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

Kentucky Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 Kentucky data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Kentucky's path to licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure runs through 1,135 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Kentucky folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $109, and renewal costs $77 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.

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

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
58/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · Kentucky

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 D
1,135 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$109
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$39/yr
$77 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 Kentucky

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,135 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$109
Renewal Fee
$77
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 Kentucky licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kentucky licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky? ▼
In Kentucky, the license path calls for 1135 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $109 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky licenses licensed practical nurse (lpn)s who complete its requirements (1135 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Kentucky licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Kentucky from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Kentucky licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Kentucky require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
Yes, Kentucky requires a criminal background check as part of the licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky? ▼
Kentucky ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $77 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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.