Transferring nurse practitioner license to another state

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Advanced Practice certification.

Who is eligible for APRN or CRNA certification?

Registered Nurses seeking certification as a Nurse Practitioner or Certified Nurse Midwife only shall meet the following requirements:

1. Current Arizona RN license in good standing OR current RN license with multistate privileges in another compact state.
2. An official transcript directly from the institution attended that provides evidence of:
   1. A graduate degree with a major in nursing for RNP and CNS applicants.
3. An official letter sent directly from the program to AZBN, stating the role and population focus of the program.
4. The educational program was:
   1. Part of a graduate degree/post-master’s program at an accredited institution; OR
   2. The program was approved or recognized in the U.S jurisdiction of program location for the purpose of granting APRN licensure or certification.
5. National Certification or re-certification as an APRN in the role and population focus if certification was issued after 7-1-2004. Exception: a CNS granted a waiver of certification.
6. Meets practice requirement by verifying they have:
   1. Completed an advanced practice nursing education program within the past five years; or
   2. Practiced for a minimum of 960 hours within the past five years where the nurse:
      • Worked for compensation or as a volunteer, as an APRN: OR
      • Held a position for compensation or as a volunteer that required, preferred or recommended in the job description, the level of advanced practice certification being sought or renewed.
7. If the applicant satisfies all other requirements, the Board shall continue to certify:
   1. An RNP without a graduate degree with a major in nursing if the applicants:
      • Meets all other requirements for certification; and
      • Ensures that the U.S jurisdiction of an applicant’s previous RNP licensure/certification submits evidence of certification or licensure in the NP role and population focus that either is current or was current at least six months before the application was received by the board, and was originally issued:
        1. Before 1-1-2001, if the RNP applicant lacks a graduate degree; or
        2. Before 11-13-2005 if the RNP’s graduate degree is in a health-related area other than nursing.
   2. An RNP or CNS applicant without evidence of national certification who received initial APRN certification/licensure in another state before 7-1-2004 and provides evidence, directly from the jurisdiction, that the certification/licensure is current.
   3. A CNS applicant without evidence of completion of a CNS program who received initial certification of advanced practice licensure in this or another state before 11-13-2005 and provides evidence, directly from the jurisdiction, that the certificate/license is current.
   4. A CNS applicant who completed a women’s health clinical nurse specialist program that was part of a graduate degree in a nursing program without evidence of national certification upon submission of the following:
      • A description of the applicant’s scope of practice that is consistent with the Nurse Practice Act definition R4-19-514.
      • One of the following:
        1. A letter from a faculty member who supervised the applicant during the graduate program attesting to the applicant’s competence to practice within the defined scope of practice; OR
        2. A letter from a current supervisor verifying the applicant’s competence in the defined scope of practice; OR
        3. A letter from a physician, RNP, or CNS who has worked with the applicant within the past 2 years attesting to the applicant’s competence in the defined scope of practice and
      • Verification that the applicant has practiced a minimum of 500 hours in the population focus within the past 2 years, which may include clinical practice time in a CNS program.

Am I required to have National Certification in order to receive certification?

You are required to have National Certification or re-certification as an APRN in the role and population focus if certification was issued after 7-1-2004. You must have your National Certification sent directly to the Arizona State Board of Nursing from the certifying agency.

Exceptions:

1. An RNP or CNS applicant without evidence of national certification who received initial APRN certification/licensure in another state before 7-1-2004 and provides evidence, directly from the jurisdiction, that the certification/licensure is current.
2. A CNS granted a waiver of certification.

Am I required to send my transcripts and the official letter directly to AZBN?

Official transcript(s) of the course of study and a letter verifying completion from the educational institution(s) where you took your graduate degree, Advanced Nursing or NP or CNS program must be submitted to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. You must request that the institution send these directly to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. For a sample school letter, see the Advanced Practice section of the Apply for a License page.

How long will it take for me to get a certificate?

The Board is required to process applications for certification within certain time periods, per Nurse Practice Act R4-19-102. Applicable statute and section: A.R.S. § 32-1606(B)(11); R4-19-809.

What are the fees for APRN or CRNA certification

Application Fees

All fees are in U.S. dollars and are non-refundable.

• Application Fee: $150.00 (required)
• Fingerprint Fee: $ 50.00 (required)
• Temporary Certification Fee: $ 35.00 (optional)
• Prescribing and Dispensing Fee: $150.00 (optional), for RNP’s only

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit/Debit Card 

Can I get a temporary certificate?

• A temporary certificate is available for APRNs meeting all requirements.
• Temporary certificates will be withdrawn for new grad applicants (NP, CNM who have taken and failed National Certification exam.

For more information on Temporary Certificate go to the Advanced Practice Instructions part of the Apply for a License page.

Am I required to be fingerprinted?

General Information

You are required to complete and submit a fingerprint card. NOTE: If you have had previous fingerprinting done with another agency, you must still submit a new set of fingerprints to AZBN. A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute for this requirement. If you have submitted previous fingerprints to the AZ State Board of Nursing within the past 2 years, you will not need to submit fingerprints again. Return the completed fingerprint card with your application to the Board in a large envelope. DO NOT fold the fingerprint card.

• It can take a minimum of 6-8 weeks to receive fingerprint results. You cannot receive permanent licensure until these results are received. Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.

Where do I Obtain Fingerprinting Services?

Call your local police department, sheriff’s office or check for names of private agencies where you can obtain fingerprints. (The agency you use must validate your identification with a driver’s license or a State issued ID. The agency will provide the fingerprint card for you to use. Fingerprints done by an applicant on themselves will be returned and will delay processing time.)

Can I get my fingerprints done electronically?

The AZBN now offers electronic fingerprinting services for applicants who are physically in Arizona. At this time there are no location partners outside of Arizona. View the Electronic Fingerprint Instructions for more information.

What is a deficiency notice?

When you submit an application, the Board will send you a deficiency notice identifying any elements of the application process which remain outstanding. If you fail to respond to a deficiency notice within the applicable time period, your application will be withdrawn. After withdrawal, if you are still interested in obtaining licensure you would need to submit a new application and applicable fee.

I've been criminally charged or convicted of a felony. What should I do?

Reporting of Criminal Charges

Applicants for licensure/certification must notify the Board of criminal charges within 10 days of being charged. For further information go to Reporting Criminal Charges.

Felony Convictions

According to A.R.S. § 32-1606(B), an applicant for certified nursing assistant is not eligible for certification if the applicant has any felony convictions and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions. The absolute discharge from the sentence for all felony conviction(s) must be received 3 or more years before submitting this application. If you cannot prove that the absolute discharge date is 3 or more years, the Board will notify you that you do not meet the requirements for certification.

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