How to Guide: APRN / CNS
How To Apply
"Advanced Practice Registered Nurse" (APRN) is an umbrella title for Registered Nurses who are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM), Certified Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialists/Psych-Mental Health (CNS-PMH) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) licensure requires that you file with the Georgia Board of Nursing and renew your license every 2 years.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by January 31st of the year it expires.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
- Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>
Fees
Applications |
|
Exam | $40.00 |
Endorsement | $75.00 |
Reinstatement | $90.00 |
APRN Authorization | $75.00 |
APRN Authorization Reinstatement | $90.00 |
NCL Conversion | $50.00 |
Nursing Education Program | $1000.00 |
License Renewal | $65.00 |
Late Renewal | $75.00 |
Other |
|
Verification Request (Inc. Exam Results) | $35.00 |
Transcript Request | $15.00 |
Roster | See Roster Request Form |
Out-of-State Repeat Examination Request | $35.00 |
Wall Certificates (RN, APRN) | $50.00 |
Pocket Card | $25.00 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
Initial Authority Licensure Checklist
If Georgia is your primary state of residency, or if you are moving to Georgia, and you meet the multiple criteria for APRN licensure, apply for licensure by Initial Authority.
If you are licensed as a registered nurse in Georgia or hold a multistate license from an eNLC compact state; AND hold a master’s degree or other graduate degree from an approved nursing education program in the APRN role/specialty; AND have passed the national board certification in the role/specialty; apply for licensure by initial authority (APRN).
If Georgia is not your primary state of residency (PSOR) and you are not moving to this state, use the GAA (Georgia Approved Based on Another State) application.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail or online.
- Official Transcript-Date/Degree Awarded
- Can be submitted with the application only if in sealed envelope from the school;
- Can be mailed (by the school) directly to the Board
- Can be emailed (by the school) directly to the Board
- Can be emailed (using a transcript exchange service) directly to the Board
- Must be Master’s level degree or higher
- Must show proof of Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Physical Assessment
- Must show the APRN role/specialization
- Practice Requirements/Reentry
Must document one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of current application:- Graduation with a master’s degree or higher from an advanced practice nursing education program in area of specialty; OR
- Five hundred (500) hours of practice as an advanced practice registered nurse. Download the APRN Verification of Employment; OR
- Completion of a Georgia Board-approved APRN reentry/refresher program. Download the APRN Reentry Packet.
- National Certification Verification (from Certifying body)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Background Consent Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
GAA Licensure Checklist
If Georgia (GA) is NOT your primary state of residency (PSOR), and you are not changing your PSOR to GA, and you have an RN eNLC MSL from a state other than GA; apply for GAA (Georgia Authorization Based on Another State License) licensure.
If you hold a multistate RN eNLC license in a state other than Georgia; AND hold a master’s degree or other graduate degree from an approved nursing education program in the APRN role/specialty; AND have passed the national board certification in the role/specialty; apply for GAA-CNS authorization.
If Georgia is your primary state of residency (PSOR) OR if you are moving to this state, use the Initial Authority (APRN) application.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail or online.
- Official Transcript-Date/Degree Awarded
- Can be submitted with the application only if in sealed envelope from the school;
- Can be mailed (by the school) directly to the Board
- Can be emailed (by the school) directly to the Board
- Can be emailed (using a transcript exchange service) directly to the Board
- Must be Master’s level degree or higher
- Must show proof of Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Physical Assessment
- Must show the APRN role/specialization
- Practice Requirements/Reentry
Must document one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of current application:- Graduation with a master’s degree or higher from an advanced practice nursing education program in area of specialty; OR
- Five hundred (500) hours of practice as an advanced practice registered nurse. Download the APRN Verification of Employment; OR
- Completion of a Georgia Board-approved APRN reentry/refresher program. Download the APRN Reentry Packet.
- National Certification Verification (from Certifying body)
- Verification of Multi-State License
- Declaration of Primary State of Residency
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Background Consent Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
APRN Reinstatement Checklist
APRN Reinstatement requires you to have an active RN license even if your APRN license has lapsed.
If you have previously been authorized to practice as an advanced practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of Georgia and your license has lapsed, submit an APRN reinstatement application.
You must have an active RN license issued by the Georgia Board of Nursing to reinstate a lapsed APRN authorization. If your RN license has lapsed, also submit an RN reinstatement application.
If Georgia is not your primary state of residency (PSOR); AND you are not moving to this state; AND you have an active RN eNLC multistate license; apply using the GAA (Georgia Approved Based on Another State) authorization application.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. (Choose from the applications listed, above.)
- Reinstatement applications can only be submitted by mail.
- Practice Requirements/Reentry
Must document one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of current application:- Graduation with a master’s degree or higher from an advanced practice nursing education program in area of specialty; OR
- Five hundred (500) hours of practice as an advanced practice registered nurse. Download the APRN Verification of Employment; OR
- Completion of a Georgia Board-approved APRN reentry/refresher program. Download the APRN Reentry Packet.
- National Certification Verification (from Certifying body)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Background Consent Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $90.
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
GAA Reinstatement Checklist
If Georgia is NOT your primary state of residency, and if you are not moving to Georgia, and your GAA license has lapsed, apply for GAA Reinstatement.
If you have previously been authorized to practice as a GAA APRN in the state of Georgia and your license has lapsed, submit the application for APRNs with a Multistate License from Another NLC Jurisdiction to reinstate the authorization.
You must have an active RN eNLC license issued by a state other than Georgia to reinstate a lapsed GAA authorization.
If you have an active RN license issued by the Georgia Board of Nursing, submit the APRN Reinstatement application.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. (Choose from the applications listed, above.)
- Reinstatement applications can only be submitted by mail.
- Practice Requirements/Reentry
Must document one of the following within four years immediately preceding the date of current application:- Graduation with a master’s degree or higher from an advanced practice nursing education program in area of specialty; OR
- Five hundred (500) hours of practice as an advanced practice registered nurse. Download the APRN Verification of Employment; OR
- Completion of a Georgia Board-approved APRN reentry/refresher program. Download the APRN Reentry Packet.
- National Certification Verification (from Certifying body)
- Verification of Multi-State License
- Declaration of Primary State of Residency
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Background Consent Form
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $90.
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Renewal Checklist
Once issued, licenses renew on January 31 of the year it expires. Please refer to your expiration date on your license for specific renewal dates.
Once issued, licenses renew on January 31 of the year it expires. Please refer to your expiration date on your license for specific renewal dates.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license. Check within 3 days to make sure your renewal is complete by verification of licensure.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $65.
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Once your checklist is completed, please mail all documents in a 9x12 envelope (do not fold into a smaller envelope) to:
Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Contact
Address
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Related Resources
- Online Resource NCSBN- National Council for States Board of Nursing
- Online Resource Georgia Composite Medical Board
- Online Resource Check Application Status
Contact Georgia Board of Nursing
Address
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217