Healthcare Resource
How to Get an NP License in California (2026)
In brief
California NP licensure 2026: BRN endorsement, AB890 full practice authority pathway (3-year transition), Furnishing Number, $145-195K comp.
Steps at a glance
Hold California RN license (endorsement)
California is not in the eNLC. Apply for CA RN by endorsement first, typical 6-10 weeks.
Verify graduation from accredited NP program
BRN requires graduation from an NP program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or NLN-CNEA.
Submit national certification verification
Request your certifying body (ANCC, AANP, NCC, or PNCB) verify your certification directly to CA BRN.
Complete Live Scan fingerprinting
BCI + FBI fingerprint check via approved Live Scan provider. ~$50.
Submit NP Certificate application
File the Nurse Practitioner Certificate application via BRN online portal. Fee: $200.
Apply for Furnishing Number (for prescriptive authority)
Optional but recommended. Furnishing application + Standardized Procedures + DEA. Adds 2-4 weeks.
AB 890 Pathway (full practice authority)
AB 890 (effective 2023) creates a transition-to-independence pathway for NPs. Phase 1 (3+ years working under physician supervision in CA) → Phase 2 (independent practice in defined settings). Document hours; apply via BRN when eligible.
California is one of the most lucrative NP markets ($145-195K depending on setting and Bay Area cost of living adjustment) and recently became more attractive thanks to AB 890 (effective 2023), which creates a phased pathway to full practice authority for experienced NPs. California is NOT in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so endorsement requires a separate RN application first.
Quick facts
- Issuing board: California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
- Title: Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Compact: No, but APRN Compact may apply once active in 2026-2027
- Processing: 8-12 weeks (NP cert), plus 6-10 weeks RN endorsement if not already CA-licensed
- Practice authority: Restricted (Phase 1 AB 890), Full (Phase 2 AB 890 after 3+ years CA practice)
- Total fees: ~$400 ($150 RN + $200 NP + $50 fingerprinting)
AB 890: Full Practice Authority pathway
AB 890 (effective January 2023) creates a two-phase pathway for California NPs to practice independently:
- Phase 1 (Section 2837.103): NPs may practice in specific settings (clinic, county hospital, federally-qualified health center, or other defined settings) without standardized procedures, but must work under "transition-to-practice" with a physician for 3+ years.
- Phase 2 (Section 2837.104): After 3+ years of California Phase 1 practice (or equivalent demonstrated experience), NPs may apply for independent practice authority. Independent practice still has specific scope limitations.
NP California compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base |
|---|---|
| Bay Area FNP outpatient | $165,000 |
| SoCal FNP outpatient | $155,000 |
| Hospitalist NP (acute) | $175,000 |
| Telehealth NP (CA-based) | $145,000 |
| Specialty NP (cardiology, oncology, ortho) | $185,000 |
| Critical Care NP (ACNP-AG) | $195,000 |
Related: Florida NP License by Endorsement, Texas NP License by Endorsement, California RN License by Endorsement.
Hiring in this space?
Ava Health places nurses and allied health professionals across Florida
Permanent, travel, contract, and per diem placement. No fees to candidates.
Explore staffing services →Get Ava Health updates
Healthcare salary data and market updates from Ava Health. Sign up to hear when new resources are ready.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.