Licensure by Examination: Quick Links

• Application and Fee,
• State Criminal  Background Check
• Federal Criminal Background Check, 
• Completion of a Board approved program of nursing,
• Register for and pass NCLEX,
• Completion of a clinical internship, 
• Evidence of completing 2 continuing education hours in HIV/AIDS education, and
• Complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam
  • Click on the Application Status to access the link to the exam
  • Go to Jurisprudence Examination for more information on the exam

STATE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (COURTNET)

FEDERAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS (FINGERPRINTING):

• Request a fingerprint card.
• Send the completed fingerprint card and the $16.50 fee to the Kentucky State Police. 
• Instructions for completing the fingerprint card [PDF Format - 15KB]

REPORTING A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION:

• Review information regarding the convictions that must be reported and the required documents to be submitted to KBN. 
• Fax letters of explanation (see above link) to 502-429-3353.  
• Certified court documents must be mailed to KBN, Investigative and Discipline Branch
  • It could take up to 3 months to process applications with a "Yes" response to any discipline and/or conviction question.   
  • For questions or concerns contact Consumer Protection Dept. (502) 429-3300.
    

ANSWERED THE CONVICTION OR DISCIPLINARY QUESTION IN ERROR?

• Send a letter of correction to:
  • RachelA.Williamson@ky.gov, or
  • Fax to 502-782-2755. 

REGISTER FOR NCLEX

• Complete the online registration form with Pearson Vue
• You must provide your SSN when registering.
• Pearson Vue will issue an Authorization To Test (ATT)after KBN  makes you eligible to test.
• Read more information on registering for NCLEX

REQUIRED CONTINUING EDUCATION

• Two hours of HIV/AIDS continuing education [PDF Format] required within 6 months of Kentucky licensure
• Three hours of Domestic Violence continuing education [PDF Format] within 3 years of KY licensure
• One and a half hours of Pediatric Head Abuse Trauma [PDF Format] within 3 years of KY licensure

APPLICATION STATUS: 

• Follow the status of your application as it is being processed - it will list what requirements are needed before your license will be issued.