Jurisprudence Exam and Provisional License

All new RN and LPN graduates who apply for a license by examination ON OR AFTER June 8 will have to complete a jurisprudence examination rather than the clinical internship.  Individuals must complete an application for licensure with KBN before they will be able to take the jurisprudence examination. 

Unless an applicant has criminal convictions, when KBN receives the application, a fingerprint card and $19.25 fee, the state background check from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and confirmation from the program of nursing that the applicant has completed all requirements for graduation KBN will make the applicant eligible to sit for NCLEX (if the applicant has registered with Pearson Vue). 

An applicant may be issued a provisional license and may begin to practice as an RNA or LPNA after KBN receives confirmation that the jurisprudence examination was passed and all above listed requirements are met.  If the jurisprudence examination is taken after passing NCLEX results are received and there are no criminal convictions on the FBI report, a full license may be issued.

This change in the law becomes effective at midnight, Eastern Time, June 8, when the clinical internship requirement expires.  (See flowchart [PDF Format - 346KB])

It is important to remember that whether the applicant completes the internship or the jurisprudence examination, he/she must practice under the direct supervision of a nurse licensed in Kentucky or who has the compact privilege to practice in Kentucky, until a full license is issued.  These individuals must sign all documentation as RNA or LPNA.  Employment into a licensed position may not begin until a provisional license is issued.