How to get your New York APRN license

Practice authorityWhat the Modernized NP Act means in New York

New York's Modernized NP Act (signed 2022) made New York a Full Practice Authority state for experienced NPs. NPs with 3,600+ hours of qualifying nursing practice experience can practice independently without a written practice agreement (collaborative agreement). NPs with fewer hours must maintain a written practice agreement with a collaborating physician until they meet the threshold.

Step by stepThe New York NP certification process

1. 1
   Hold an active New York RN licenseNY NP certification requires an active NY RN license. NY is NOT NLC — even if you have a multistate license from another state, you need a separate NY RN license. Apply via NYSED.
2. 2
   Complete NYSED-approved mandated trainingRequired before licensure: Infection Control (every 4 yrs unless graduated NYSED-registered program within past 4 yrs), Child Abuse Identification one-time, and Chapter 25 of 2024 updates for previously-trained reporters. Front-load these BEFORE filing application to avoid file-incomplete holds.
3. 3
   Complete an accredited NP programMust be from an ACEN, CCNE, or NYSED-registered program. NP role/population focus must match intended scope.
4. 4
   Earn national NP certificationNY accepts AANP or ANCC certification for most NP roles. Pass the certification exam from your chosen body.
5. 5
   Submit Form 1 (NP application) via eservices.nysed.gov$85 application + $50 first registration. Self-disclose any criminal history, NPDB reports, OOS disciplinary actions. No background check or fingerprints required for NP cert.
6. 6
   School submits Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education)Your NP program must submit Form 2 + official transcript directly to NYSED. School-initiated — coordinate with your program director. Form 2 cannot be submitted until Form 1 is on file.
7. 7
   Establish written practice agreement (if <3,600 hrs)Formal agreement with a collaborating physician outlining scope, prescribing, and supervision. NOT required if you have 3,600+ qualifying hours.
8. 8
   Apply for prescriptive authorityIncluded with NY NP certification. No separate fee. Scope defined by your role and (if applicable) written practice agreement.
9. 9
   Enroll in I-STOP (NY PMP)Mandatory via Health Commerce System (HCS) before prescribing Schedule II–V controlled substances. Check before every CS prescription per NY law.
10. 10
    Apply for federal DEA registration$888 for 3 years. Required for any controlled substance prescribing. Apply at deadiversion.usdoj.gov AFTER your NP cert is issued.

Watch outWhat slows NPs down in New York

• NYSED is NOT a typical Board of Nursing. Everything goes through NYSED Office of the Professions, not a state board. The online system (eservices.nysed.gov) is slower than most BoN portals. Plan for longer processing times.
• Mandated trainings are commonly the hold-up. Infection Control + Child Abuse training must be on file. New grads often forget to complete these BEFORE filing Form 1, which causes "file-incomplete" holds. Front-load them.
• Form 2 has its own delays. School-direct submission to NYSED. Coordinate with your program director early. Form 2 is one of the most common bottlenecks.
• NY is NOT NLC. Even if you have a multistate RN license from another state, you still need a separate NY RN license to be eligible for NY NP certification. Plan for this two-step process.
• 3,600 hours requires documentation. If claiming independent practice, you'll need to document your hours. Keep practice records, employer letters, and hour logs from the start of your NP career.
• NYSED processes can be opaque. Status updates are slower than other states. Email nursepr@nysed.gov for status checks rather than calling — written responses are more reliable.