Provisional License — Clinical Internship

Go to NCLEX Eligibility Changes for new information.

Do NOT begin the 120-hour clinical internship until you have been issued a provisional license by KBN.

A provisional license is:

• Issued within 14 days of meeting all Application Requirements.
• Valid for a period of six months from the date of issue.
• Invalidated upon unsuccessful completion of NCLEX (Apply to Retake).

Validation that a provisional license has been issued may be done by clicking on Provisional License Validation. 

Upon receipt of the above information, KBN will make you eligible to sit for the NCLEX.  After receiving notification that you passed the NCLEX, KBN will issue your provisional license.

Applicant must be issued a provisional license before beginning the internship.

• RNA:  RN Applicant
• LPNA: LPN Applicant

Consists of:

• 120 hours of practice.
• Under direct supervision.
• Performing direct patient care using critical thinking and knowledge.
• In any setting where components listed above can be met.

May be completed in another compact state.

• The internship may be completed in Tennessee if the following requirements are met:
  • Applicant petitions KBN, in writing:
    • To complete the internship in Tennessee.
    • Provides name, address and telephone number of facility.
    • Provides name of individual who will be supervising the applicant.
    • Provides tentative start date.
  • Employer submits directly to KBN, a letter:
    • On letterhead.
    • Provides applicant's name.
    • Provides proposed start date.
    • Acknowledges that the applicant must practice 120 hours under direct supervision until a permanent Kentucky license is issued.
      
      
• Internship in any other compact state.
  • Contact the Examination Specialist.

Verification of Completion of the Clinical Internship Form must be submitted before a permanent license will be issued (Licensure Information).

If you were unsuccessful on NCLEX, you:

• Must immediately cease practicing in a licensed nursing position.
• May continue to reapply to KBN and to Pearson/VUE to retake NCLEX — there is no limit to the number of times you may take NCLEX (Retaking the NCLEX).