Requirement | What It Means | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old. | Required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. | Required |
| Nursing Program | Complete a Texas BON-approved ADN or BSN program. | Required |
| Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE) | Texas-specific open-book exam on the Texas Nursing Practice Act and BON rules. Must pass before ATT is issued. | Required |
| NCLEX-RN | Pass the national licensure exam administered through Pearson VUE. | Required |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based check through FAST/IdentoGO. The BON cannot issue a license or temporary permit until results are received. | Required |
| Texas Nurse Portal Application | Submit via bon.texas.gov with official transcripts and application fee (~$150). | Required |
| Disqualifying History | Certain criminal convictions may be disqualifying. The BON reviews each case individually through a Declaratory Order process. | Case-by-case |
Step-by-step: how to get your Texas RN license
Choose and Complete Your Program: ADN or BSN
Both degrees qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. ADN programs take about 2 years at a community college. BSN programs take about 4 years at a university and are preferred or required by most large Texas hospital systems. Accelerated BSN programs (12–18 months for prior degree holders) and LVN-to-RN bridge programs are widely available statewide.
Apply Through the Texas Nurse Portal and Complete Fingerprinting
Create an account at bon.texas.gov and submit your examination application with official transcripts (sent directly from your school) and the application fee. Complete fingerprinting through the FAST/IdentoGO system early, the BON cannot finalize your application or issue a temporary permit until your fingerprint results are received. Don’t delay this step.
Pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE)
This is a Texas-specific requirement unique among the states on this list. The NJE is a free, open-book, online exam covering the Texas Nursing Practice Act and BON rules and regulations. It has 50 questions, you have 2 hours, and you need 75% to pass. You must pass the NJE before Pearson VUE will issue your Authorization to Test (ATT). The exam has unlimited retakes (after a 24-hour wait), and most nurses find it straightforward.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
Once the BON issues your ATT, pay the $200 NCLEX-RN fee to NCSBN and schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE center. Texas offers a Graduate Nurse (GN) permit once all application requirements, except NCLEX results, are met, allowing you to begin practicing under direct supervision while awaiting your permanent license.
Receive Your Texas RN License
After passing the NCLEX-RN, the BON issues your license through the Texas Nurse Portal (typically within about 15 business days). If Texas is your primary state of residence, your license is issued as a multistate license, valid in all NLC compact states. Verify your active license status at bon.texas.gov.
Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE): what to expect
The NJE is a Texas-only requirement and one of the two steps most likely to slow down your application if you delay it. Here’s what to know before you sit for it.
NJE at a Glance
Covers the Texas Nursing Practice Act, BON rules, and board regulations. Taken online through the Texas BON website.
The NJE is an open-book exam, you can access the Texas BON website and the Nursing Practice Act throughout. Most nurses pass on the first attempt without extensive preparation. Complete it as soon as your application is submitted so it doesn’t hold up your ATT.
ADN vs BSN: which path is right for you?
How long does it take?
| Program Type | Program Length | Total to Licensed RN |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (Full-Time) | 2 Years | 25–28 Months |
| BSN (Full-Time) | 4 Years | 49–52 Months |
| Accelerated BSN (Prior Degree) | 12–18 Months | 14–20 Months |
| LVN-to-RN Bridge | Varies | Often Shorter Than ADN From Scratch |
| RN-to-BSN (Working RNs) | 1–2 Years Part-Time | Concurrent With Employment |
How much does it cost?
| Cost Item | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN Program Tuition | $6,000 | $20,000 | Community college |
| BSN Program Tuition | $30,000 | $100,000+ | University |
| NCLEX-RN Exam Fee | $200 | $200 | Fixed, paid to NCSBN |
| Texas BON Application | $150 | $150 | Via Texas Nurse Portal |
| FAST Fingerprint Check | $40 | $50 | Via IdentoGO / FAST system |
| Nursing Jurisprudence Exam | $0 | $0 | Free, taken online through BON |
| Books, Uniforms, Supplies | $500 | $1,500 | Varies by program |
RN salary and job outlook in Texas, 2026
Texas RN salaries average around $39–$47/hr statewide, with Houston and Dallas–Fort Worth consistently paying at the higher end. Texas has the highest RN employment in the nation, over 250,000 registered nurses, and demand continues to grow with the state’s rapidly expanding population. Major employers include HCA Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, Methodist Health System, Texas Health Resources, and UTHealth.
Salary Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, specialty, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, certifications, and experience level.
Where can you work as an RN in Texas?
| Setting | Common Roles and Tasks | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | All specialties, including major Texas employers such as HCA, Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Resources, Methodist, UTHealth, and Memorial Hermann. | Very High |
| Skilled Nursing / LTC | Resident oversight, care planning, medication management, staff supervision, rehabilitation support, and complex wound management. | Very High |
| Outpatient Clinics / Surgery Centers | Patient assessment, chronic disease management, pre-operative evaluations, post-operative recovery, and patient education. | High |
| Home Health / Hospice | Skilled nursing visits, family education, care coordination, palliative care, and end-of-life support. | Very High |
| Dialysis Centers | Renal care, vascular access management, dialysis treatment monitoring, patient education, and ongoing patient monitoring. | High |
| Schools, Corrections & Public Health | Student health services, sick call, immunizations, health screenings, health education, and public health support. | Moderate |
How to renew your Texas RN license
Texas RN licenses expire at the end of your birth month every two years. There is no grace period, a missed deadline means your license lapses immediately and you cannot practice until reinstatement is complete. Renewal opens 60 days before your expiration date through the Texas Nurse Portal.
| Renewal Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years. Texas RN licenses expire on the last day of your birth month. |
| Renewal Fee | $68, one of the lowest RN renewal fees in the country. |
| CE Requirement | Complete 20 contact hours of approved continuing education during each 2-year renewal cycle. |
| CE Documentation | CE certificates are not submitted during renewal. You attest to completion and must retain documentation for at least 4 years (3 full renewal cycles) in case of audit. |
| Grace Period | None. Your license lapses immediately if it is not renewed by the expiration date. |
| Late Renewal / Reinstatement | Renewal fees increase to approximately $128–$188 depending on how long the license has been expired. A full reinstatement application may be required. |
| First Renewal CE | Continuing education requirements are waived for the first renewal after licensure by examination. You must still renew before the expiration date. |
| National Certification Option | Achieving or renewing a Texas BON-approved national certification (such as CCRN, CEN, or PCCN) may be used in place of the standard 20 CE hours. |
CE requirements at renewal
Texas does not require human trafficking prevention CE for RN renewal, this applies to most direct-patient-care practitioners but explicitly excludes nurses. Only new licensees complete it once. Don’t let a CE provider sell you a course you don’t need.
Texas and the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
Texas is a full NLC member state. Texas residents are issued multistate RN licenses by default, valid in all other compact states. Travel nurses with valid multistate licenses from any compact state can practice in Texas without a separate Texas license.
| Scenario | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| Texas Resident Applying for First License | Multistate license issued by default. |
| Moving to Texas from Another Compact State | Your existing multistate license is valid in Texas. Apply for Texas licensure within 60 days of establishing primary residence. |
| Moving to Texas from a Non-Compact State | Apply for Texas licensure by endorsement through the Nurse Portal. The endorsement fee is $125, and eligible applicants receive a multistate license. |
| Travel Nurse Assignment in Texas | A valid multistate license from any compact state works. No separate Texas license is required. |
| Moving from Texas to a Non-Compact State | Your Texas multistate license becomes single-state. Apply for a new license in your new home state. |
| Moving from Texas to Another Compact State | Apply for a new multistate license in your new home state within 60 days. |
Ready to start working as an RN in Texas?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Texas Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.