Ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse

LPN Examination Educated in Puerto Rico After September 1, 2006

​​​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.

This page contains additional information for nurses who were educated in Puerto Rico after September 1, 2006.​


Licensure Requirements

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

Complete the Application and Submit Fee

Retaking the NCLEX

    • Initial Exam Applications are valid for one year unless you are Unsuccessful on the NCLEX twice in that timeframe, the application will be voided.
      • 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 twice, you will have to reapply for the 'Examination RETEST' application after the 2nd unsuccessful attempt

Provisional License

    • A provisional license is valid for six month s, 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.

ADA Accommodations

    • 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
      • If applying for accommodations, you must complete the application and register and pay for the NCLEX with Pearson Vue.
      • The completed form and required documentation must be submitted through the nurse portal message center (using the "RN/LPN Examination" category) following the KBN application and Pearson Vue registration submission.
        • It is imperative that these documents be submitted soon after registering in order to have accommodations approved before the school verifies your education.
      • For more information on testing accommodations through Pearson Vue, please visit the Pearson Vu e Test Accommodations page.​

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

  • Complete the Jurisprudence Exami​​nation after completing the ​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 state and federal c​riminal background check through IdentoGO®

    • 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.Credentials@ky.gov​ or by mail to:​

    ​ ​ 

    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.
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    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
    • NOTE:​ If your nursing education was earned from a Florida program of nursing, an official transcript will be required as part of the examination application process and after initial review of your transcript, you will be contacted to send additional information as requested.

    Transcripts May Also be Mailed to

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

    One Time Content Specific CE Requirements​

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    Reporting Criminal Convictions

    • If you have any criminal convictions, they will need to be reported on your application. The exception to this is traffic misdemeanors, other than DUIs. For information about what qualifies as a criminal conviction please review the Mandatory Reporting of Criminal Convictions.

    Provisional License

    Review the information regarding provisional lic​enses.

    How long does it take for a provisional license or license to be issued?

    Applications and documents are reviewed within 14  business days. All requirements must be completed, including your school/KBN approving your education. However, if you respond "Yes" to the disciplinary or conviction questions it can take up to three months to process your application.


    ​Review your application or licensure status