Is Washington a compact (multistate) nursing state?

Yes, as of recently. Washington was historically not a compact state, but it joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 24, 2023. Qualifying nurses whose primary residence is Washington can now apply for a multistate license, and nurses holding a valid multistate license from another compact state may practice in Washington.

Who regulates nursing licenses in Washington?

The Washington State Board of Nursing — known until 2023 as the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission — regulates nursing under the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

How do I register for the NCLEX in Washington?

Register for the NCLEX with NCSBN through Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee, then apply for licensure with the Washington State Board of Nursing. Once the board confirms your eligibility you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and can schedule your NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN at a Pearson VUE test center.

How do I verify a Washington nursing license?

Use the Department of Health's Provider Credential Search at doh.wa.gov. The free public tool shows a provider's credential type, license status, and any disciplinary actions, and can be searched by name or credential number.

What are some nursing schools in Washington?

Named programs include the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle, Washington State University College of Nursing in Spokane, and Seattle University's College of Nursing.

WA· Nursing licensure & NCLEX prep

NCLEX practice questions for Washington nurses & students

Washington's nursing care concentrates around Seattle's major health systems — UW Medicine, Swedish, and Fred Hutch — and, on the east side, Spokane's Providence and MultiCare networks. The regulator is the Washington State Board of Nursing, known until 2023 as the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, which operates under the Washington State Department of Health. After years outside the compact, Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 24, 2023, and multistate licenses are now available to nurses who qualify.

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Board of Nursing: Washington State Board of Nursing
Compact status: Nurse Licensure Compact member
License verification: Washington DOH Provider Credential Search

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Nurse Licensure Compact

Nurse Licensure Compact member

Washington was historically NOT a compact state; it joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 24, 2023, and multistate licenses are now available to qualifying Washington nurses.

Who regulates nursing

Washington State Board of Nursing

Nursing licensure in Washington is set by the Washington State Board of Nursing, Washington State Department of Health (DOH). For official, current requirements, use the board directly.

Washington DOH Provider Credential Search

How to register for the NCLEX in Washington

1. Apply for licensure by examination with the Washington 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 Washington

A few of the nursing programs based in Washington:

University of Washington School of Nursing
Washington State University College of Nursing
Seattle University College of Nursing

License renewal & continuing education in Washington

License renewal: annually, on the nurse’s birthday
RN continuing education: As reported by the Washington State Board of Nursing, each year a nurse completes 8 hours of continuing nursing education (at least 2 of which must be in health equity) together with 96 hours of active nursing practice. Nurses must also complete a one-time 6-hour training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management from a qualified program.
Required topics: health equity (at least 2 CE hours), suicide assessment, treatment, and management (one-time, 6 hours)

The license renews yearly, but continuing-competency hours may be documented over the reporting period the board specifies; confirm the current CE, practice-hour, health-equity, and suicide-prevention figures directly with the Washington State Board of Nursing.

Washington 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 Washington State Board of Nursing and change over time; always confirm the current rules with the board.

Washington nursing & NCLEX — frequently asked

: Yes, as of recently. Washington was historically not a compact state, but it joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 24, 2023. Qualifying nurses whose primary residence is Washington can now apply for a multistate license, and nurses holding a valid multistate license from another compact state may practice in Washington.
: The Washington State Board of Nursing — known until 2023 as the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission — regulates nursing under the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
: Register for the NCLEX with NCSBN through Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee, then apply for licensure with the Washington State Board of Nursing. Once the board confirms your eligibility you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and can schedule your NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN at a Pearson VUE test center.
: Use the Department of Health's Provider Credential Search at doh.wa.gov. The free public tool shows a provider's credential type, license status, and any disciplinary actions, and can be searched by name or credential number.
: Named programs include the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle, Washington State University College of Nursing in Spokane, and Seattle University's College of Nursing.

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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 Washington State Board of Nursing. NursingCEA is not affiliated with the Washington State Board of Nursing.

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Nursing CE & license renewal

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

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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