Connecticut nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Connecticut license by endorsement: the application fee ($180 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (nursing licensure) |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Enacted, not yet implemented |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $180 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 120 days. Non-renewable; requires current valid license in another US state or territory; issued about 15 business days after application approval. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 1 year, fee $110 |
| Continuing education | No general CE hours listed; RNs and LPNs complete 2 contact hours on mental health screening and suicide prevention once every six years. |
| Processing time, per the board | Once an application is complete, an eligibility determination will be made within three to four weeks. |
How to get your Connecticut license, step by step
- Plan for endorsement. Connecticut has enacted the compact but has not implemented it as of October 15, 2026. A nurse licensed elsewhere applies to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (nursing licensure) for licensure by endorsement before working here, even with a multistate license.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary permit valid up to 120 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $180 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Connecticut
- Renewal is annual, during the licensee's birth month; no inactive status; 90-day post-expiration grace period.
- Nurses licensed in a jurisdiction that did not require NCLEX must meet exam requirements and are not eligible for the temporary permit.
- DPH cannot issue a license to an applicant with an unresolved complaint in any state.
What RNs earn in Connecticut
The BLS median for registered nurses in Connecticut is $48.84 per hour, about $101,590 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Connecticut.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $50.97 | $106,020 |
| New Haven, CT | $49.00 | $101,920 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $48.66 | $101,210 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $48.48 | $100,840 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | $48.23 | $100,310 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Connecticut · Connecticut state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (nursing licensure) web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/registered-nurse (endorsement application)
- portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/lpn/lpn-licensur (fees)
- portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/registered-nurse (renewal)
- portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/plis/practitione (renewal, processing time)
- portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/registered-nurse (continuing education)
- portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/renewal/health-c (state notes)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (nursing licensure) before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Connecticut nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section (nursing licensure) lists an application fee of $180 for an RN and $150 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Connecticut a nurse licensure compact state?
Connecticut has enacted the compact but has not implemented it as of October 15, 2026. A license by endorsement is the route for nurses licensed elsewhere.
Can I work in Connecticut while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 120 days. Non-renewable; requires current valid license in another US state or territory; issued about 15 business days after application approval. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Connecticut license?
The board says: Once an application is complete, an eligibility determination will be made within three to four weeks.
Does Valorem Health help with Connecticut licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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Your RN pay reportConnecticut · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
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