Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides basic patient care under supervision. Requires NCLEX-PN exam.

What the Colorado data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Colorado sets the entry bar for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s at 1,426 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-PN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Colorado's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $181, with renewal running $135 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, licensed practical nurse (lpn)s should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
47/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · Colorado

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,426 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$181
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$68/yr
$135 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,426 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$181
Renewal Fee
$135
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) All Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Colorado? ▼
In Colorado, the license path calls for 1426 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $181 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Colorado? ▼
Colorado licenses licensed practical nurse (lpn)s who complete its requirements (1426 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Colorado licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Colorado from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s nationally works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Colorado. Verify the specifics with the Colorado licensing board.
Does Colorado require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing process in Colorado. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Colorado? ▼
Colorado ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $135 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this licensed practical nurse (lpn) license

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Colorado, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed practical nurse (lpn)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Colorado licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.