Colorado Nurse Practitioner Licensing Process (APRN)

APRN License Applications

You can apply for your Colorado APRN license online.

Fees

• Advanced Practice Registry: $132
• RXN / C-RXN: $264

Timeline

It takes approximately 2–4 weeks after submitting the application. This time will vary depending on how extensive your past work history is, how many licenses/certificates are held in other states, territories, districts, or counties, and whether any convictions or malpractice claims are reported. Please allow Board staff time to complete their review.

You can help expedite the process by carefully reading and following all directions, and submitting supporting documents promptly, in accordance with the application packet instructions. Note that during May graduations, application volume increases and processing time may be longer.

Temporary Permits

Colorado does not issue temporary licenses for Nurse Practitioners.

Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Original License Application Checklist

Please note that terms and abbreviations used for licensure in Colorado may differ from those used in other states.

There are two application types for becoming an APN in Colorado:

1. If you hold an active Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) license, this type is considered an APN.
   Select ‘Nursing – Colorado RN Advanced Practice & Prescriptive Authority Applications’ in the ‘Online Services’ portal.
2. If you hold an active Compact-Multi State Registered Nurse license, this type is considered a C-APN.
   Select ‘Nursing – Out of State RN Advanced Practice & Prescriptive Authority Applications’ in the ‘Online Services’ portal.

This is a simplified checklist of what you need to submit with your application. Do not begin your application until you’ve met the licensure requirements outlined in the laws and rules for your profession. Incomplete applications will cause delays.

All applicants must:

• Submit payment of the required application fee via credit card (non-refundable and non-transferable).
• Provide information about any other healthcare licenses you’ve held.
• Upload verification of your national certification (AANP, ANCCC, PNCB, AMCB, NCC, etc.).
• Select your population focus. If declaring multiple focuses, upload additional certifications accordingly.
• Declare your Primary State of Residence (PSOR).
• Attest to holding professional liability insurance.

If you hold an active Colorado RN license:

• Confirm you hold a Colorado RN license.

If you hold an active Compact-Multi State RN license:

• Submit verification of your compact license.
• Upload name change documentation (if applicable).
• Answer general and criminal history questions and upload any required documentation.
• Complete the Healthcare Professions Profile, including all supporting documents.

Important: State guidelines mandate that all applications expire one year from the date of submission. If required documents are not provided within that time, the application will expire, requiring a new application, new documents, and a new fee.

Prescriptive Authority

The Colorado APN license does not automatically include prescriptive authority. To prescribe, you must submit a separate application for prescriptive authority (RXN).