Nursing License Requirements in Kentucky 2026
The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) licenses both RNs and LPNs in the state. All candidates must graduate from a KBN-approved program and pass the NCLEX: the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses, or the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses. Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a Kentucky license is valid in most other compact states.
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Kentucky’s licensing requirements follow the national framework: board-approved education, a federal background check, an online jurisprudence exam, and the NCLEX. The Kentucky Board of Nursing sets the rules for initial licensure, endorsement from other states, and annual renewal.
This page covers RN and LPN licensing. For Nurse Aide requirements, see Nurse Aide Requirements in Kentucky. For APRN licensing, visit Kentucky Nurse Practitioner Requirements.
Use the links below to jump to the licensing requirements and application steps most relevant to you.
- Nurse Licensure Compact membership
- LPN license requirements
- RN license requirements
- Endorsement and out-of-state nurses
- License renewal
- Scholarships and resources
Kentucky and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses whose primary state of residence is Kentucky receive a multistate license valid for practice in any other NLC member state, without applying for a separate endorsement. This matters most for travel nurses and for nurses who live near state lines.
Some of Kentucky’s neighboring states are not NLC members. Nurses who want to practice in those states will need to apply for endorsement. The NCSBN’s NLC member state list confirms current participation.
Nurses currently licensed in another compact state can practice in Kentucky under their multistate license as long as Kentucky is not their primary state of residence. Once they establish Kentucky as their primary residence, they must apply for a Kentucky license.
LPN License Requirements in Kentucky
Education Requirements for LPNs
LPN candidates must complete a program approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The KBN maintains a list of approved programs on its website. Kentucky holds programs to a higher standard than many states: an approved program must maintain an NCLEX-PN pass rate of at least 85% to remain in good standing. The KBN publishes pass rates by program, which is one useful comparison point, though the Board notes it shouldn’t be the only one. Program accreditation status and clinical placement quality also matter.
Kentucky also requires certain continuing education topics to be covered by all LPNs. Graduates of out-of-state programs must complete these through CE after licensing. HIV/AIDS education is required within six months of initial licensure. Domestic violence training and pediatric abusive head trauma education are each required within three years. Graduates of Kentucky nursing programs completed after December 2011 are exempt from the pediatric head trauma requirement, as the content was included in their curriculum.
Read LPN Programs in Kentucky for guidance on selecting an approved program.
The LPN Application Process
After graduating, candidates apply online through the KBN Nurse Portal and pay the application fee. The application includes an online jurisprudence exam: an open-book test on Kentucky nursing statutes and regulations. Candidates must meet a minimum passing score and complete the exam within the window specified by the KBN. Confirm current requirements at kbn.ky.gov. Candidates who don’t finish within that window will need to pay a new fee to restart.
Fingerprinting is required. Candidates submit prints to the Kentucky State Police for a federal background check and complete a separate state background check through the KBN portal.
After submitting the application, candidates register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN. Once they receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), they can schedule the exam at any approved testing center.
Candidates who’ve completed all application steps but haven’t yet taken the NCLEX-PN may work as a Licensed Practical Nurse Applicant (LPNA) under the supervision of an LPN, RN, or nurse practitioner. The provisional license must be issued before work begins, and it can be validated online. Candidates who don’t pass the NCLEX-PN on their first attempt can’t practice until they do. The KBN requires a waiting period before retesting and may require additional steps, including a new background check if significant time has passed since the original submission. Confirm current retesting timelines and provisional license rules at kbn.ky.gov, as these policies are subject to change.
Licensing is handled electronically. Candidates receive their license number by email once processing is complete.
RN License Requirements in Kentucky
Education Requirements for RNs
RN candidates must graduate from a KBN-approved program. Kentucky offers prelicensure RN education at both the associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) levels. The Board distinguishes between state program approval and national accreditation: KBN approval is what’s required for licensure. Accreditation by CCNE or ACEN is separate and may be a factor for nurses who plan to pursue graduate education later. The KBN publishes program information, including accreditation status, on its website.
The Board also accepts graduates of programs approved by other state boards, including programs with online coursework. Candidates should verify approval status directly with the KBN before enrolling.
Read RN Programs in Kentucky to learn about factors to consider when choosing a program.
The RN Application Process
After graduation, candidates apply to the KBN online and register separately with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN. The same additional requirements as LPN applicants apply: an online jurisprudence exam on Kentucky nursing statutes and regulations, a fingerprint-based federal background check, and a state background check through the KBN portal. Confirm current jurisprudence exam requirements at kbn.ky.gov.
Candidates who’ve completed all application steps but haven’t taken the NCLEX-RN may be granted a provisional license to work as a Registered Nurse Applicant (RNA). Supervision by a registered nurse or nurse practitioner is required during this period. Failing the first NCLEX-RN attempt invalidates the provisional license. Candidates can retake the exam, but additional fees and steps apply. Confirm current provisional license terms and retesting rules at kbn.ky.gov.
RNs who want to apply for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) credential must submit a separate application to the KBN. Nurses currently practicing in Kentucky under a compact license from another state can still apply for the SANE credential, but a Kentucky state background check is required.
For more on what to expect as a working RN in Kentucky, see RN career paths in Kentucky.
Endorsement Candidates
Nurses licensed in another state apply for endorsement to practice in Kentucky. Candidates must show proof of a current, active license in good standing and submit to a fingerprint-based federal background check. See the KBN website for the current endorsement application fee.
Graduates of nursing programs in certain states must have their program submit official transcripts directly to the KBN before the application can be fully processed. California graduates cannot receive a temporary permit until their transcript is on file. Check the KBN endorsement page for the current list of states requiring direct transcript submission.
Candidates who’ve held a license for five or more years must show evidence of continuing competency. The KBN sets specific practice-hour thresholds and may require a refresher course or additional continuing education if those thresholds haven’t been met. Nurses who haven’t met the minimum practice hours should contact the KBN endorsement coordinator directly. These requirements are Board policy and subject to change.
Most endorsement applications are processed within two weeks. Applications involving disciplinary or criminal history can take up to three months. Candidates who answer a question incorrectly should contact the KBN to submit a correction. Processing timelines are estimates and subject to change. Check the KBN endorsement page for current information.
License Renewal in Kentucky
RN and LPN licenses in Kentucky renew annually. The renewal window opens September 15 and closes at midnight Eastern Time on October 31. Licenses not renewed within that window lapse, and practicing on a lapsed license is prohibited under Kentucky nursing law. Reinstatement requires a separate process. Nurses who receive their initial license on or after May 1 don’t need to renew until the following year’s renewal cycle.
To renew, nurses must complete 14 contact hours of continuing education through KBN-approved providers during the preceding 12 months. The KBN conducts audits, so documentation should be retained.
Kentucky also has one-time mandatory continuing education requirements for all RNs and LPNs:
- 3 hours of domestic violence training, required within three years of initial licensure
- 1.5 hours of pediatric abusive head trauma education, required within three years (exempt for nurses who completed a Kentucky program after December 2011)
- 2 hours of suicide prevention training are required for all nurses
SANE-credentialed nurses have an additional requirement: 5 contact hours of sexual assault forensic medicine or domestic violence training per licensure period, with documentation retained for at least five years.
CE requirements are set by the KBN and may be updated. Verify current requirements at kbn.ky.gov before each renewal cycle.
Renewal applications are submitted through the KBN Nurse Portal. Nurses renewing under a compact license will confirm their primary state of residence during the process. A license that hasn’t been renewed by the October 31 deadline will lapse at midnight, and working on a lapsed license is a violation of Kentucky nursing law.
International Candidates
Nurses who completed their education and received licensure outside the United States must go through a VisaScreen credential review before applying for a Kentucky license. This includes nurses licensed in Puerto Rico whose nursing education was completed on or after September 1, 2006. Nurses who completed their Puerto Rican nursing education before that date are exempt from the VisaScreen requirement.
Nursing Scholarships and Resources in Kentucky
Kentucky offers scholarships of $3,000 per year to selected LPN and RN students through the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund, administered by the KBN. Preference goes to financially needy students and to nurses advancing their education, including LPNs training to become RNs and RNs pursuing graduate degrees.
The Kentucky Nurses Association is the state’s professional organization for RNs and supports legislative advocacy, professional development, and continuing education for its members.
Official resources:
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kentucky a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Kentucky is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses whose primary state of residence is Kentucky receive a multistate license valid in other NLC member states. Nurses from other compact states can practice in Kentucky under their multistate license as long as Kentucky is not their primary state of residence.
What exam is required to become an RN in Kentucky?
RN candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN, administered through Pearson VUE. Candidates receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) after the KBN reviews and approves their application. LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN through the same process. Both exams are developed and overseen by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
How long does Kentucky nursing license processing take?
Endorsement applications are typically processed within two weeks of the KBN receiving all required documents. Applications involving criminal or disciplinary history can take up to three months. Processing time for first-time licensure by examination depends on how quickly candidates complete fingerprinting, the jurisprudence exam, and Pearson VUE registration.
What are the continuing education requirements for Kentucky nurses?
Kentucky RNs and LPNs must complete 14 contact hours of KBN-approved continuing education each year to renew their license. The annual renewal window runs from September 15 through October 31. Kentucky also has one-time requirements that apply to all nurses: 3 hours of domestic violence training, 1.5 hours of pediatric abusive head trauma education, and 2 hours of suicide prevention training.
Can I work as a nurse in Kentucky before passing the NCLEX?
Yes, under a provisional license. LPN candidates who’ve completed the KBN application process but haven’t yet taken the NCLEX-PN can work as a Licensed Practical Nurse Applicant (LPNA) under supervision. RN candidates in the same position can work as a Registered Nurse Applicant (RNA). Work can’t begin until the provisional license is issued, and it’s invalidated if the first NCLEX attempt fails.
Key Takeaways
- KBN oversees all nursing licensure — The Kentucky Board of Nursing licenses RNs and LPNs, sets education and exam standards, and manages annual renewal for all practicing nurses in the state.
- The NCLEX is required for every path — LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN, and RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Both are administered through Pearson VUE after KBN application approval.
- Kentucky is an NLC member — A Kentucky multistate license is valid in other compact states. Nurses from other compact states can practice in Kentucky without a separate endorsement.
- Annual renewal required — Licenses must be renewed each year between September 15 and October 31. A license not renewed by midnight on October 31 lapses, and practicing on a lapsed license violates Kentucky nursing law.
- 14 CE hours required annually — Both RNs and LPNs must complete 14 continuing education hours per year, plus one-time requirements covering domestic violence, pediatric head trauma, and suicide prevention.
Find approved RN and LPN programs in Kentucky, or select your state to browse programs and licensing requirements by jurisdiction.