LPN Licensure Requirements 2026
Becoming a licensed practical nurse requires completing a state-approved practical nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN. Your state’s board of nursing reviews your application, confirms eligibility, and issues your license once the exam and background check are complete. Renewal periods and continuing education requirements vary by state, typically on a two-year cycle.
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LPNs are licensed in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. In most jurisdictions, the state board of nursing (BON) handles licensing for both practical and registered nurses. A handful of states maintain separate boards for each. The path to licensure follows a consistent sequence, even if the specific rules vary from state to state.
The first step toward licensure happens well before graduation: applying to a board-approved practical nursing program. While some states will license nurses who trained through alternative pathways, such as the military, most require completion of an approved program. Your state board’s website will list approved programs in your state.
Use the links below to jump to application requirements, exam details, renewal information, and license transfer guidance.
- Applying for the NCLEX-PN
- Background Checks and Character References
- LPN License Renewal
- Transferring Your LPN License
Application and the NCLEX-PN
To sit for the NCLEX-PN, you need approval from your state’s board of nursing. That means submitting a licensing application and documentation showing you’ve met the academic requirements. Some states let you apply before graduation if your program can certify that you’re on track to finish.
The NCLEX-PN is developed and maintained by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. Once your application is approved, you’ll register with Pearson VUE and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) by email. You can’t schedule your exam date until that ATT arrives, and it has a limited validity window. Check your state board’s rules for the exact timeframe.
The exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), which adjusts question difficulty based on your previous answers. Under the current NCLEX-PN exam format, candidates receive between 85 and 150 items and have up to 5 hours to complete the exam. Before your license is issued, you’ll need to confirm program completion, typically through official transcripts or a certification of completion from your school.
Retakes and Temporary Permits
If you don’t pass on the first attempt, NCSBN requires at least 45 test-free days between NCLEX attempts, and some state boards impose additional restrictions or longer waiting periods. Some states add requirements after multiple failed attempts, such as a mandatory preparatory course, and a few cap the total number of retakes. Your state board sets the specific rules.
In some states, you can begin working under a temporary permit while waiting to take the exam. If you start work that way and don’t pass the NCLEX-PN on your first attempt, that temporary privilege is revoked in most jurisdictions.
Background Checks and Character References
All states review your character and legal background as part of the licensing process. Most conduct fingerprint-based criminal background checks (CBCs). Procedures vary: prints may be captured electronically or by ink, and the check may be initiated before or after you submit your application. Processing typically takes several weeks, sometimes longer.
A past arrest or conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The board reviews the circumstances of each case individually. Some states also require character references or a notary seal on the application. Check your state board’s requirements directly before you apply.
LPN License Renewal
LPN licenses must be renewed periodically to remain active. Renewal schedules and requirements vary by state. Two years is a common renewal cycle, though some states differ. Renewal typically involves paying a fee and verifying that any out-of-state licenses are in good standing. Many states require continuing education (CE) hours as a condition of renewal. Check your state board for the current renewal cycle and CE requirements before your renewal date.
Transferring Your LPN License
If you’re already licensed as an LPN in one U.S. jurisdiction and want to practice in another, the process is called endorsement. In most cases, endorsement is straightforward if you completed a board-approved program and hold a current license in good standing. You’ll typically need a new criminal background check and verification from your original licensing state.
If your home state and your destination state are both members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you may not need a separate endorsement at all. To practice under a multistate license, nurses must meet all NLC eligibility requirements and declare a compact state as their primary state of residence. The NLC allows qualifying nurses to practice in other compact states on the same license. If only one of the two states is a compact member, endorsement is still required.
Some states don’t recognize training completed through alternate pathways, including certain military programs. A few states will still grant an endorsement license to experienced nurses in those situations, but you’ll need to confirm with the destination state’s board directly. LPNs who want to advance their credentials can explore LPN-to-RN bridge programs as a next step after securing licensure.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Select a State for Practical Nursing License Information
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- District of Columbia
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- Ohio
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- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
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- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCLEX-PN?
The NCLEX-PN is the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, the licensing exam required for LPN and LVN licensure in all U.S. states and territories. It’s developed by the NCSBN and delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Passing is a condition of licensure, not a standalone credential.
How long does it take to get an LPN license after graduation?
The timeline depends on how quickly your state board processes applications and how soon you sit for the NCLEX-PN. Most candidates complete the process within a few months of graduation. Background check processing can add additional time depending on the state.
What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN?
You can retake the exam, but a waiting period applies. Candidates must wait at least 45 test-free days between attempts, though some boards may impose additional requirements or longer waiting periods. Some states also require a preparatory course after multiple failed attempts or cap the total number of retakes. Your state board sets the specific rules.
Can I transfer my LPN license to another state?
Yes. If you hold a current LPN license in good standing, you can apply for endorsement in another state. If both states are Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) members and your primary state of residence is the compact state where your license is held, you may be able to practice in other compact states without a separate application.
Do I need continuing education to renew my LPN license?
Most states require continuing education as a condition of renewal. The number of hours, approved topics, and renewal cycle all vary by state. Check your state board’s website for current requirements before your renewal date.
Key Takeaways
- NCLEX-PN is required in every state — The exam is developed by the NCSBN and delivered through Pearson VUE. You’ll need an Authorization to Test (ATT) before you can schedule an exam date.
- Your state board sets the eligibility rules — Requirements for background checks, retake limits, and temporary permits vary by jurisdiction. Confirm the details with your specific state board.
- NCSBN sets a minimum retake wait — Candidates must wait at least 45 test-free days between NCLEX attempts. Some state boards impose longer waiting periods or additional requirements.
- Endorsement moves your license to another state — NLC compact members may practice across compact states on a single license. Otherwise, endorsement is required before starting work.
- Renewal is not automatic — Most states require CE hours and a fee on a set schedule, typically every two years.
Find approved LPN programs in your state, compare program options, and review state-specific licensing requirements before you apply.
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