Credentials Branch Overview

Administrative regulation 201 KAR 20:070 has been filed with the Legislative Research Commission.  Effectively immediately, all applicants for licensure may be made eligible to sit for NCLEX and be issued a provisional license.  This allows an applicant to take NCLEX prior to completing the clinical internship, if they so choose.  Passing NCLEX and completion of the clinical internship are required by law in order to be licensed as a nurse in Kentucky.  This regulation change will affect all applicants for licensure by examination.  For more information, click here.

The KBN Credentials Branch is responsible for licensing practical nurses and registered nurses, and for credentialing advanced registered nurse practitioners and sexual assault nurse examiners. 

There are four methods of licensure:  Examination, Endorsement, Reinstatement, and Retired Status.  (You can also link to these pages, plus many other related pages, from the left navigation menu.)

Validation of licensure/registration is an essential part of the Credentials process.  You can access an automated validation system via Online Services:  License Validation.  You will find additional information on the Verification of Original Kentucky Licensure page.  

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The application for licensure is for both the licensed practical nurse and the registered nurse.  Complete all sections as outlined in the instructions, typing or printing in black ink.  An incomplete application will be returned to you.  Links to the application, instructions, and additional forms are located with the information for each licensure type.

Licensure fees and regulatory requirements are subject to change.  Application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.  For a current list of fees, refer to Fees for Licensure and Registration Applications and Services [PDF Format - 26k].