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

Montana 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 Montana data shows for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Becoming a licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Montana means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,378 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Montana regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Diploma or Associate Degree".

Budget $170 to get started, plus $126 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.

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

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
49/100
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) · Montana

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 F
1,378 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$170
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$63/yr
$126 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 Montana

Education / Training Hours
Diploma or Associate Degree
1,378 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-PN
Required
Initial License Fee
$170
Renewal Fee
$126
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 Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Montana? ▼
In Montana, the license path calls for 1378 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-PN, and a $170 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Montana? ▼
To become a licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn) in Montana, you must meet the state's requirements including 1378 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Montana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Montana 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 Montana licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Montana require a background check for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensing? ▼
Montana does require a background check before issuing a licensed practical nurse (lpn) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Montana? ▼
Licensed licensed practical nurse (lpn)s in Montana must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $126.

Related Guides

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

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Montana, 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 Montana 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.