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

Massachusetts Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

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

To practice as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Massachusetts, the state licensing board requires 1,318 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Massachusetts's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $154, with renewal running $114 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,318 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$154
Renewal Fee
$114
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 Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts's requirements cover 1318 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $154. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts? ▼
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Massachusetts means clearing the state's checklist: 1318 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. Verify the specifics with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing in Massachusetts. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $114 renewal fee.

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.