Nurse License Requirements in California
License RequiredLast verified March 24, 2026
Agency And Exam
Issuing agency: California Board of Registered Nursing (RN) / California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (LVN)
Official licensing agency website
Exam provider: Pearson VUE
Reciprocity And License Levels
License levels
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)Registered Nurse (RN)
Reciprocity states
None listed
Notes
RNs are licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing (https://www.rn.ca.gov). LVNs (equivalent to LPNs in other states) are licensed by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov). California is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact member state; a California-specific license is required to practice. NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN required. Biennial renewal with continuing education.