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

Missouri 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.

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

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

Becoming a licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Missouri means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,169 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Missouri regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $117, with renewal running $84 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 Requirements in Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,169 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$117
Renewal Fee
$84
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 Missouri licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri? ▼
Missouri's requirements cover 1169 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $117. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri? ▼
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Missouri means clearing the state's checklist: 1169 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Missouri licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Missouri from another state? ▼
For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Missouri licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Missouri require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing in Missouri. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri? ▼
Missouri ties continued licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $84 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.