LPN Requirements by State 2026
LPN requirements are set by each state’s board of nursing, but the core path is consistent: complete a state-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and apply for licensure with your state board. Texas and California use the title LVN instead of LPN.
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Every state requires LPN candidates to graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN before they can practice. What changes from state to state are the application procedures, fees, background check requirements, and renewal timelines. The fundamentals of the credential are the same everywhere.
Two states use different terminology: Texas and California license practical nurses as Licensed Vocational Nurses, or LVNs. Why Texas and California use the LVN title comes down to the history of the credential in those states. The credential is equivalent to the LPN and requires the same NCLEX-PN exam. All other states use the LPN title. Select your state below to see the specific requirements, approved programs, and application steps for your jurisdiction.
How LPN Licensure Works
The path to an LPN license follows the same structure in every state. It starts with education, moves to the national exam, and ends with a state-specific application.
Complete a State-Approved Practical Nursing Program
LPN programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes. Most take 12 to 18 months to complete and are awarded a diploma or certificate rather than a degree. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and medical terminology. Students also complete clinical hours in healthcare settings as part of their training.
The program must hold approval from the state board of nursing where the student plans to seek licensure. Some programs also carry national accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). State approval is the requirement that matters for NCLEX-PN eligibility. National accreditation doesn’t replace it, but it does carry practical weight: accredited programs are more likely to qualify students for federal financial aid, graduates of nationally accredited schools may find it easier to transfer credits, and some RN bridge programs and employers give preference to graduates from ACEN-accredited programs.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses is the national licensing exam for LPN and LVN candidates. It’s administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and tests the knowledge and clinical judgment needed for safe entry-level nursing practice. Candidates weighing the LPN vs. RN credential should know the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are separate exams that test different scopes of practice.
Candidates register through Pearson VUE, the exam’s authorized vendor. After a state board determines that a candidate is eligible to test, Pearson VUE issues an Authorization to Test. Candidates then schedule their appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Apply for State Licensure
After passing the NCLEX-PN, candidates submit a license application to their state board of nursing. Requirements at this stage vary by state and may include a criminal background check, verification of program completion, and payment of an application fee. Some states process applications entirely online. Others require paper documentation. Most states issue licenses within a few weeks of a complete application.
What Varies by State
While education and exam requirements are uniform, states differ in several areas of the licensing process.
Background check requirements differ in scope and timing. Some states require a check before program enrollment. Others require it only at the application stage. What disqualifies an applicant also varies, and many states offer a preliminary determination process for candidates with a criminal history who want clarity before investing in a program.
Application fees range widely, from under $50 in some states to over $200 in others. Renewal cycles also differ. Most states use a two-year renewal period and require a set number of continuing education hours. A few states have no CE requirement for LPN renewal.
Compact membership is another variable. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses who hold a multistate license to practice in other NLC member states without obtaining a separate license. To hold a multistate license, a nurse must have their primary state of residence in an NLC member state. Not all licenses issued in NLC states are multistate licenses, so if you’re considering multi-state practice, confirm your eligibility when you review your state’s requirements below.
Select a State to Find LPN Requirements
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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 LPN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete. After graduation, candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN, which adds additional preparation time. Most nurses complete the full path from starting a program to holding an active license in about one to two years.
What is the NCLEX-PN?
The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam for LPN and LVN candidates. It’s administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing through Pearson VUE testing centers. Passing the NCLEX-PN is required in every U.S. state and territory before a practical nursing license can be issued.
What’s the difference between an LPN and an LVN?
LPN and LVN refer to the same credential. Texas and California use the title Licensed Vocational Nurse. All other states use Licensed Practical Nurse. Both require completion of a state-approved practical nursing program and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN.
Can I use my LPN license in another state?
It depends on whether you hold a multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses whose primary state of residence is an NLC member state may qualify for a multistate license, which allows practice in other NLC states without a separate application. If your state is not an NLC member, or if you hold a single-state license, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement in any additional state where you want to practice.
Do I need to renew my LPN license?
Yes. Every state requires an LPN license renewal on a schedule set by the state board of nursing. Most states require continuing education hours as a condition of renewal, though requirements vary. Check with your state board for the specific renewal cycle and CE requirements that apply to your license.
Key Takeaways
- Same core path in every state — All states require a state-approved LPN program and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN before licensure can be issued.
- LPN and LVN are the same credential — Texas and California use the LVN title. The education and exam requirements are identical to those of the LPN in all other states.
- State requirements diverge after the exam — Fees, background check timing, renewal cycles, and CE requirements differ by state. Check your specific state page for details.
- NLC multistate license affects portability — Nurses whose primary residence is in a Nurse Licensure Compact state may qualify for a multistate license, allowing practice in other NLC states without a separate application.
Select your state above to find approved LPN programs, board contact information, and the specific licensing steps for your jurisdiction.