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Nurse Practitioner License in Colorado

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Nurse Practitioner license in CO. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$350

Processing Time

6-10 Weeks

Exam Required

ANCC or AANP Certification Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Nurse Practitioner license in Colorado.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Nurse Practitioner training program in Colorado.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your CO application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Colorado licensing board and pay the $350 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-10 weeks in CO. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in Colorado starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the CO licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Colorado state board.

Requirements

Before applying for a Nurse Practitioner license in Colorado, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. CO requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam is a non-negotiable requirement in Colorado.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner in Colorado starts at $350 for the application fee. CO requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Colorado can add up to $125 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Nurse Practitioner in Colorado

Base License Fee$350
Estimated Total$350

Renewal Process

Maintaining your Nurse Practitioner license in Colorado requires timely renewal every 2 years. CO sets the renewal fee at $250. You must complete all required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Colorado board. Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension and reinstatement fees in CO.

License Expiry Calculator — Nurse Practitioner in CO

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Colorado requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Nurse Practitioner professionals in Colorado continues to grow. CO offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Colorado provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Nurse Practitioner professionals in CO report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Nurse Practitioner

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Colorado Nurse Practitioner License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts CO Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts CO Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts CO Nurse Practitioner license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Iowa (IA) PartialIA requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.

Where to File Locally in Colorado

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Denver

1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7855

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Springs

30 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 385-5175

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Aurora

15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

(303) 739-7000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fort Collins

300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 221-6500

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Boulder

1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302

(303) 441-3388

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Colorado Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Colorado state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.