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Endorse your RN License and Apply for your Initial Kentucky APRN License or Endorse your RN and APRN Licenses Issued by Another State

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  • Endorse your RN License and Apply for your Initial Kentucky APRN License or Endorse your RN and APRN Licenses Issued by Another State

Follow the Directions on this Page if you want to:

  • Endorse your RN license and apply for your initial Kentucky APRN license
  • Endorse your RN and APRN licenses issued by another state

The requirements are the same for the above two bullets.

Complete the application and submit the fee.

  • Complete online application
    • Applications are valid for one year. If requirements are not met within one year, your application will expire and you will have to start the process over again.
  • Pay application fee of $330 (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 application fee of $330.

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

Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO®

Submit an official transcript

Obtain more information about submitting an ​​​official transcript

Submit proof of current national certification

Obtain more information about national certifications that are accepted by the KBN

Request the verification of RN licensure be submitted to the KBN

  • Request that the verification of licensure be sent to the KBN from the state where you took and passed the NCLEX and received your license by examination.
    • This request should be made through Nursys if your state is a participating board. There is a fee of $30 that is paid to Nursys and not to the KBN. This fee is subject to change without notice.
    • If your state is not listed on NURSYS you will need to complete the verification of licensure form to another state board and contact that board of nursing to determine the fee. The verification of licensure form can be located in the KBN Document Library using the search terms "Verification of Licensure." 

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

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.

Additional licensure requirements if educated outside the United States or in Puerto Rico

If you were educated outside the United States, you will also need to complete the following:

Obtain the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) VisaScreen Certificate

  • Apply to the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to complete their VisaScreen Assessment program.
  • Visit the CGFNS website for additional information, as well as the KBN Document Library using the search words CGFNS VisaScreen to obtain Kentucky specific information.
  • CGFNS phone number: (215)222-8454
  • Please note: The VisaScreen Certificate Assessment program does not have any relevance to your immigration status.
  • If you have completed the CGFNS VisaScreen program:
    • you can request that CGFNS send the VisaScreen certificate to the KBN OR
    • you can email your CGFNS VisaScreen certificate to KBN-Cred@ky.gov OR
    • you can mail a copy to the Kentucky Board of Nursing
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing
  • ATTN: Credentials Branch
  • 312 Whittington Pkwy Suite 300
  • Louisville, KY 40222

Have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and received a license by examination.

Additional Information

If you do not have a Social Security Number, contact KBN for a temporary ID to begin the application process. A Social Security Number is required for permanent licensure. Once you have a copy of the social security card, you can send an encrypted email to KBN-Cred@ky.gov or can mail a copy of the social security card to the Kentucky Board of Nursing at the address listed above.

As a nurse educated outside the U.S. seeking to work in the United States, you must follow U.S. federal immigration law and meet the basic educational and/or professional requirements.

Additional requirements if educated in Puerto Rico after September 1, 2006

Credential Evaluation Puerto Rico is not a member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN); therefore, all education must be evaluated. If you were educated in Puerto Rico after September 1, 2006, you will need to apply for a Credential Evaluation using one of the following, approved Credential Evaluation companies. Once the evaluation has been completed, the report needs to be sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing at KBN-Cred@ky.gov or by mail to:

  • Kentucky Board of Nursing
  • ATTN: Credentials Branch
  • 312 Whittington Pkwy Suite 300
  • Louisville, KY 40222
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Licenses may be issued within 14 business days after all documents have been received and reviewed. However, if you respond "Yes" to the disciplinary or conviction questions it can take up to three months to process your application.