How to Upload Your Certification
Providing proof of certification during the application process:
If you are in the application process, you must upload proof of certification to the
Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse Portal. You must hold current certification with a KBN recognized national certifying organization to be issued a permanent APRN license in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Providing proof of recertification after licensure:
Proof of recertification must be uploaded to the
Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse portal.
201 KAR 20:056, Section 7(2)(b)(1) states “[a]n APRN who does not provide evidence of current certification or recertification prior to its expiration date shall have the APRN license voided.” Proof of recertification must be provided to the KBN prior to the expiration date of the certification that is on file with the KBN. To determine the expiration date of the certification date that is on file with the KBN, visit the
Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse portal.
It is recommended that an APRN begin the process of recertification at least ninety days prior to the expiration date. APRNs can submit their renewal applications to their certifying organization as early as one year prior to the certification expiration date. Allow sufficient time for the recertification to be processed by the certifying organization. The recertification must be issued and provided to the KBN prior to the expiration of the certification date on file with the KBN. It is the responsibility of the APRN to ensure that the certification is received by the KBN prior to the expiration date, even if the APRN has requested that a third party send the certification to the KBN.
Providing proof of dual certification:
KBN will reflect two population foci per designation. If you are currently certified in more than one population foci, you will go to the Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurse portal using the Apply for Additional Population Focus next to your license on the Nurse Portal Dashboard.
KBN Recognized APRN Certification Population Foci
Listed below are the population foci per designation (roles) that are KBN approved for licensure:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) Certification
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- America Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) Certification
- Certified Nurse Practitioner
- Adult (Acute & Primary Care)
- Adult Gerontology (Acute & Primary Care)
- Adult Psych Mental Health
- Family
- Gerontological
- Neonatal
- Pediatric (Acute & Primary Care)
- Psych Mental Health (Across the Lifespan)
- Women’s Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Acute Care (Across the Lifespan)
- Adult
- Adult Gerontology
- Adult Psych Mental Health
- Child/Adolescent Psych Mental Health
- Gerontology
- Neonatal
- Pediatric
- Psych Metal Health (Across the Lifespan)
Currently licensed Kentucky APRNs who fail to continually renew APRN licensure and national certification in community health, critical care, oncology and/or school population foci will be unable to reinstate APRN licensure in those foci.
Accepted national certifying organizations
The board recognizes the following national certifying organizations:
What happens if I do not upload proof of certification/recertification before the expiration date that is on file with the KBN?
APRN's must maintain current national certification and it must be on file with KBN. If your national certification lapses or is not provided to the KBN prior to the expiration date that is on file with the KBN, your APRN license will be deactivated and you may not practice as an APRN in Kentucky
If proof or recertification is not provided to KBN, you cease practice as an APRN until your APRN license has been reinstated. Learn more about how to
reinstate your APRN license.
Working after your APRN license has been invalidated may result in discipline.