Ky.gov

LPN and RN Licensure by Examination

Information regarding the process to obtain a license by examination

The process to apply for licensure by examination is the same for LPNs and RNs.

Please review the below list of application requirements and additional information.

Complete the Application and Submit the Fee

  • Submit the application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal. You will need to create an account through the nurse portal and then you will select Apply for a License located on the Nurse Portal Dashboard.
    • Pay application fee of $125 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
    • Initial Exam Applications are valid for one year unless you are Unsuccessful on the NCLEX twice in that timeframe, the application will be voided.
      • You will have to reapply for the Examination RETEST application after the 2nd unsuccessful attempt.
      • If requirements are not met within one year, your application will expire, and you will have to start the process over again.
    • A provisional license is valid for six months, unless the applicant has failed the NCLEX examination twice during that period, it will then be voided.
      • ​In this event, the provisional licensee must immediately cease practicing in a licensed nursing position.
    • Special Accommodations - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), KBN provides reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on the NCLEX to apply for special accommodations for the NCLEX.

    Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 80% or higher

    • Complete the Jurisprudence Examination after completing the endorsement application.
    • The Jurisprudence Examination cannot be accessed prior to having a current application on file with the KBN.

    Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO®.


    Complete the Pearson Vue NCLEX Registration and Submit the Fee

    • Apply to Pearson Vue and pay the $200 application fee.
      • Online: www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
      • By Phone: 866-496-2539
        • ​Be sure to apply using the first and last name that match your valid government issued ID that you will be using the day of the test.

    Verification of Completion of Program of Nursing

    • If you attend a Kentucky program of nursing the school will submit your program completion through an Affidavit of Graduation (AOG) process.
    • If you attend an out of state program of nursing, you will need to submit an official transcript to the KBN.
      • An official transcript is a transcript that is sent directly from the program of nursing, through a clearinghouse to the KBN.
      • ​Transcripts can be sent electronically via a clearinghouse such as Parchment or the program of nursing directly to KBN via the email address: kbn.credentials@ky.gov​​

    Transcripts May Also be Mailed to

    Kentucky Board of Nursing
    ATTN: Examination
    312 Whittington Pkwy., Suite 300
    Louisville, Kentucky 40222 ​​

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Graduates of Kentucky programs of nursing have met the following requirements. All others must earn:

Review the information regarding provisional licenses.

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Applications and documents are reviewed within 14 days. However, if you respond "Yes" to the disciplinary or conviction questions it can take up to three months to process your application.