Is Pennsylvania a compact (multistate) nursing state?

Yes. Pennsylvania fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 7, 2025. Nurses whose primary state of residence is Pennsylvania can apply through the State Board of Nursing for a multistate license, and nurses from other compact states may practice in Pennsylvania under their multistate privileges.

Who regulates nursing in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, part of the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, licenses nurses, enforces the Professional Nursing Law and Practical Nurse Law, and approves nursing education programs.

How do I register for the NCLEX in Pennsylvania?

Apply for licensure with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE, and pay the exam fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Once the board approves your eligibility, you receive an Authorization to Test and schedule at a Pearson VUE center.

How do I verify a Pennsylvania nursing license?

Pennsylvania does not use Nursys for verification. Use the state's PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System) at pals.pa.gov to confirm a nurse's license status, type, and any disciplinary action.

What are some nursing schools in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania nursing programs include the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Penn State's Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, and Villanova University's M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, among many others statewide.

PA· Nursing licensure & NCLEX prep

NCLEX practice questions for Pennsylvania nurses & students

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing sits within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs and licenses RNs, LPNs, and advanced practice nurses across the commonwealth. Pennsylvania has one of the largest nursing-education footprints in the country, spanning research universities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, private colleges, and hospital-based diploma and community-college programs. Pennsylvania fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 7, 2025, so eligible residents can now hold a multistate license. Because Pennsylvania does not participate in Nursys, license verification is done through the state's own PALS system. This site's practice questions are original and for study and exam preparation only.

Study mode explains each answer the moment you submit it; timed mode scores you at the end. Practice logged out, or create an account to save scores and track weak areas by topic.

Board of Nursing: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Compact status: Nurse Licensure Compact member
License verification: PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System) verification

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Nurse Licensure Compact

Nurse Licensure Compact member

Pennsylvania fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 7, 2025, allowing eligible Pennsylvania residents to apply for a multistate license.

Who regulates nursing

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

Nursing licensure in Pennsylvania is set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, Pennsylvania Department of State — Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. For official, current requirements, use the board directly.

PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System) verification

How to register for the NCLEX in Pennsylvania

1. Apply for licensure by examination with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and meet its eligibility requirements.
2. Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee.
3. Once the board finds you eligible, you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and schedule at a Pearson VUE test center.
4.Use NursingCEA’s topic quizzes and study guides to prepare in the meantime.

Nursing schools in Pennsylvania

A few of the nursing programs based in Pennsylvania:

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

License renewal & continuing education in Pennsylvania

License renewal: Every two years.
RN continuing education: 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education each renewal, which must include 2 hours of approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. Beginning May 1, 2026, RNs must also complete a one-time 2 hours of continuing education on the organ and tissue donation and recovery process, within 5 years of initial licensure or of a renewal.
Required topics: Child abuse recognition and reporting, Organ and tissue donation (one-time, effective May 1, 2026)

The child abuse course is 3 hours at initial licensure and 2 hours at each renewal. Continuing-education hours must come from a Board-approved provider. Confirm first-renewal exemptions and provider approval with the Board.

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing renewal details How nursing CE works

NursingCEA does not provide continuing-education credit, contact hours, or certificates — we offer free practice questions and study material only. Requirements are set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and change over time; always confirm the current rules with the board.

Pennsylvania nursing & NCLEX — frequently asked

: Yes. Pennsylvania fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 7, 2025. Nurses whose primary state of residence is Pennsylvania can apply through the State Board of Nursing for a multistate license, and nurses from other compact states may practice in Pennsylvania under their multistate privileges.
: The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, part of the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, licenses nurses, enforces the Professional Nursing Law and Practical Nurse Law, and approves nursing education programs.
: Apply for licensure with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE, and pay the exam fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Once the board approves your eligibility, you receive an Authorization to Test and schedule at a Pearson VUE center.
: Pennsylvania does not use Nursys for verification. Use the state's PALS (Pennsylvania Licensing System) at pals.pa.gov to confirm a nurse's license status, type, and any disciplinary action.
: Pennsylvania nursing programs include the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Penn State's Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, and Villanova University's M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, among many others statewide.

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All material on this site is original and for practice and study only — it is not official licensure guidance. For current licensure requirements, rely on the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. NursingCEA is not affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Free NCLEX prep for Pennsylvanianurses & students

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Free NCLEX practice test

A full-length practice exam across all eight nursing topics — every answer explained and cited to a clinical source.

Study guides by topic

High-yield concepts and the key values worth memorizing before you drill the questions.

Nursing CE & license renewal

How continuing education and license renewal work once you’re licensed — the rules by state, explained.

Practice questions by topic

Eight topic quizzes with a cited rationale on every question — pick one to study it in depth.

PHARM

Pharmacology

MEDSURG

Medical-Surgical

PEDS

Pediatrics

OB & Maternity

PSYCH

Mental Health

FUND

Fundamentals

DOSE

Dosage Calculations

LEAD

Leadership & Management