FAQs for Nursing

Nursys e-Notify is an innovative nurse licensure notification system (developed and provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing) that allows you to receive real-time email notifications about nurses that you employ.  The system provides publicly available discipline data directly to you automatically as the data is entered into the Nursys database without you needing to proactively seek the information.  Learn more and subscribe to Nursys e-Notify>>.  For more information contact [email protected].  

Free Service

• The service is offered to you free of charge through a partnership with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Easy, Quick, and Efficient

• Entering your nurses into Nursys e-Notify is fast and easy.  
• Search the Nursys database for nurses to add to your list, bulk upload your entire nursing staff list and/or connect to and upload directly from your system. You manage the addition, deletion or deactivation of nurses with just a few easy clicks.
• Once you enter your nurses into the Nursys e-Notify system you will receive notification about changes in licensure status as soon as they are made by a board of nursing. 
• If a nurse’s license is about to expire, the system will alert you and then you can choose to use the system option to send the nurse a reminder.  
• You will also immediately find out if there has been new disciplinary action or a publicly available nurse alert issued by a board of nursing for your employed nurse.

Information and Changes Tracked

• Nursys e-Notify will alert subscribers when the following changes are made to a nurse’s record:
  • License status
  • License expirations
  • License renewal
  • Disciplinary action Disciplinary action resolved

Customizable Information

• You choose how often you receive emails, when and how often you receive nurse licensure status change updates, and when to run your reports.  
• You can even choose to enter nurse contact information so that you can send licensure renewal reminders to them via email or text directly from the system.

Learn more and subscribe to Nursys e-Notify>>.  For more information contact [email protected].

• Nursys is the only national database for verification of nurse licensure, discipline, and practice privileges for RNs and LPN/VNs.  
• Nursys e-Notify provides real-time automatic notification of status and discipline changes delivered directly to you.  
• Nursys e-Notify economically provides you with vital information saving you money and staff time. 

Learn more and subscribe to Nursys e-Notify>>.  For more information contact [email protected].

The Georgia Board of Nursing licenses nurses through examination and endorsement from other states. The Board also licenses registered nurses to practice as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the following roles: certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), certified nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs).

Applications are generally processed within fifteen business days.  Missing documents, such as transcripts, national certification verifications, Verification of Employment forms, or other required documents, may delay the licensing process if they are not received before the application is reviewed. Applications involving prior criminal history or disciplinary actions may require additional review by the Board or disciplinary staff, which can significantly extend processing times.

Following the initial review of an application, a licensing analyst will notify the applicant by email if any documentation or information is missing. The deficiency notice will identify the outstanding items, which must be submitted within 60 days. If the required items are not received within that timeframe, the application will be withdrawn. Application fees are nonrefundable, so applicants are encouraged to submit all requested documentation as promptly as possible to avoid delays or withdrawal of the application.

Licensure services include:

• Approval of an LPN or RN applicant to sit for the NCLEX
• Issuance of an LPN or RN license upon successful completion of the NCLEX
• Issuance of a LPN or RN license upon completion of all application requirements
• Renewal of a nursing license
• Issuance of an APRN license upon completion of all application requirements
• Renewal of APRN license

You may apply for licensure by examination, endorsement, or reinstatement. 

• If you have never been licensed in any other state you should apply for licensure by examination. 
• If you have never been licensed in Georgia but you are/have been licensed in another state you should apply for licensure by endorsement.  
• If you have previously been licensed in Georgia you should apply for licensure by reinstatement. 

If you graduated from a nursing education program located outside of the United States and you have never been licensed in the United States you should apply for licensure by international exam.

Before an individual can practice as a certified nurse practitioner (NP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS), they must hold an APRN license in Georgia. Please review the following flowchart to determine the correct APRN license type >>>

Please review the How to Guide: APRN to review licensure requirements >>>

Mailed-in paper applications are no longer accepted. 

Applicants who failed the NCLEX must submit a new application for reexamination. Please refer to the correct How-To guides for complete information.

For RNs:

• Licensure by Repeat Exam (U.S.) Checklist
• Licensure by Repeat Exam International Checklist
• Licensure by Exam Application for Graduates of Non-Traditional Nursing Education Programs

For LPNs:

• Licensure by Repeat Exam (U.S.) Checklist
• Licensure by Repeat Exam International Checklist

You may apply for reexamination at any time after failing the exam, but exam eligibility will not be granted by Pearson Vue until after a period of 45 days. 

Board Rule 410-6 allows currently licensed registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to request inactive status for their licenses.

How do I apply for inactive status?

1. In the GOALS portal, log in to your account. 
2. Once logged in to your account, select the Licenses tab at the top of the page (next to the Home tab) and find your license. (The license status will be Active.)  
3. Select "Take Action" and select "Inactivate license".  
4. Complete the application.   
5. If you have changed your address, you will need to submit the updated information while completing this application.

• Lost or stolen pocket cards should be reported to the Board immediately. 
• Log into your GOALS portal to print a copy of your pocket card.
• If you would like us to send you a copy of your pocket card, you would go to the same printing services where you print your free copy and select $25.00 license pocket card. Once order is placed and fee is paid, a pocket card will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.

For complete information on license renewal, please refer to the How-To guide for your specific license type for complete renewal instructions:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Certified Nurse Specialist and Psych/Mental Health NP (CNS/PMH)

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Registered Nurse (RN)

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses must submit documentation of completion of one of the required continuing competency activities for licensure renewal to www.cebroker.com as required by Board Rule 410-13. View more information regarding continuing education requirements >>

Please visit www.nursys.com and select "Nurse Licensure Verification for Endorsement." Follow the onscreen instructions to have your verification of licensure transmitted to another board of nursing.

Applicants must use the GAPS Applicant Processing Service (Idemia) to obtain a criminal background check.

For more information, download these Instructions for Applicants to Obtain Fingerprints for a Background Check >>>

The Georgia Board of Nursing does not provide legal advice regarding specific scope of practice questions. View the "Scope of Practice Decision Tree." When used in conjunction with Georgia law and Board rules most individuals are able to answer their questions with relative ease.

It is important to remember that a nurse must practice within the scope and knowledge of his or her training and according to the policies and guidelines of his or her facility.

Prescriptive authority for advanced practice registered nurses is regulated by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (www.medicalboard.georgia.gov). Please view the following information available at the Medical Board's website:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Forms

APRN Rules Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-34-25

Frequently Asked Questions for APRNS

All name changes must be reported to the Board within 30 days of the change (Board Rule 410-1-.03).  Changes may be submitted to your account in GOALS using these instructions: 

1. In the GOALS portal, log in to your account.
2. Select the drop-down arrow next to your name and select My Profile.
3. Select Change Name.
4. Select the appropriate checkbox and click Edit.
5. Enter your updated information.
6. Upload any supporting legal documents if requested. 
7. Be sure to clearly name each document when uploading.
8. For name changes, you will need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, and a copy of a government-issued photo ID reflecting your updated name.
9. Click Submit to finalize your request.

All address changes must be reported to the Board within 30 days of the change (Board Rule 410-1-.03). When making address changes, please remember to update your email address. Changes may be submitted to your account in GOALS using these instructions: 

In the GOALS portal, log in to your account.

1. Select the Licenses tab at the top of the page (next to the Home tab).
2. Select TAKE ACTION (right side of license) and select Amend License.
3. Select Change in Mailing Address
4. Enter your updated information.
5. Click Submit to finalize your request.
6.  If you need to submit a change to your physical/residence address also, please see the FAQ for instructions.

Changes may be submitted to your account in GOALS using these instructions: 

1. In the GOALS portal, log in to your account.
2. Select the drop-down arrow next to your name and select My Profile.
3. Select Change Name.
4. Select the appropriate checkbox and click Edit.
5. Enter your updated information.
6. Upload any supporting legal documents, if requested. Be sure to clearly name each document when uploading.
7. Click Submit to finalize your request.

Instructions for Submitting a Rule Waiver/Variance Petition:

1. Go to the GOALS portal and log in to your account.
2. Select Applications or Licenses in the upper-left corner of the screen.
3. Locate the application or license for which you wish to submit a rule waiver/variance petition.
4. Select Take Action on the right side of the screen, then select Waiver/Variance Petition.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit your petition.

Applicants who completed their nursing education outside the United States or in certain U.S. territories may be required to submit additional documentation when applying for licensure by examination or endorsement in Georgia.

Download the Internationally Educated Nursing Applicants guide for complete information >>>