How to Become an LPN 2026

Written by Sarah M. Thompson, RN, BSN, Last Updated: June 18, 2026

Becoming an LPN requires completing a state-approved practical nursing program, typically 12 to 18 months, and passing the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. All U.S. states use the same national exam. The state board of nursing where you apply sets the eligibility rules, application requirements, and any additional conditions before you can sit for the test.

Most states call them licensed practical nurses. Texas and California use licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs. The credential is the same. Entry-level nurses in both categories complete the same type of program, sit for the same national exam, and practice under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. What changes state to state are the application process, fees, and any additional requirements before licensure.

Use the links below to jump to program requirements, the NCLEX-PN application process, salary data, and state-specific licensing information.

• What LPNs do
• Steps to becoming an LPN
• What to expect in an LPN program
• Alternate pathways to licensure
• Transferring your license to another state
• LPN salary and job outlook
• Advancing from LPN to RN
• LPN requirements by state

What LPNs Do

LPNs provide direct patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician. Day-to-day tasks typically include taking vital signs, administering medications, inserting catheters, dressing wounds, monitoring patient conditions, and documenting changes in status. LPNs carry out the care plan developed by the RN or attending provider. They do not create it independently. For a detailed breakdown, see how the LPN and RN scopes of practice compare.

Work settings are varied. Most LPNs work in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, but the role also extends to hospitals, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, schools, and correctional health programs. The exact scope of what an LPN can perform independently, including IV therapy and certain assessments, varies by state. Some boards require a separate certification for IV administration even after licensure.

How to Become an LPN

The path to LPN licensure follows the same basic sequence across every state, though the specific application requirements, fees, and timelines differ.

1. Finish high school or earn a GED

A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to any practical nursing program. Some programs also require a basic skills or aptitude test, a physical exam, or immunization records before enrollment. If criminal history is a concern, contact the state board of nursing before starting a program. Many boards review applicants with prior offenses, and the earlier you know where you stand, the better.

2. Enroll in a state-approved practical nursing program

To sit for the NCLEX-PN, you must graduate from a program that has been approved by the nursing board in your home state. Board approval and national accreditation are separate things. Accreditation through the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a quality marker, but it does not substitute for state board approval. Check your state board’s list of approved programs before enrolling. Attending an unapproved program means you will not be eligible to test.

3. Complete the program and apply to the state board

LPN programs typically run 12 to 18 months full-time. The curriculum covers pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric and obstetric nursing, and nutrition, along with supervised clinical hours in partner facilities. You can usually begin the licensure application before graduation. The application goes to the board in the state where you want to be licensed, not necessarily the state where you attended school. Depending on the state, the application may require fingerprinting, a notarized signature, background check authorization, and a licensing fee.

4. Receive Authorization to Test and schedule the NCLEX-PN

Once the state board reviews your application and confirms you meet their requirements, they authorize you to test. You must also register for the NCLEX-PN directly with Pearson VUE, the testing vendor, and pay the exam fee. Both steps need to be completed before the ATT is issued. Once the state board authorization and Pearson VUE registration are both in place, Pearson VUE sends the Authorization to Test (ATT) by email. The ATT is typically valid for 90 days and cannot be extended. If it expires before you test, you will need to reregister and pay the exam fee again. The NCLEX-PN is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country. You do not need to test in the state where you are seeking licensure.

5. Pass the NCLEX-PN and receive your license

A passing score on the NCLEX-PN is required in every U.S. state and territory. The exam fee is paid directly to Pearson VUE. Check the NCSBN website for the current amount. If you do not pass on the first attempt, most states allow retesting after a waiting period, though some restrict temporary practice permits for candidates who fail. The state board typically issues the license within a few weeks of a passing score. Some allow you to verify licensure online before a physical card arrives.

What to Expect in an LPN Program

Practical nursing programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes. Most run 12 months full-time. Part-time and evening tracks exist, but extend the timeline. Coursework is divided between classroom and lab instruction, and clinical rotations in partner facilities. Clinical hours give students direct patient care experience in settings like medical-surgical units, long-term care, and maternal health, core areas reflected on the NCLEX-PN.

Program admission is competitive at many schools. Having prerequisite courses completed, a clear background check, and health documentation ready before applying improves your chances. Wait lists are common, so applying to more than one program is worth considering.

Alternate Pathways to LPN Licensure

A few states recognize alternate routes to LPN licensure. Some allow candidates who completed a higher-level nursing program but did not pass that program’s licensing exam to apply for an LPN license instead. Others accept equivalent training completed through military service. These provisions are not universal. What one state accepts, another may not. If you are relying on a non-standard training path, verify directly with the board in the state where you want to practice before assuming your credentials will qualify.

Transferring Your License to Another State

Once you hold an active LPN license in one U.S. state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement in other states. Endorsement is generally straightforward for candidates with a clean disciplinary record and a license in good standing. You will typically need to submit an application, pay a fee, and authorize verification of your existing license.

As of 2026, 43 jurisdictions participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses whose declared primary state of residence is an NLC member state can apply for a multistate license, sometimes called a compact license, that allows practice in any other compact jurisdiction without obtaining a separate license for each. To qualify, you must meet the NLC’s uniform licensure requirements and declare that state as your legal primary residence. If your state is not a compact member, the standard endorsement applies whenever you move or want to practice across state lines. Check your state board’s website or the NLC compact map for current membership status and application instructions.

LPN/LVN Requirements by State

Each state board sets its own application requirements, fees, renewal timelines, and scope-of-practice rules. Select your state below to find the specific LPN or LVN licensing requirements, approved program lists, and board contact information for your jurisdiction.

LPN Salary and Job Outlook

LPNs/LVNs earned a median annual wage of $64,400 nationally as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is projected to grow 5.3% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 54,400 job openings per year nationally. Demand is driven in part by an aging population and the expanding need for long-term care services.

Advancing from LPN to RN

LPN-to-RN bridge programs allow working LPNs to advance to registered nursing without starting from scratch. Most bridge programs grant credit for prior nursing education and clinical experience, shortening the time needed to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or, less commonly, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Completing either degree qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

The difference in scope between the two credentials is significant. RNs carry out independent assessments, develop care plans, and hold primary accountability for patient outcomes in a way LPNs do not. The NCLEX-RN reflects that. It tests clinical judgment and critical thinking at a higher level than the NCLEX-PN. For LPNs weighing the move, the time and tuition investment is real, but so is the difference in salary and scope. See a full overview of the RN licensing process to understand what the credential change involves.

Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an LPN?

Most practical nursing programs run 12 to 18 months full-time. Adding time for the application process and scheduling the NCLEX-PN, most candidates are licensed within about two years of starting the process. Part-time programs extend that timeline. Some states offer temporary practice permits that allow new graduates to work under supervision while waiting to test.

What is the difference between an LPN and an LVN?

There is no difference in training, scope of practice, or the licensing exam. Texas and California use the title licensed vocational nurse (LVN). All other states use licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Both credentials require the same type of state-approved program and the same national exam, the NCLEX-PN.

Can an LPN work without RN supervision?

In most states and most clinical settings, LPNs work under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. The specific supervision requirements depend on the setting and the state. Home health and long-term care settings may involve more independent work than hospital environments, but the legal scope of practice still limits what an LPN can do without a supervising provider.

Does accreditation matter when choosing an LPN program?

State board approval matters most. To sit for the NCLEX-PN, you must graduate from a program approved by the nursing board in the state where the school is located. Accreditation through NLN CNEA or ACEN is a quality indicator and may matter for transfer credit later if you pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program, but it does not replace state board approval. Verify both before enrolling.

What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN?

Most states allow retesting after a mandatory waiting period, typically 45 to 90 days, depending on the state. You will pay the exam fee again for each attempt. Some states also restrict temporary practice permits for candidates who did not pass on the first try. Check the specific rules with your state board of nursing before assuming you can continue working under a temporary permit after a failed attempt.

Key Takeaways

• State board approval is non-negotiable — your program must be approved by the nursing board in the state where the school operates, not just nationally accredited.
• One national exam — every U.S. state uses the NCLEX-PN. A passing score is required before you can practice anywhere in the country.
• LPN and LVN are the same credential — only the title differs, used in Texas and California versus all other states.
• Salary and outlook are solid for entry-level — LPN/LVNs earned a $64,400 national median wage as of May 2025, with 5.3% projected employment growth through 2032.
• Bridge programs exist for advancement — working LPNs can move to RN through ADN bridge programs that credit prior nursing education and clinical hours.

Sarah M. Thompson, RN, BSN

Sarah M. Thompson, RN, BSN has 12 years of experience in medical-surgical nursing and pre-licensure program coordination. She has guided dozens of new graduate nurses through the NCLEX-RN and state board licensing process and writes practical guidance on licensure requirements and exam preparation.

See Full Bio

2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.