WV Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

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Written by Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A nurse works on her WV nursing license renewal process.

Nestled in the beautiful Appalachians, West Virginia boasts rolling hills, rugged mountains, and winding rivers. With a population of fewer than 2 million residents, much of WV is rural. Tourism in the state is on the rise, as travelers visit New River Gorge National Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, and Harper’s Ferry. Nurses are essential for keeping West Virginians and tourists healthy in this Mid-Atlantic state.

If you’re a nurse aid (NA), licensed professional nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or advanced practice nurse (APRN) in West Virginia, you’ll need to keep your license updated to continue practicing. Here are some quick facts about nursing in the state, as well as the step-by-step process for your WV nursing license renewal.

West Virginia Nursing Facts

Is WV part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes, WV is a compact state.

How much do nurses in West Virginia earn?

How can I contact the West Virginia Board of Nursing?

Email the board at rnboard@wv.gov

West Virginia Board of Nursing phone number: 304-744-0900

Website: www.wvrnboard.wv.gov

West Virginia Board of Nursing Address:

5001 MacCorkle Avenue SW
South Charleston, WV 25309

WV Nursing License Renewal Process: 3 Steps

In West Virginia, nursing licenses are managed and renewed through three different organizations:

  • CNAs: Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification
  • LPNs: WV State Board of Examiners for LPNs
  • RNs and APRNs: West Virginia Board of Nursing

Follow the steps below to learn when and how to renew a CNA, LPN, RN, or APRN license in the state of West Virginia. If you need a West Virginia nursing license by endorsement, create a Nurse Portal account and verify your nursing license with the NURSYS system.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

CNAs in West Virginia must renew by the same date every two years. You’ll get a renewal notice in the mail a few months before your certification expires. You can look up your renewal deadlines, along with your certification, on the Nurse Aide Validation page. Submit your renewal packet either by mail or online a month before it expires.

In West Virginia, LPNs renew licenses annually, but continuing education requirements are due by June 30 during even years only. You can use the license lookup tool to view when your renewal is due.

RNs and APRNs can begin submitting forms for renewal two months before their renewal deadline. If you’re not sure when your renewal deadline is, use the board of nursing license lookup tool. See the renewal time that corresponds with your license below:

  • RNs: October 31 every other year in even years
  • APRNs: June 30 every other year in odd years

Step 2: Complete Your Continuing Education Requirements

CNAs don’t have continuing education requirements in WV, but you’ll need to have worked at least 8 hours in the past two years. LPNs must complete 24 contact hours and be employed as an LPN for at least 400 clock hours per renewal period. Find a list of approved LPN continuing competency providers at the LPN News page.

RNs and APRNs will upload their continuing education credits to a CE Broker account, where you’ll also find a list of approved providers. Check out the continuing education requirements for RNs and APRNs in West Virginia:

  • RNs: 12 contact hours from an approved educational institution
  • APRNs: 24 contact hours — 12 hours in pharmacotherapeutics and 12 hours in clinical management from an approved educational institution

If you have more questions about such requirements for RNs and APRNs, go to the BON frequently asked questions page.

If you need continuing education for your WV RN license renewal requirements, check out IntelyEdu. Our courses are developed by industry experts, and accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: File your West Virginia Nursing License Renewal Online

CNAs will fill out the nurse aide registration renewal application online. LPNs, RNs and APRNs will need to log in or create a WV Board of Nursing Portal account and complete the forms for renewal. Depending on your nursing credentials, you’ll need to pay a renewal fee:

  • LPNs: $40
  • RNs: $90
  • APRNs: $90 (Limited Prescriptive Authority is an additional $125)

For a complete list of RN and APRN fees, view the Board’s fee schedule page.

Great Areas in West Virginia for Nursing Jobs

Once you’ve submitted your license renewal as a CNA, LPN, RN, or APRN, you might want to explore job opportunities. Explore listings in these major cities:

Find WV Nursing Opportunities

Once your WV nursing license renewal is done, why not check out fresh nursing opportunities? IntelyCare has jobs for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs across the great state of West Virginia. View our nursing jobs in WV to see opportunities in your area.