Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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

What the District of Columbia data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

District of Columbia's path to licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure runs through 1,286 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $147, and renewal costs $107 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,286 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$147
Renewal Fee
$107
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia's requirements cover 1286 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $147. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses licensed practical nurse (lpn)s who complete its requirements (1286 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing process in District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia? ▼
Licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn)s in District of Columbia must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $107.

Related Guides

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

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