2026 data Mississippi board official source

Mississippi Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License Requirements

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

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

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

Mississippi sets the entry bar for licensed practical nurse (lpn)s at 1,149 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 Mississippi's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Budget $112 to get started, plus $80 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For licensed practical nurse (lpn)s, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,149 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$112
Renewal Fee
$80
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Mississippi licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Mississippi?
Mississippi's requirements cover 1149 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-PN exam, and an initial fee of $112. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Mississippi?
Certification as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Mississippi means clearing the state's checklist: 1149 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Mississippi licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Mississippi require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing?
Background screening is part of the licensed practical nurse (lpn) licensing process in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi?
To stay licensed as a licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Mississippi, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $80.

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