LPN and RN Licensure by Examination

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

Complete the Application and Submit the Fee

• • Complete online application
    
  • Applications are valid for one year unless you are Unsuccessful on the NCLEX. If requirements are not met within one year, your application will expire and you will have to start the process over again.
  • If you are Unsuccessful on the NCLEX, your exam application will be voided and you will have to reapply. In addition, your provisional license is invalidated upon unsuccessful completion of NCLEX. In this event, the provisional licensee must immediately cease practicing in a licensed nursing position.
    
• Pay application fee of $125 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
• You are encouraged to complete the online application; however, if you would like to request a paper application visit the KBN Document Library and use the keywords "paper application" to obtain the request form. There is a $40 fee for the paper application in addition to the examination application fee of $125.

Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with a Score of 80% or Higher

• Complete the Jurisprudence Examination after completing the examination application

Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO®

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

Apply for and Pass the Pearson VUE NCLEX

• Review the page regarding NCLEX, which contains information on the following topics:
• How to register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX exam, including the information you will need
  
• The Authorization to Test (ATT) email
• How to reschedule or cancel your NCLEX appointment
• Accommodations for the NCLEX
• What happens if you miss your appointment or forget to reschedule
• For additional information regarding the NCLEX visit the NCSBN NCLEX Webpage
  
• For information regarding NCLEX review courses visit the NCSBN Learning Extension Webpage
  
• Select this link for information on retaking the NCLEX
  

Verification of Completion of Program of Nursing

• If you attend a Kentucky program of nursing the school will submit your name on a certified list.
• 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 clearing house to the KBN, or a copy obtained by the applicant that is in the original, sealed, unopened envelope from the program of nursing.
  • 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

Reporting Criminal Convictions

If you have any criminal convictions, they will need to be reported on your application for examination. The exception to this is traffic misdemeanors, other than DUIs. For information about what qualifies as a criminal conviction use the keywords "Reporting Criminal Convictions" to view the Reporting Criminal Convictions Brochure in the KBN Document Library.