NJ Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A nurse works on his NJ nursing license renewal process.

New Jersey — known as the Garden State — offers a mix of city living, beach-town relaxation, and rolling farmlands. The state is often referred to as the Diner Capital of the World due to its rich culinary scene.

With a population of over 9 million people and nearly 23,000 healthcare establishments that pay more than $30 billion in annual wages, it’s an attractive destination for nurses. To make the most of career opportunities here, it’s important to stay up to date on the NJ nursing license renewalrequirements.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the New Jersey nursing license renewal process. Whether you’re a CNA, RN, LPN, or APRN, we’ll help you renew your license and tap into the wealth of opportunities in the Garden State.

New Jersey Nursing Facts

To navigate the NJ nursing license renewal process smoothly and successfully, make sure you have these essential details organized and ready.

Is New Jersey part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes.

How much do nurses in New Jersey earn?

How can I contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing?

Phone Number: 973-504-6430

Email Address: NursingUpdates@dca.lps.state.nj.us

Web Page: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur

Mailing Address
Mary E. Fortier EdD, RN, CNL
Executive Director
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, NJ 07101

Physical Address
The Division of Consumer Affairs
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07102

NJ Nursing License Renewal Steps

If your license is registered in the Garden State, just follow the three steps below to apply for NJ Board of Nursing nursing license renewal. However, if renewal isn’t on the table, you have two additional options:

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

The first step to renew your license is to find out its expiration date. In New Jersey, registered nurses follow a biennial renewal process — licenses expire on May 31 of odd- or even-numbered years, depending on the issuance date. Likewise, CNA certification remains valid for 24 months and must be renewed every two years.

Still feeling a bit lost about your license expiration date? No worries. Just go to the NJ nursing license lookup platform. Pick your license type, type in your name, license number, and city, and then select ”Search.” Ta-da — your license’s expiry date will appear.

If you’ve missed the boat and your license has expired, it’s not final. You can bring it back to life by applying for reactivation of inactive license. Think of it as CPR for your nursing license.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

Your next step in the New Jersey nursing license renewal process is to make sure you meet all the necessary continuing education requirements. This ensures you’re staying in the know with the latest advancements in the industry and keeping your skills sharp.

RN, LPN, and APRN Requirements: To renew your license, you need 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Make sure you pick courses accredited by the American Nurses Crediting Services (ANCC). You can verify your course provider’s compliance with the NJ Board of Nursing by checking the list of all ANCC-accredited providers.

Interestingly, in New Jersey, you can also pause your nursing license. If you’re not planning to work as a nurse in the next two-year renewal cycle but still want to keep your license, you can put it on hold. When it’s inactive, you don’t need any continuing education, but if you want to start practicing nursing again, you’ll have to go through a reactivation process and complete all the necessary requirements.

CNA Requirements: To renew your license, you must show evidence of completing seven hours of paid nursing-related work in a licensed healthcare facility or agency within the 24 months before your certificate expires. Additionally, you’ll need to submit to a criminal background check with fingerprinting.

Searching for options to meet those 30-hour continuing education requirements? IntelyEdu provides a range of courses that are accredited by the ANCC. Be sure to explore them.

Step 3: File Your Online Application

Now, let’s get to the core of the New Jersey nursing license renewal process. To get started, visit MyLicense online portal and sign in to your account.

Once you’re in your account, you can get started on renewing your license. If your address, last name, or any license-related information has changed, make sure to update it.

Continue progressing through the application. Eventually, you’ll be asked to submit payment. The NJ nursing license renewal fee schedule is as follows:

  • RN: $120
  • LPN: $125
  • APRN: $160

Once the license renewal fee is paid, you’ll be directed to the “Successful Payment” screen. It’s always a good idea to print a receipt for your records.

After completing these steps, you can start looking for RN, LPN, CNA, or NP jobs in New Jersey. You can also check out great nursing opportunities in some of New Jersey’s largest metropolitan areas:

Find Great Nursing Opportunities in New Jersey

With your NJ nursing license renewal successfully checked off, it’s time to swing open the doors to new career opportunities. Check out all the nursing jobs in New Jersey that are available on IntelyCare right now, and find the right match for you.