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Kentucky Board of Nursing

Licensure Support

Jurisprudence Exam

The Jurisprudence Exam is a computerized exam on 35 questions that tests the applicant of their knowledge of Kentucky nursing law. It is an “open book” style exam. It is administered by the National Council ​of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Please review the Jurisprudence Exam Stu​​​dy Guide​.


How to access the Jurisprudence Exam

  • First, submit an application for licensure to the KBN.

  • Go to the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal to access the jurisprudence exam.
    • Log in to your Nurse Portal account.
    • Under Submitted License Applications, take note of your Application ID number before proceeding. 
      • This Application ID number must be entered when taking the jurisprudence exam for KBN to receive results.​
    • To access the exam, select the 'View Status' link next to the submitted application. 

      • ​​​This will bring up your licensure application requirements including the information on the Jurisprudence Exam, study guide and link to take the exam.​

  • ​​​Once you have clicked to take the Jurisprudence Exam, the course will pull up. ​
    • Select 'Add to Cart'
      • Select 'Go to Cart'
        • ​Accept the Terms and Conditions and then select 'Confirm order'.
    • You will then be prompted to sign in or create an account.
      • When creating the account ONLY use your first and last name that appears on your KBN application. (Do not use a middle name or initial)
    • ​Submit payment to complete the registration and purchase of the course.
      • ​After payment is made, select 'Start learning now' to access the course.
    • Once you open the course you will be prompted to enter your Application ID number (located in your KBN Nurse Portal next to your submitted application) in the “Enter your state-assigned Application ID number” field on the exam.
      • ​Only enter the specific application ID number.  Do not enter any additional text or symbols. 
    • Select 'Confirm'.
      • You will then be able to begin the course. 

  • ​​Step by Step Guide - KY Jurisprudence Exam Enrollment Instructions​


Key Information about the Jurisprudence Exam

  • The fee is $15, which will be paid directly to NCSBN.
    • The KBN is not involved in the collection of this fee and it is subject to change without notice.
  • The exam is available for three (3) weeks after payment is accepted by NCSBN. If the exam is not completed within three weeks, you will have to pay another $15 fee to NCSBN to access the exam.
    • If this occurs, you will follow the steps above, but when you go to register you will have to create a new username. It will not allow the username to purchase the same exam twice.
  • If the exam is not completed in one sitting, responses are saved and you may return back to the exam where you left off.

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​What is on the Jurisprudence Exam?

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What score is needed to pass the Jurisprudence Exam?

  • After you have taken the exam and achieved a score of 80% or higher, you will want to download a copy of the completion certificate for your records.
  • If you do not achieve an 80% or higher within three (3) weeks of purchase, the exam will expire and you will have to re-purchase.
    • If this occurs, you will follow the steps above, but when you go to register, you will have to create a new username. It will not allow the username to purchase the same exam twice.

Who do I contact if I have trouble accessing the Jurisprudence Exam or have a technical issue with taking the Jurisprudence Exam?

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Who must take the Jurisprudence Examination?

  • LPN and RN applicants for licensure by examination 
  • LPN and RN applicants for licensure by endorsement
  • LPN and RN applicants for licensure by reinstatement
    • All LPN and RN applicants who have a KY nursing license that has lapsed for one year or more must complete the jurisprudence exam.​
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